Estie Rappaport

Lawyer, math tutor, editor, platelet donor, philanthropist, Mom.  Since 1981, I have given time, money, and advocacy to many nonprofit organizations* in the Boston area and beyond. I was taught to observe how people treat one another from a very young age.  In fact, I hardly remember a time that I wasn’t acutely aware of discrimination, inequality and worse, indifference to suffering.   

I support R.I.A., (Ready•Inspire•Act) because I was inspired, no pun intended, by the strategic energy and passion of their mission to help woman (and some men) stay on their path to free themselves from a life in the commercial sex trade.   This is no small feat, and the development of peer mentorship programs and housing assistance has made RIA clients feel seen and respected, often for the first time in their lives.  The personal history of these victims is often horrific, often starting when they are teenagers.  

It is a rough time financially for any organization that prizes compassion and improving the livelihood of vulnerable communities.   I am asking you to join me in sustaining RIA ‘s work which no other organization is doing.    Their clients’ transformation from powerless to believers that change can happen is worth our support.  

Kindly browse the 2024 Impact Report link here.  The Report diagrams RIA’s work and provides specific information about the women they serve. 

I will be matching the first $2,000.00 of gifts that come to this page.   In addition, on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM, Heather Wightman, the Founder and Executive Director, will be joining me in Cambridge for game night, appetizers and drinks, and to discuss RIA and answer any questions.  Hope you can join us!

*Compass Working Capital; Greater Boston Food Bank; Epiphany School; Center for Woman & Enterprise; Victim Rights Law Center; BASE; UNCF; Social Innovation Forum, Write Boston, Philanthropy Connection and Leadership Brainery.