2025 Equity in the 413 Agenda - Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

*We are pleased to introduce ETERNAL, a collaborative project between music producer NAGO and visual artist LESN101. In this project, the two Springfield artists compose paintings and songs alongside each other, showcasing their artistic processes in real time. They will begin the day in Parenzo Hall during registration and then move throughout Parenzo and Scanlon Hall lobbies and banquet areas. You may even be able to stop by and see them outside if the weather permits! We even invite you to add to the arts physically! They will unveil the final product at the end of the day at the Scanlon Banquet Hall where there will also be a cash bar and light refreshments.

9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks and Keynote Address

LOCATION: Devers Stage, Parenzo Hall
Overflow seating is available in Scanlon A

Welcome
Briana Wales-Thaxton, Vice President for People and Culture, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

Dr. Linda Thompson, President, Westfield State University

Keynote Address
Serilda Summers McGee, Founder and CEO, Workplace Change

10:30 a.m. Concurrent Morning Session I

Debate to dialogue: a framework for building community across difference
Scanlon Hall Livingroom
Andre Lynch, Vice Provost for Institutional Equity & Belonging, MCLA; Kerri Leyda Nicoll, Professor of Social Work, MCLA; Michael Obasohan, Chief Diversity Officer, City of Pittsfield
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Whiteness, white supremacy culture, allies and accomplices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

Advancing Racial Equity Through Inclusive Community Care: Gándara Center’s Commitment to the Region
Wilson Hall 109
Enrique Vargas Gonzalez; Lavagn Claudio and Uduak Enyiema, Gándara Center
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices, Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

Using Community Health Equity Survey Data for Action to Advance Equity
Parenzo Hall 263
Kathleen Szegda and Rebecca Hunt, Public Health Institute of Western MA
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Equity in Philanthropy- Lessons from the Equity Fund
Parenzo Hall 262
Alÿcia Bacon
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Equitable philanthropic practices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Courage, Creativity, and Compassion: Moving Forward in Turbulent Times
Wilson Hall 112
Sandra Vonniessen-Applebee, Director of Operations – NCCJ
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Whiteness, white supremacy culture, allies and accomplices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

School Based Health Centers and Economic Equity
Wilson 116
David Bjorklund, Brenda Chaloux and Lisa Lynch, Hilltown Community Health Center
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Non-profit staff; Postsecondary education faculty and staff; Early educators and staff; Secondary educators
Summit Theme(s): Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

Creating an Inclusive & Equitable Team Environment
Wilson 116A
Wilbert Weche Willful Change LLC
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Non-profit staff, Human resources staff
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity

Moving beyond DEI?
Parenzo Hall 208
Sarah Morgan Esq., Health New England and Dr. Greg Todd, MOCHA
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice

Navigating Change: The Road to Belonging, Equity and Anti-Racism
Parenzo Hall 212
Vonetta Lightfoot
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Whiteness, white supremacy culture, allies and accomplices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

Empowering Individuals and Teams Through Asset Mapping: Advancing Equity by Honoring Strengths and Lived Experiences
Parenzo Hall 221
Pema Latshang, Aly Kenney, Teach Western Mass
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas;Non-profit staff; Secondary educators; Human resources staff; Public sector; Philanthropic organizations
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity

Transforming Organizations Through the Blueprint Community of Practice
Parenzo Hall 249
Dayna Campbell, Women of Color Health Equity Collective and Lisa Ranghelli, Public Health Institute of Western Mass
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Living Kinship Mind in Our Transformative Work
Wilson Auditorium A130
Ysabel Garcia, Estoy Aqui, Tanisha Arena, Arise for Social Justice, JAC Patrissi, Growing A New Heart
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Whiteness, white supremacy culture, allies and accomplices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

Building Antiracism Leadership Skills in Affinity Spaces
Wilson Auditorium B134
Davey Shlasko and Janae Peters, Think Again Training & Consulting
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Managers from across sectors (not necessarily exec)
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Whiteness, white supremacy culture, allies and accomplices; Collaborative Leadership

Navigating Legal Resources & Attorney General’s Office (AGO) Assistance
Wilson Auditorium C138
Nia Johnson & Emily Torres-Cullinane, MA Attorney General’s Office
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Bridging community understanding of legal resources available to them

11:45 a.m. Concurrent Morning Session II

Tuning Into Wellness: Sound Healing for Stress Relief
Scanlon Hall Livingroom
Maria del Carmen Rodriguez
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice

Equity, Justice and Environmental Protection: A Holyoke Initiative
Scanlon Hall A
Elizabeth Cardona, Community Engagement Manager, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Affairs
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Breaking White Silence in Queer Spaces
Parenzo Hall 212
Shabazz Wilson, Kevin Grady, Neil Dembkoski, Behavioral Health Network
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Whiteness, white supremacy culture, allies and accomplices

