Ranjini Govender Dowley Appointed President & Executive Director of Massachusetts Appleseed 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 25, 2025

Boston, MA- Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, a statewide social justice research and advocacy nonprofit welcomed Ranjini Govender Dowley, J.D., Ph.D. as the organization’s new President and Executive Director on June 9, 2025. Govender joins MA Appleseed at a pivotal moment, when the integrity of the American legal system faces unprecedented challenges. Her appointment marks a new chapter in the organization’s mission to dismantle barriers that perpetuate inequities and ensure all youth, adults, and families across Massachusetts have equal access to opportunity.  

Govender received her law degree from Syracuse University and doctorate in social policy from Cornell University and brings over two decades of leadership in social justice mission nonprofit management, government affairs, policy, and development. She holds a license to practice law in the District of Columbia. Govender said, “For over 30 years Appleseed has remained committed to pursuing systemic solutions to social justice issues such as youth homelessness, access to a fair court system, and educational equity. As someone who is one generation from poverty and the daughter of African immigrants, I became a lawyer to leverage the legal system as a tool for justice. I am honored to join the talented and dedicated staff, Board, pro-bono volunteers, and our partners in all 14 counties across Massachusetts as we work collectively to amplify our impact in these areas and beyond.”  

John Shutkin, MA Appleseed’s Board Chair, expressed the board’s full support and enthusiasm, “Given Ranjini’s background and dedication to social justice, we are confident she has the skills, experience, and determination needed to move Appleseed’s priorities forward. In fact, we are more than confident, we’re thrilled to welcome Ranjini aboard.”  

Massachusetts Appleseed’s three key programs include co-leading the Mass Speaks Coalition to ensure language access to government services, coordinating multiple initiatives that play a critical role in helping youth move from homelessness toward physical, emotional, and financial stability and well-being, and interrupting the school to prison pipeline through the Educational Justice Initiative.  

As a former Massachusetts public school teacher and a long-time advocate for children and education policy through her leadership roles in organizations including RCS Learning Center and Next Level Social Impact, Ranjini saw in real time how the school to prison pipeline operates, causing serious harm to students, especially students of color and students with disabilities. “Massachusetts Appleseed’s track record of impact proves that we can level the playing fields, disrupt systems that perpetuate inequities, and ultimately reimagine what justice looks like,” Ranjini added.   

The Board also extends its sincere gratitude to Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, a member of Interim Executive Solutions Network, who provided invaluable service as Interim Executive Director for the past five months and helped advance the organization’s mission during this transition.

 

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About Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice  

MA Appleseed is driven by a mission to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues. Through policy analysis and research, coalition building, education and training, community organizing, and advocacy, the nonprofit seeks systems-level change so all Massachusetts families and youth can exercise their legal rights, build pathways out of poverty and crisis, and thrive. Responding to emerging and enduring inequities, MA Appleseed addresses an array of complex issues including self-representation in the civil justice system, language access for immigrant families, the school-to-prison pipeline, and youth homelessness. To explore recent research, find resources, sign up for opportunities to take action, or donate, please visit massappleseed.org.    

 

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