diversity

On a crisp spring evening in early May, several dozen people from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life gathered in Simmons Hall, an eye-catching MIT residence hall designed by Steven Holl. Inside the apartment of an MIT professor, the group of strangers observed artworks, ate dinner together and engaged in meaningful discussions about their joys, their conflicts and their traumas.

When Vrajesh Patel first entered the construction industry five years ago, he didn’t believe he’d find a leadership role.

Despite decades of research and multiple studies documenting the benefits, people continue to push back against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at public and private institutions.

Boston’s own Proverb Agency brings color to the ad industry with their uniquely successful approach to branding and design for campaigns centered around equity, commerce, innovation and community.

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council calls its annual gathering the “State of Possible Conference.” To hear it described by newly elected board chair Tamar Thompson, Massachusetts’ booming life sciences sector is now at a moment when many goals once thought unachievable are now in reach.

Dani Monroe, founder and CEO of Center Focus International, Inc., is a pioneer in corporate inclusion, mentored By Dr. Price Cobbs, whom she calls the “godfather of DEI.” 

Colette Phillips envisions a model for diversity, equity and inclusion that does not leave out white men. “If we’re talking about inclusion, no one should be excluded from the conversation,” said Phillips.

Acclaimed classical violinist and composer Daniel Bernard Roumain stood in front of a group of elementary and middle schoolers at the Strand Theater, framed by a gilded arch and burgundy curtains. “Rhythm is everything, you dig?” he told the students, before guiding them through a series of spirited improvisational musical exercises.

When Manikka Bowman takes charge as the new executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Massachusetts next month, she will be one of a small number of leaders of color who head environmental and conservation organizations in the state.

A recently released documentary follows attempts made by Major League Baseball to increase the number of Black athletes on its 30 teams.

As Governor-elect Maura Healey begins assembling a new administration, activists in the Black and Latino community can think of one area where they’d like to see a change: diversity at the top.

This weekend, the streets of Dorchester will come alive with music during the first-ever Dorchester Porchfest, dubbed Dorchfest. More than 45 bands will perform on 25 porches and venues around the Ashmont-Adams neighborhood on Saturday, June 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is free and open to all.