Petrina Martin Cherry, founder of Social Impact Partners.

Meet Petrina Martin Cherry, Founder & CEO

Petrina Martin Cherry is a nationally respected health equity strategist and executive leader.

She architects cross-sector collaboration that reshapes how institutions partner with community to drive lasting impact, and brings decades of experience building pathways that expand access, accelerate opportunity, and redefine what is possible for the next generation of leaders.

Strategic Capabilities

Through Social Impact Partners, Petrina structures high-stakes institutional engagement — aligning cross-sector leadership, narrative strategy, and transnational partnerships.

Cross-Sector Convening

Petrina is known for her exceptional ability to convene leaders across federal, state, and local government, national organizations, corporate partners, faith institutions, and grassroots communities.

Her initiatives are grounded in trust, accountability, and measurable outcomes — aligning influence across sectors that do not traditionally collaborate.

Cultural & Narrative Intelligence

With a foundation in television, film, and theater development, Petrina brings uncommon fluency to the advisory space.

She understands how narratives are constructed, financed, and distributed — and how they shape institutional power, public perception, and community trust.

This creative perspective informs her strategic foresight and ability to guide leaders through complex storytelling environments.

Transnational & Diaspora Strategy

Her work increasingly operates across transatlantic ecosystems, structuring engagement between U.S.-based institutions, diaspora leaders, and African capital and development entities.

She navigates institutional power structures while maintaining cultural fluency — serving as a strategic bridge-builder in global markets.

Entrusted with the Highest Levels of Public Leadership

  • Executive Leadership

    Boston Medical Center Health System
    VP, Community Engagement and External Affairs

    Leads strategic initiatives advancing health equity, economic mobility, and workplace development

  • Appointments

    Boston COVID-19 Health Inequities Task Force, by Mayor Martin Walsh

    Live Long and Well Advisory Council, by Mayor Michelle Wu

    Council on Black Empowerment, by Governor Maura Healy

    Mass Cultural Governing Council, by Governor Maura Healy

  • Board Service

    The Boston Foundation

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

    Boston Arts Academy

    Advisory Board, American Hospital Association

  • Education

    B.A., University of South Carolina

    M.B.A., Georgia State University

National Recognition & Distinction

  • The Disparities Solutions Center of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Disparities Leadership Program Award

  • The Boston Celtics Heroes Among Us Award

  • The American Hospital Association Foster G. McGaw Prize

  • The Leadership Brainery Change Can’t Wait Medal of Equity Award

  • Trinity Boston Connects Leader of Change Award

  • YW Boston’s Academy of Women Achievers Award