FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Today, the New England Patriots announced HopeWell, Inc. President & CEO, Shaheer Mustafa, as their 2025 Inspire Change Changemaker – an annual recognition celebrating leaders who are driving significant, measurable change in their communities across the NFL's Inspire Change initiative's four pillars: education, economic advancement, police-community relations, and criminal justice reform.
Mustafa works with HopeWell to provide a range of critical social services to children, adults and families across Massachusetts such as foster care, family programs, adult services, policy & advocacy, and educational support, and has been making a difference in the community with HopeWell since 2016. He brings private nonprofit and public service experience to his role, guiding the organization's renewed energy, program growth and emphasis on creating positive, measurable outcomes for children and families. Mustafa oversees HopeWell's programs and partnerships, manages its resources and nurtures a positive, inclusive and transparent organizational culture.
Before joining HopeWell, Mustafa served as Director of Areas for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families overseeing the Arlington and Coastal Area Offices. In this role, he managed child protective services across 31 cities and towns, earning recognition for his leadership in advancing permanency for children, reducing disproportionality within the foster care system and spearheading innovative responses to the opiate crisis.
Mustafa began his career as a therapist assisting children and families to overcome the impact of complex stress using empowerment and strengths-based models of practice. He received a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Boston College, and is certified as a Diversity Practitioner from Cornell's School of Industrial Labor Relations. Mustafa also holds a certificate in nonprofit management and leadership from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice.
"Shaheer's work with HopeWell reflects the very best of what the Inspire Change initiative stands for," said Robert Kraft, Chairman and CEO of the New England Patriots. "His unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children and families across our region is both admirable and deeply impactful. We are proud to honor Shaheer as our 2025 Inspire Change Changemaker and to shine a light on the meaningful progress he continues to advance in our communities."
Mustafa will be recognized at the Patriots' Inspire Change game on Sunday, December 14, vs. the Buffalo Bills for his exceptional work in pursuit of social justice, education and economic advancement. He will also receive a $10,000 donation from the NFL Foundation, paid directly to a non-profit organization of his choice.
"The Changemakers selected this year have demonstrated what's possible when leaders commit to creating real change in their communities," said Anna Isaacson, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility. "Their work is a powerful example for others and proof that sustained dedication can drive meaningful progress. The NFL family is proud to recognize their impact."
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