Diversity & Inclusion

Expecting decisions from legislative leaders in the next few weeks over how to start spending billions of remaining dollars from the state's American Rescue Plan Act allocation, a coalition of advocacy groups plus a handful of lawmakers on Monday released a scorecard they'll use to measure whether the plans prioritize racial justice.

With the Legislature and local governments beginning to make decisions on how to spend billions of dollars in federal relief funding, two economic experts on Thursday urged policymakers to be mindful of equity as they chart a path forward for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Renaissance Medical Group of Southbridge, a healthcare company specifically focusing on the region’s Latino population, announced on Monday it is teaming up with the Worcester Housing Authority to launch a new meal delivery program for WHA residents.

A report conducted by Michigan nonprofit Altarum Healthcare Value Hub revealed more than half of Massachusetts residents are struggling to afford health care, according to a Monday press release from Massachusetts Medical Society.

Caroline’s Cannabis in Uxbridge, the first woman-owned small business cannabis shop to open in Massachusetts, received final licensure from the state Cannabis Control Commission on Sept. 17 to move forward with plans to open a second adult-use location in Hopedale.

Latino business and community leaders are working together to plan a celebration focused on highlighting the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on Latinos.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is launching a new six-month financial wellness and sustainability program for Worcester artists of color or artists who identify as low-to-moderate income, funded through the foundation’s Creative Worcester Initiative, according to a Monday announcement.

Resource Management, Inc., a family-owned human resources outsourcing company in Fitchburg, announced founder and current CEO Rey Lopez will step into a new role as director of sales while his daughter and current company president, Rachel Lopez, takes on the CEO.

Stop & Shop presented Framingham State University with $100,000 to establish a scholarship for diversity in the food & nutrition, an endowed fund to provide financial assistance for students studying to become registered dietitians.

Old Sturbridge Village announced on Monday it has named Jasmin Rivas to fill a new position at the living museum: director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.