SBNDC Spotlight: Courtney Mulligan, Farmers Market Manager

Courtney Mulligan started her career at South Boston NDC as a 13-year-old Youth Ambassador. That summer seven years ago, she learned how to plant flowers and water plants and trees properly and got a feel for the work South Boston NDC does. 

Now, Courtney, 19, is the new Farmers Market Manager, taking over from Noah White, who will be graduating from Suffolk University in May. 

“Courtney has grown from a shy teenager who just did what was asked and didn't want to be noticed to a mature, outgoing leader who is ready to jump into any situation headfirst to help in any way she can,” said Noah. “I can think of no better person to take over for the Farmers Market and continue serving the community with a smile every day.”

Courtney loves the environment of the South Boston NDC office. “It's very nice and just relaxing in here, but at the same time, we still do a lot of work and meaningful work.”

Her main duties now include overseeing the summer teen employees, managing the community gardens, securing vendors, entertainment, and special days for the weekly Farmers Market, doing lots of cleanups and plantings, and taking care of the community. 

Courtney grew up in Old Colony Housing. “Living in affordable housing, I am interested in it and care about it because that was the only way for my family to survive.”

She appreciates what affordable housing offers and what South Boston NDC stands for, especially putting people in affordable housing and helping the community. She is grateful to be able to make a difference in her community.

Joseph and Kimberly Mulligan, Courtney’s parents, are so proud of her. Her dad is a labor worker for Boston Housing Authority, helping keep the properties clean. “That’s another whole  reason I’ve always been very big on keeping the community nice.”

Courtney first found out about the opportunity at South Boston NDC through Linda Doran, Youth Program Coordinator of the Youth Ambassadors Program at the South Boston Community Health Center. By the age of 16, she started working year-round for South Boston NDC doing trash pickups, watering throughout the year, helping tend the community gardens, doing what was needed at the Farmers Market, and assisting with the Street Fest.  

Courtney graduated from EMK Academy for Health Careers in 2022. She took a gap year after high school and will start attending Bunker Hill Community College this summer to become an ultrasound technician. 

Courtney, who likes to stay busy, will have no problem juggling her full-time job at South Boston NDC with school. “In high school, I was doing school and then two jobs. So, college and the one job is honestly kind of an upgrade.”

Courtney is grateful for the mentorship that Noah provided. In the past couple years, she was Noah’s second in command. Now, she’s excited to take the reins and make her own mark.

“I want to keep things relaxed, however I like to get things done quickly and efficiently.”

South Boston NDC will surely miss Noah.

“I've been working for the NDC since I was 15 so to say this place has had an impact on me is an understatement,” Noah said. “They've been a second family to me throughout high school as well as college, teaching me valuable skills that will help me continue to succeed in my next job, wherever that may be. I'll always be grateful for the memories, experiences, and people I've met while working at the NDC and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the future!”

Noah and Courtney at the South Boston Farmers Market last year.