Connecting Activities Convening

Everyone is buzzing at the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development (BV Hub) as we

prepare our own Hebert Hall in Whitinsville to welcome over 70 guests, including educators, counselors, administrators, and workforce partners from across Massachusetts for a regional Connecting Activities Convening on Tuesday, June 9. This event is designed to to provide a space for connection, collaboration, and shared ideas focused on supporting career readiness and student success in Central Massachusetts. Participants will engage in regional updates, explore emerging priorities, and take part in interactive workshops designed to support implementation at the district level.

We are honored to feature a keynote address from Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, Pedro Martinez. Martinez has been making a positive impact in our state for a little over a year, after serving numerous educational institutions across the United States. Prior to coming to Massachusetts he held the prestigious title, CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

According to Martinez, "“Massachusetts’ public schools are the best in the country, and I know that reputation comes with a responsibility to give every child — regardless of their background or ZIP code — a high-quality education." (DESE Facebook Account)

Our additional speakers and facilitators for this convening include,

• Executive Director of the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, Jeff Turgeon

• Resource Development Coordinator of the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, Bruce Mendelsohn

• President & CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Jeannie Hebert

• President of the BV Hub, Joscelyn Young

• Director of Innovation Career Pathways, Worcester Public Schools (WPS),  Kelsey Lamoureux

• Administrative Director, Office of College & Career Readiness, WPS Emily Lehman Miller, EdD

• Founder of MassYouthInnoLab, Kerry Akashian, Ph.D.

• Senior Advisor for Student Wellbeing at AgileBrain, Margot Moses

The convening will be accompanied by a light breakfast sponsored by All One Credit Union. And our breakfast sponsor's name is a good reminder of the work we hope to continue at the BV Hub with this event and our future endeavors, uniting all for one goal: to support student growth and success. Participants can expect to leave our Connecting Activities Convening with actionable strategies for the future.

Interested in learning more? Visit our website.