Interview by Rachel Charles, Youth Leader at Teens in Print
Can you tell us how you first got involved with WriteBoston and what your role was as Executive Director?
Sarah Poulter: Sure. I was with WriteBoston for about 12 and a half, maybe 13 years in total. I started part-time doing development and fundraising work, and over time, I transitioned into leadership, taking over from the founding Executive Director, Betty Southwick, over the course of about four years. I eventually served as the Executive Director for about six and a half years. Throughout my time, I had the opportunity to touch almost every part of the organization—from programming to operations to fundraising—and I felt deeply connected to the mission and vision of the work.
What initially drew you to the organization?
Sarah: The founding director and I had worked together about a decade earlier at another education-focused nonprofit. So when she invited me to join her at WriteBoston, it felt like a natural step. My work has always focused on enriching experiences for young people, and this was a chance to do that in a really meaningful way.
What did your day-to-day look like as Executive Director of a small organization like WriteBoston?
Sarah: With a small organization, the role is really “soup to nuts.” I was involved in fundraising, managing operations, supporting staff, overseeing programming, and handling HR. One of the things I appreciated most was how the role allowed me to stay in constant conversation with the team. I got to witness—and support—the incredible work being done up close.
Teens in Print has evolved a lot over the years. How did you and your team engage young people and build interest in the program?
Sarah: When I first joined, TiP was a deep dive for a small group of teens who were explicitly interested in journalism. But over time, we realized it was about more than journalism—it was about amplifying youth voices and helping teens see that their perspectives matter.
We focused on building a space where teens felt seen and valued. That meant feeding them (literally!), creating social connections across Boston’s diverse neighborhoods, and honoring their time and commitment through stipends. One of TiP’s strengths is that it’s a citywide program, so you get young people from all across Boston—people who might never meet otherwise—connecting through their stories.
We also had to adapt during the pandemic. Going virtual forced us to think differently about engagement and actually helped us reach new participants. But in the end, it’s always been about building a community where young people feel empowered to speak their truth.
That sense of belonging really came through during programs like the Summer Journalism Institute. Can you say more about what makes that experience so powerful?
Sarah: A lot of young people come to TiP thinking they’re the only ones at their school who think or feel a certain way. Then they find others who share that urgency to express themselves. That sense of shared experience is incredibly validating.
And then there’s the writing. Teens will share their voice if you give them space to do so. At TiP, we tried to build a structure where they felt that space was theirs. The topics they chose—ranging from identity to justice to joy—were proof that they had something to say and just needed the right outlet.
Why are programs like Teens in Print important, especially now?
Sarah: I think we undervalue how much powerful learning happens outside of school hours. Programs like TiP offer something really special: a place that affirms identity, builds community, and fosters real-world skills. Yes, teens walk away with polished writing, but they also gain tools like critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. These are skills that will serve them whether they pursue college, work, or something else.
And honestly, we don’t have enough spaces that hold multiple identities with the kind of care and intention TiP does. It’s not just about writing—it’s about belonging, about discovering that your voice matters. Boston is lucky to have programs like this, and I think the young people who come through them are better prepared—for everything.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Sarah: Only that I’m proud of what TiP has become and where it’s going. Watching teens step into their voices and their power—it’s just one of the most hopeful things you can witness. And I think, especially now, we need to listen.