Eastern Bank Honors Wellesley College President Paula Johnson with 2018 Social Justice Award

BOSTON, Dec. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, Eastern Bank honored Dr. Paula A. Johnson, President of Wellesley College, with its 2018 Social Justice Award. The award recognizes community leaders who have achieved outstanding impact in addressing social justice issues. Johnson was recognized for her contributions to advancing, promoting, and defending women's education, health and well-being, which coincides with Eastern Bank's commitment in 2018 to advancing women through its philanthropy and advocacy.

Johnson is a pathbreaking physician-scientist and educator who is an expert in health care, public health, and health policy. With a remarkable track record of accomplishments?including founding the Connors Center for Women's Health and Gender Biology at Brigham and Women's Hospital?she has led in the field of women's health, taking an approach to biology that integrates insights from sociology, economics, and many other fields. Johnson was the Grayce A. Young Family Professor of Medicine in Women's Health at Harvard Medical School and professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Johnson's research has had an impact on women across the country through its influence on health care and health policy reforms. As President of Wellesley College, Johnson has advanced women's higher education, championing cross-campus efforts to integrate the ideals of inclusive excellence into every aspect of academic and residential life. Under her leadership, the College is developing new opportunities across all fields by drawing on the synergies found at the intersection of science, the humanities, and social sciences. Johnson is also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine.

"Throughout her career, Paula Johnson has been a passionate advocate for women and her collective approach to understanding women's issues has led the way on countless advancements. Her vision, research, and ability to lead at the intersection of education, health care, and public policy have earned her key roles locally and nationally. From her pioneering work in women's health and gender biology to being the first woman of color to lead Wellesley College, President Johnson is a role model for breaking barriers and creating new pathways for women," said Bob Rivers, Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank. "We are proud to honor her and her transformative contributions as Eastern caps off a year of advocating for the advancement of women in our communities."

"At this moment, when women hold the greatest promise for leading change and progress in our country, businesses that embody the value of equity and social justice, such as Eastern Bank, play an important role," said Wellesley College President Paula Johnson. "Eastern understands its role as a profitable company to both invest in and advocate for good in our communities. I am both honored and humbled to be recognized by Eastern Bank, and proudly accept the Social Justice Award on behalf of all the excellent work that has already been achieved and is yet to be achieved for the advancement of women."

The Social Justice Award, originally launched by Wainwright Bank (which was acquired by Eastern in 2010), is presented annually. Now in its 30^th year, the celebration is attended by well over 1,000 business and nonprofit leaders to celebrate their impact addressing vital needs in our communities. During 2018, Eastern has provided more than $2 million in grants from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation to over 200 organizations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island working to eliminate barriers and advance women in local communities.

Pictured at this year's Celebration of Social Justice are, left to right: Eastern Bank Vice Chair and President Quincy Miller, 2018 Social Justice Award Recipient Dr. Paula A. Johnson, Eastern Bank Lead Director Deborah Jackson, and Eastern Bank Chair and CEO Bob Rivers.
[Photo credit: Marilyn Humphries]

About Eastern Bank
Founded in 1818 and celebrating its 200^th anniversary in 2018, Boston-based Eastern Bank is America's oldest and largest mutual bank, with over $11 billion in assets and more than 120 locations serving communities in eastern Massachusetts, southern and coastal New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Eastern provides exceptional access to fairly priced banking, investment and insurance products and services for consumers and businesses of all sizes. Eastern Bank, which includes Eastern Wealth Management and Eastern Insurance, is known for its outspoken advocacy and community support that has exceeded more than $120 million in charitable giving since 1999. An inclusive company, Eastern employs 1,900+ deeply committed professionals who value relationships with their customers, colleagues, and communities. Eastern also partners with nonprofits, community and business leaders, and customers to strategically contribute to the communities it serves. These Partners for Good guide and connect Eastern to efforts that positively influence community challenges. Join us for good at www.easternbank.com and follow Eastern on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE Eastern Bank