Economic Prosperity for All in the 413
Parenzo Hall 263
Noella Moshi, Kristen Joyce, Springfield WORKS; Jason Pacheco, Director of Workforce Planning, Analytics, and Compensation at Baystate Health
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Postsecondary education faculty and staff; Private sector employers/employees; Human resources staff; Public Sector; Philanthropic Organizations
Summit Theme(s): Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Foundations of Connection: The Intersection of Empathy and Restorative Practices
Wilson Hall 112
LaTonia Monroe Naylor, Monroe Naylor Consulting LLC
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Non-profit staff; Early educators and staff; Secondary educators; Private sector employers/employees; Human resources staff
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices

The Power of Your Voice
Wilson Hall 116
P. Natasha Mitchell and Brian Mitchell – Potter’s Wheel Community Services
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

Restorative Leadership: Using Curiosity and Data to Cultivate Racial Equity
Wilson Hall 116A
Lynn Turner, Core Business XP Solutions
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative Practices; Using data for insight and to inform action

Applying a Social Justice Lens to Professional Development
Parenzo Hall 208
Dr. Murph Brown, MSW, LCSW, Ed.D; Nancy Currie, MSW, LICSW, Behavioral Health Network
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity

Decolonizing Parenting: Uplifting BIPOC Families Through Culturally Rooted Liberation Practices
Parenzo Hall 221
Jenise Kataline, Women of Color Health Equity Collective
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice

Advancing Racial Equity in Western Massachusetts: The CORE Blueprint as a Transformative Framework
Parenzo Hall 249
Dayna Campbell, Women of Color Health Equity Collective
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Joy: A Tool for Resilience and Resistance
Wilson Auditorium A130
Dr. Latoya Bosworth Got H.E.R.S Get More Coaching
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Using data for insight and to inform action

Recognizing, Understanding, and Eliminating Dehumanizing Language in Social Spaces
Wilson Auditorium B134
Dr. Jessica R. Pepple, RFK Community Alliance/Equitas Consulting & Management
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity

Navegando de los recursos legal y la Oficina de la Fiscal General
Wilson 109
Nia Johnson & Emily Torres-Cullinane Massachusetts Oficina de la Fiscal General
¿Quién debe asistir a la presentación? Todos las participantes
Summit Tema(s): Para la comunidad entiende los recursos legales a su disposición

Placing Community at the Heart of Learning*
Wilson Auditorium C138
Dalwin Corcino, Workforce Program Manager, Madison Schmitt, M.Ed., Associate Director of Behavioral Health Workforce Initiatives; Tinamarie Fiorini, MA, LMHC, Senior Director of Workforce Optimization – Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. (Panelist) Yedalis Ruiz, Ph.D., M.Ed., Caring Health Center – Chief Access and Equity Officer & Executive Director, Tania M. Barber Learning Institute; (Panelist) Sheila Och, MPH, CHW, Lowell Community Health Center – Chief Equity Officer and Executive Director, Health Justice Learning Institute
*Session 1 of a two-part series. Session 2 will be offered in the same room after lunch.
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

12:45 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch

Tim and Jeanne’s Dining Commons

1:45 p.m. Concurrent Afternoon Session III

Tuning Into Wellness: Sound Healing for Stress Relief
Scanlon Hall Livingroom
Maria del Carmen Rodriguez
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice

Equity, Justice and Environmental Protection: A Holyoke Initiative
Scanlon Hall A
Elizabeth Cardona, Community Engagement Manager, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Affairs
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Economic Prosperity for All in the 413
Parenzo Hall 263
Noella Moshi, Kristen Joyce, Springfield WORKS; Jason Pacheco, Director of Workforce Planning, Analytics, and Compensation at Baystate Health
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Postsecondary education faculty and staff; Private sector employers/employees; Human resources staff; Public Sector; Philanthropic Organizations
Summit Theme(s): Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Advancing Racial Equity Through Inclusive Community Care: Gándara Center’s Commitment to the Region
Wilson Hall 109
Enrique Vargas Gonzalez; Lavagn Claudio and Uduak Enyiema, Gándara Center
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices, Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

The Power of Your Voice
Wilson Hall 116
P. Natasha Mitchell and Brian Mitchell – Potter’s Wheel Community Services
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative Practices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

Applying a Social Justice Lens to Professional Development
Parenzo Hall 208
Dr. Murph Brown, MSW, LCSW, Ed.D; Nancy Currie, MSW, LICSW, Behavioral Health Network
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity

