The Anne Duffey Phelan ‘67 Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 2026 to bring remarkable thought leaders to Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart for inspiring conversations about ideas, experiences, and issues that shape our world. Each year, distinguished speakers from the arts, sciences, business, medicine, faith, philanthropy, government, education and public life are invited to share their stories, creating opportunities for thoughtful dialogue, reflection and connection.
Anne Duffey Phelan ‘67 P ‘94 ‘96 ‘98 GP ‘30 ‘32, for whom this lecture series is named, was a beloved alumna, the mother of three Newton Sacred Heart alumnae, and the grandmother of two current students. A graduate of Newton College of the Sacred Heart, Anne was connected to the Sacred Heart community and served in alumnae relations and admissions. Beyond her professional life, Anne was a volunteer at her daughters’ schools and several philanthropic organizations focused on women, children and literacy. With her lifelong commitment to education, community and service, it is fitting that this distinguished lecture series bears her name.
Investor and philanthropist Demond Martin is Co-Founder and CEO of WellWithAll, an innovative health and wellness company that pours 20% of its profits into health equity. Prior to becoming CEO of WellWithAll Demond was a senior partner at Adage Capital Management where he invested in the consumer sector for 21 years. Demond joined Adage after graduating from Harvard Business School and received his undergraduate degree in accounting from UNC Charlotte. He subsequently worked as the assistant to President Clinton’s White House Chief of Staff, Erskine Bowles. Demond and his wife Kia, through their family foundation, focus on erasing gaps created by racial and social injustice in the areas of education and healthcare. Demond serves on a number of non-profit boards including as a trustee at the Berklee College of Music, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Grammy Global Venture Board, and the Obama Foundation. and has served as a trustee and a parent at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart.