Thursday, February 6, 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT)
Virtual Event via Zoom
This event, co-sponsored by CLAA, CBAA, and GOLD Council, is open to all and free of charge.
Danielle Strandson ’14, M.A. ’15, CLAA Co-Leader
Danielle is a marketing professional currently working for the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, where she also serves on the DEI council. After earning a B.A. in International Development and Social Change and an M.A. in Community Development and Planning at Clark, she built a career in marketing for nonprofits to help them share their mission and message with the world. Danielle has served on the board of several nonprofits including Hour Exchange Portland, Luke Leaders 1248, and the International Human Rights Art Movement. In her spare time, she engages in animal rescue volunteer work and enjoys traveling.
Dr. Laurie Ross ’91, M.A. ’95, P ’26, Interim Associate Provost and Dean of the College and Director of Sustainability and Social Justice
As the university-based research partner on the city’s youth violence prevention and intervention efforts, Laurie Ross works closely with city officials, the public schools, police, and community-based organizations; including work with the Worcester Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. The overarching contribution of her work is about how to be a research partner committed to transformational community change in the area of youth violence prevention and reduction. She incorporates this work into graduate level program evaluation, community needs assessment, and practicum courses. From 2000-2021, Laurie directed the HOPE Coalition, a youth-adult partnership coalition designed to reduce youth violence, substance use, and promote positive adolescent mental health and youth leadership in Worcester. Ross is a member of the Worcester Youth Center and Pernet Family Health Center Boards of Directors.
Kayanna James, MPA ’24, District Director for Senator Robyn Kennedy, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A tireless community advocate, business owner and the District Director for Senator Robyn Kennedy, Kayanna James believes in the power of bringing people together through education, experience and empowerment. Kayanna serves on the Worcester County State Commission on the Status of Women, is part of the United Way Women’s Initiative Leadership Council and contributes to their Community Impact Committee. Passionate about empowering young women, Kayanna strives to create pathways for growth and success. Kayanna is a writer, a certified doula and a returned Peace Corps volunteer, and remains deeply committed to community service, focusing on improving policies, programs, and best practices.
Domenica Perrone, MBA ’20, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach, The Collaborative in Health Equity, UMass Chan Medical School
As a Latina and immigrant with lived experience, Domenica has a passion in advocating for health equity and social justice. Domenica is on the Board of Directors for Edward Street Child Services and for the League of Women Voters Worcester Area, as well as the Worcester Public Library Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Domenica serves on the Leadership Council and as Co-Chair for the Diversity Committee of the Women’s Initiative of Central MA. Domenica Perrone is a community engagement practitioner, youth worker, researcher, and public health advocate, committed to working with Worcester organizations, leaders, advocates, and youth.
David Conner, Director of the LGBTQ+ Healthy Aging Initiative, Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC), Inc; Board Member of Pride Worcester
David is a community organizer based in Central MA and works closely with several organizations across the Commonwealth in creating inclusive spaces to uplift and celebrate LGBTQ+ people from all walks of life, including helping organize the annual Pride Worcester festival, which welcomes around 20,000 festival goers annually. David has ten years of experience in project management, including helping lead a multi-year research initiative chronicling and archiving the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Worcester, Massachusetts. He is currently a member of the WGBH Community Advisory Board and is working on a documentary style project titled “Love, Health, and Liberation: LGBTQ+ Voices of History”.