Mica Kanner-Mascolo

mkannermascolo@wbjournal.com

Mica Kanner-Mascolo covers health care and diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Worcester Business Journal. Her freelance writing has been featured in publications including FEMINIST, Byrdie, and Spare Change News. Mica is a graduate of The New School where she studied creative writing. An East Coast native, Mica currently resides in Central Massachusetts.

Covers: Health care and diversity, equity, and inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion

UMass Chan to form working group to address Trump Administration’s anti-DEI demands

In response to the President Donald Trump Administration’s threat to potentially cut off federal funding, UMass Chan Medical School is assembling a committee to navigate the rapidly changing and uncertain DEI landscape of higher education.

Economy

Mass. business confidence has largest drop since first month of COVID pandemic

The Central Massachusetts Business Confidence Index sank nearly 10 points from 57.2 in January to 47.9 in February.

Economy

Anna Maria College appoints new president

Eight months after long-time Anna Maria College President Mary Lou Retelle announced she would retire at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, Sean Ryan has been named as her successor and the 12th leader of the Paxton school.

Banking & Finance

Workers Credit Union hires new chief information officer to integrate AI into products

Workers Credit Union has named Sandesh Parulekar as the Littleton-based institution’s new chief information officer.

Government & Politics

Fitchburg nonprofit to close two shelters, layoff 20 staff

Human services provider Making Opportunity Count will lay off 20 employees by April 30 as the Fitchburg-based nonprofit will shutter two of its shelter locations.

Banking & Finance

ZehnTek acquires Maynard technology company

Westborough-based IT solutions provider ZehnTek has acquired fellow cloud strategy firm BossNine Technologies, headquartered in Maynard, whose founder will assume the role of CEO of the conglomerate.

Banking & Finance

Former director at Sturbridge nonprofit sentenced to two years for $366K embezzlement

A former director at Venture Community Services has been sentenced to two years in prison for embezzling approximately $366,477.

Banking & Finance

Boston Scientific to acquire Israel hypertension tech firm for up to $540M

Marlborough medical device manufacturer Boston Scientific has entered into a purchase agreement worth up to half a billion dollars to acquire SoniVie, an Israel-headquartered medical device company with a focus on hypertensive disorders.

Banking & Finance

Clark professor granted $780K for bilingual education study at Worcester schools

A professor at Clark University in Worcester received a $780,000 grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation to study language practices in multilingual and multicultural students at Worcester Public Schools.

Banking & Finance