Roundtable Forums

Diverse Professionals Roundtable

MISSION STATEMENT   |   The Diverse Professionals Roundtable (DPR) is a professional program of the Chamber, committed to the development of professional and personal relationships among senior leaders of racial and ethnic diversity in Central Massachusetts. The program is a resource for the vibrant business, educational, and civic communities of the region on diversity-related issues critical to building inclusive organizations and peaceful communities. If you are interested in subscribing to the DPR event mailing list, please reach out to Stefanie.

Through roundtable discussions and planned events targeted to advancing diversity and encouraging underrepresented emerging professionals, DPR participants grow and expand their influence and make a positive impact on the Worcester community.

Diverse Business Directory, City of Worcester

DPR Executive Committee (Effective September 2024)

President: Joseph Corazzini
Vice President : Adriana Vaccaro
Membership: Eurayshia Williams Reed
Secretary: Dr. Sheri-ann McLean Williams
Programs: Michelle Memnon
DPR Liaison: Stefanie Silva

 

2026 DPR Events

Annual Business Meeting & Election of officers

Thursday, February 12  | 9am
LOCATION: The Chamber Office, 311 Main St

 

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CEO Breakfast

Thursday, May 21 | 9am-11am
LOCATION: TBD
Keynote Speaker: TBD

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Annual Networking, Awards, & Recognition Event

Thursday, September tbd |  5:00pm-7:00pm
LOCATION: Hanover Insurance Group | 440 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA

Nominate someone here!

Award eligibility and criteria FAQs;

 

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Educational Meeting

Thursday, November 17  |  9am-11am
LOCATION: WPI

 

 

Health Care Roundtable

Whether it’s at the caring hands of a provider, selecting insurance coverage, or weaving our way through myriad choices, we all experience our health care system. And it’s changing at lightening fast speed. This roundtable takes a comprehensive view of the industry to help the business and provider communities understand how we can work together to reduce costs and improve outcomes.

Comprised of providers, insurance professionals, and public and private partners, they work to understand the challenges and needs of the health care sector and to keep members appraised of important changes and ways to control health care spending.

Family-Owned Business Roundtable

This peer group initiative designed to support the unique needs of multi-generational and family-run businesses. This member-led forum fosters a confidential, supportive environment where participants can build relationships, share best practices, and navigate the complex challenges of sustaining a family business.

Human Resources Roundtable

The Human Resources Roundtable meets quarterly to bring together HR professionals from small-large businesses to discuss best practices in talent recruitment and retention; employment law updates; compliance training; and other hot topics and pressing issues for employers.

Manufacturing Roundtable

The Central Massachusetts economy has been built on manufacturing for generations. Today, our regional economy’s foundation is still built on manufacturing, but with the newer additions to the economy of biomanufacturing, advanced and additive manufacturing, and research and development.

The Manufacturing Roundtable is focused on networking, advocacy, and discussion of important issues among manufacturing sector leaders who are a part of the Chamber. The Manufacturing Roundtable has featured speakers from regional organizations and manufacturing innovators like MassMEP, Solvus Global, MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, AIS, and more. The goal of the group is to develop business for our manufacturers, advocate on their behalf, and make useful connections.

Construction & Real Estate Roundtable

The hills of Worcester are alive with the sounds of construction. The face of the city has changed dramatically for the better in the past decade thanks to increased levels of investment in the city, spearheaded by economic development initiatives from the Chamber.

The Construction & Real Estate Roundtable offers our members in the construction and real estate industries an opportunity to connect, discuss, and advocate in the midst of a fast-moving real estate market that has been recognized as one of the hottest markets in the country. Speakers and topics at past roundtables include tax credit equity and incentive consultants, MassDEP, the Chief Development Officer for the City of Worcester, the City of Worcester’s Department of Sustainability and Resilience, the President and CEO of MassHousing, building performance consultants, and many more regional organizations and government agencies.

Nonprofit Roundtable

 The Nonprofit Roundtable forum is an opportunity for individuals in the industry and invited guests to: 

• Exchange ideas and share updates and best practices 
• Participate in an open discussion about the issues that impact the nonprofit sector
• Discuss workforce needs
• Learn about new initiatives and programs that support the region’s financial services sector
• Network with other industry professionals 

Emerging Workforce Roundtable

Workforce-education program with WTHS — This new partnership between the chamber and WTHS is focused on preparing students for careers in priority industry sectors by expanding co-op opportunities with local employers, building awareness of area workforce training providers that could be a post-secondary option for students, and working with employers to meet their skilled workforce needs.

For information, reach out to Dave Garvin.