The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is pleased to honor Pratt N. Wiley, Esq., President & CEO of The Partnership, Inc., with this year’s Catalyst for Change Award on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. This annual award recognizes exceptional leaders in the community who strive for economic, racial, and social justice for low-income and underrepresented communities in Massachusetts.
Wiley is a recognized voice on racial equity, diversity, and civic leadership. Under his guidance, The Partnership has become one of the nation’s leading organizations dedicated to the retention and advancement of professionals of color. Through mentorship, leadership development, and cross-sector collaboration, The Partnership has helped thousands of professionals build careers and shape institutions across Massachusetts.
Wiley currently serves on several boards and advisory bodies lending his expertise to efforts that extend well beyond The Partnership. These entities include Mass General Brigham, Boston Public Market, Massachusetts Hospital Association and the Shady Hill School. Wiley was also appointed by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Black Empowerment. His approach is rooted in both systemic change and individual investment, which perfectly reflects the values that MLRI’s Catalyst for Change Award is designed to celebrate.
“Pratt believes that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. He has dedicated his career to closing that gap,” says Georgia Katsoulomitis, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute. “By championing community members of all backgrounds and pushing for the representation they deserve, he has changed countless lives and helped build a more equitable future for Massachusetts.“
“I am deeply honored to receive this award from MLRI. The work for creating opportunity and advancing equity is never done alone,” said Wiley. “I have been fortunate to learn from mentors, colleagues, and community leaders who believed in opening doors and lifting others as they climb. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of so many people who are committed to ensuring that talent, potential, and leadership can be found in every community across Massachusetts and beyond.”
MLRI presents the Catalyst for Change Award annually to an individual whose work has advanced justice and equity in Massachusetts. This year’s event will be held on September 15, 2026 at the UMass Club in Boston. The evening brings together legal advocates, community leaders, private bar attorneys, and supporters committed to advancing economic and social justice across the Commonwealth.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Catalyst for Change event — register here to join us in celebrating this year’s honoree, Pratt N. Wiley, Esq.