Intergenerational Inspiration Q&A with Joyce Vyriotes, Communications Director at Cummings Properties and pro bono deputy director of Cummings Foundation
By: Andrea J. Fonte Weaver
Tags: Mentor, Cummings Foundation, Intergenerational, Nonprofit

Serving in a pro-bono capacity at Cummings Foundation, Joyce Vyriotes is living the message and meaning of giving back. Her leadership role and intergenerational-mentor relationship is inspiring and motivating. Below is our conversation.

1) Intergenerational relationships traditionally focus on people who are “skipped”, non-adjacent generations like grandparents and grandchildren. Have you had someone in your life from a different generation who greatly inspired you?

I consider myself fortunate to work closely with Bill Cummings, who at 81, is nearly twice my age. His entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic have led to great success and great wealth. More important, his uncommon generosity led to the creation of Cummings Foundation, which has awarded more than $225 million to date to nonprofits based in Greater Boston.

2) What is something you enjoyed doing with the person? What did you learn from him or her?

Bill and I frequently talk through situations on both the real estate and philanthropy sides of our organization, allowing me to benefit from his years of experience. Among the many lessons I’ve taken from our discussions are: Surround yourself with good people who don’t necessarily think the way you do. Be active in your community. Embrace risk with informed optimism. Be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. Mind the details. Be on the lookout for good opportunities, and then be prepared to seize on them.

Enough people told Bill that he should put some of his wisdom down on paper that, last year, he released a memoir, Starting Small and Making It Big. It was an exciting project to be part of, and I’m delighted that so many others can now benefit from his stories and advice.

3) How has this relationship continued to impact you? Is there something you do or a motto you follow in your personal or professional life that came from that intergenerational connection?

Bill and I still work together on a daily basis, and as new situations arise, I continue to benefit from our collaborating.

Joyce Vyriotes and Bill Cummings; Photo courtesy of Joyce Vyriotes

4) Is there someone in your life now from a younger generation in which you have a special reverse-mentoring relationship? What types of experiences do you share together?

About eight years ago, realizing that my parents were getting older and my nieces and nephews were growing up, I moved from Arizona “back home” to Massachusetts. One way I enjoy quality time with my siblings’ children is to plan experiences with them, instead of giving tangible gifts, for birthdays and Christmas. These outings have included live theater, overnight stays, drumming lessons, museum visits, and more. In addition to connecting with them personally, my goal is to provide experiences that broaden their horizons.

5) How do you encourage intergenerational relationships in your family, business or community?

Cummings Foundation operates two not-for-profit independent and assisted living communities — New Horizons at Choate, in Woburn, and New Horizons at Marlborough — both of which make it a priority to create opportunities for their residents to connect with, impart knowledge to, and learn from young people. Some youth groups visit to perform music or do arts and crafts with residents, whereas others come simply to engage them in conversation. Costumed toddlers from a nearby day care center share the fun of Halloween with our residents, and cadets from a local ROTC program show up in their dress uniforms on Valentine’s Day to escort residents to dinner. These interactions are special and memorable for all involved.

6) Is there a book, movie or piece of art that has reminded you about the importance and power of intergenerational inspiration?

Since releasing his memoir last spring, Bill has dedicated much of his time to public speaking, in an effort to pass on his knowledge about business, philanthropy, and life in general. Although he has connected with many professional groups, his primary focus has been on college and high school students. The way that thousands of young people have been drawn to Bill, his story, and the opportunity to meet him personally shows the real value of intergenerational connections.

7) How can our readers follow you and learn more about your work?

As communications director for Cummings Properties and pro bono deputy director of Cummings Foundation, I’m fortunate to be part of an organization with a strong philanthropic mission. Because the large majority of our commercial real estate is operated for the sole benefit of Cummings Foundation, we like to say that Cummings Buildings Power Charities.

Readers can learn more about the wonderful homes for seniors at New Horizons at Choate and New Horizons at Marlborough, and can learn more about Bill Cummings’ on the Starting Small and Making It Big website.

This was such a special interview to share because it is a true example of intergenerational joy. At Bridges Together, we continue to be so appreciative of being awarded a $100K grant by Cummings Foundation and are so grateful to Joyce for all she does to empower others and to Bill for his leadership, vision and generosity.