Racial Justice, Language Justice, Gender Justice: Bringing Trans Inclusion to Spanish-Speaking Organizations
Wilson Auditorium A130
Meiver De la Cruz and Malú Machuca Rose, with Felicia Lundquist assisting in person, Think Again Training & Consulting
This workshop is geared towards: Non-profit staff; Early educators and staff; Secondary educators; Private sector employers/employees; Human resources staff
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity

The Tania M. Barber Learning Institute: How we are re-framing training and learning on the job as an institutionalized workforce equity commitment*
Wilson Auditorium C138
Dr. Yedalis Ruiz, Ph.D., M.Ed. & Johanna DeBari, M.A.
*This workshop is session 2 of a two-part series. Session 1 was offered just before lunch
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action; Community Cultural Wealth; Asset-based and Trauma-Informed approaches

3:00 p.m. Concurrent Afternoon Session IV

Joy: A Tool for Resilience and Resistance
Wilson Auditorium B134
Dr. Latoya Bosworth Got H.E.R.S Get More Coaching
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Using data for insight and to inform action

Debate to dialogue: a framework for building community across difference
Scanlon Hall Livingroom
Andre Lynch, Vice Provost for Institutional Equity & Belonging, MCLA; Kerri Leyda Nicoll, Professor of Social Work, MCLA; Michael Obasohan, Chief Diversity Officer, City of Pittsfield
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Whiteness, white supremacy culture, allies and accomplices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

Creating an Inclusive & Equitable Team Environment
Wilson Hall 116A
Wilbert Weche Willful Change LLC
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Non-profit staff, Human resources staff
Summit Theme(s):Restorative practices; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity

Sustaining Impact: Tools to Overcome Burnout and Build Emotional Resilience for Mission-Driven Leaders and Advocates
Wilson Hall 109
Shawniel Chamanlal Healing Springs Wellness Center LLC
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices

Embedding Cultural Humility in Community Programs
Wilson Hall 112
Rachelle Hannoush, Rooted Leaders
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity

Why and How to Meaningfully Collaborate with Directly-Impacted People
Wilson Hall 116
Abby Anderson, The Justice Walk
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Non-profit staff; Private sector employers/employees; Public Sector; Philanthropic Organizations; Anyone who works with boards, advisory boards, or who want “community engagement”
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Whiteness, white supremacy culture, allies and accomplices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Centering directly-impacted people

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Update for the Region Focus on Equity
Parenzo Hall 208
Kim Robinson, PVPC Exec Director; Vanesa Otero, Lavender
This workshop is geared towards: All Attendees
Summit Theme(s): Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Building a Health Equity Movement: A Conversation with The Health Equity Compact
Parenzo Hall 212
Lindsey Tucker, Managing Director and Sonna Obiorah, Community Relations Manager for the Health Equity Compact
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Finance staff; Public Sector; Philanthropic Organizations
Summit Theme(s): Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

Empowering Individuals and Teams Through Asset Mapping: Advancing Equity by Honoring Strengths and Lived Experiences
Parenzo Hall 221
Pema Latshang, Aly Kenney, Teach Western Mass
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas; Non-profit staff; Secondary educators; Human resources staff; Public sector; Philanthropic organizations
Summit Theme(s): Restorative practices; Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Lessons learned and trends from across the region in advancing racial equity

Equity-focused Strategic Planning
Wilson Auditorium A130
Davey Shlasko & Chelsey Branham, Think Again Training & Consulting
This workshop is geared towards: Executive leadership across industry areas, or any level of staff responsible for developing strategy
Summit Theme(s): Intersectional antiracism and antiracist practice; Whiteness, white supremacy culture, allies and accomplices; Building partnerships and coalitions to advance racial equity; Using data for insight and to inform action

4:15 p.m. Higher Education Panel

LOCATION: Devers Stage, Parenzo Hall

Education and Interruption: A Dialogue Between Higher Education Leadership During Changing Times

Panelists:

Dr. Linda Thompson, President, Westfield State University
Dr. George Timmons, President, Holyoke Community College
Dr. Christina Royal, President & CEO of Infinite Unlearning, LLC; Member, Massachusetts Board of Higher Education
Dr. Michael Dodge, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Student Life, American International College

Moderator:

Dayna Campbell, Assistant Professor, American International College; Leadership team member, Women of Color Health Equity Collective

5:00 p.m. Reflections, Networking, Arts, and Cocktails

LOCATION: Scanlon Banquet Hall

Get your Equity in the 413 socks!
Unveiling of the visual and musical artwork from the day from ETERNAL with Music by NAGO and LESN101
Cash bar offering snacks and apps
Opportunities to connect further with speakers and fellow attendees!