Diversity & Inclusion

Every December for this Economic Forecast special edition, the journalists in the WBJ newsroom forecast 10 possible news events for the coming year, based on their expertise and the trends in the Central Massachusetts business community.

The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office has lifted its citizenship requirement for those seeking accreditation. 

As long-term Executive Director of the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office Bill McAvoy is set to retire, the agency has named Bonnie Borch-Rote as its new leader. 

State officials are preparing for the rollout of expanded maternal health care services in 2025, stemming from a new law and recommendations they issued last year.

Joshua Dodds has been named Fitchburg State University’s inaugural executive director of diversity, equity, and belonging programs as the institution looks to create an inclusive community amidst heightened anti-DEI sentiments throughout the country. 

Spiliotes comes into the volunteer role as the community health center has just emerged from a financial crisis and is looking to forge a strategic plan for a sustainable future.

UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester is developing an environmental justice program designed to implement climate action efforts on campus and create a sustainable resource guide. 

Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, a Worcester-based nonprofit addressing homelessness through initiatives aimed at promoting long-term housing stability, has teamed up with the City of Worcester to open a Day Resource Center for the community’s unhoused population. 

Worcester County state, local, and nonprofit agencies have received a slice of nearly $3.8 million in federal funding to help mitigate intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking in the local community. 

Employees at Assumption University, Fidelity Bank, and Mirick O'Connell are advancing in their careers.