Nadia Ward, executive director of the Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise, was the keynote speaker at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce\u2019s Diverse Professional Roundtable Educational Meeting on Nov. 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In her presentation, Ward explored the powerful intersection of education, technology, and business, emphasizing why this moment presents an unprecedented opportunity for Worcester. She drew on Clark\u2019s legacy of innovation to highlight how today\u2019s shifting landscape \u2014 youth mental health concerns, rapid technological transformation, and evolving workforce needs\u2014calls for bold, cross-sector collaboration. She shared the example of the Southbridge CARES project, which has become a blueprint for integrating behavioral health technology, deep community partnership, and evidence-based practices to build a comprehensive school mental health system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ward also discussed the critical shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in school settings, and shared that Clark has launched a new master\u2019s program in School Psychology designed to prepare the next generation of school psychologists\u2014professionals who are culturally responsive, technologically fluent, and committed to youth wellbeing. The goal is to retain talent here in Worcester County, strengthening local districts and expanding long-term workforce capacity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Diverse Professionals Roundtable, a professional program of the Chamber of Commerce, is committed to fostering professional and personal relationships among senior leaders from racial and ethnic backgrounds in Central Massachusetts. The program is a resource for the region\u2019s vibrant business, educational, and civic communities on diversity-related issues critical to building inclusive organizations and peaceful communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Nadia Ward delivered the keynote address at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce\u2019s Diverse Professional Roundtable.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":26,"featured_media":25572,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[525],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26208","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-notables"],"yoast_head":"\n