Nonotuck DEI & B Digest — July 2025–March 2026

Nonotuck’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI & B) Committee helps create opportunities across our organization to learn, listen, and celebrate the many cultures, identities, and experiences that make up our community. Through panel discussions, educational presentations, and community reflections, the committee invites employees to deepen their understanding of complicated topics in meaningful ways.

Read more below about the events the DEI & B Committee has presented since July 2025. To learn more about joining the committee, email co-chair Joshua Murray at murray@nonotuck.com or Nichole Bourke at bourke@nonotuck.com. Membership is flexible, and employees are welcome to participate in whatever way works best for their schedule and interests.

LGBTQIA+ Disability Community Panel (July)

In celebration of Disability Pride Month this July, Nonotuck’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee hosted a virtual screening of select clips from a powerful panel discussion co-presented by Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) and MassFamilies. The event amplified the voices and experiences of people at the intersection of the LGBTQIA+ and disability communities.

Speakers shared deeply personal stories about seeking acceptance within both their families and broader society. Themes included the importance of chosen family, the parallels between disability and sexual or gender identity as intrinsic parts of self, and the emotional toll of constant self-advocacy. Panelists also spoke about systemic barriers—particularly within medical and service settings—that can make it harder for people to be seen and respected as their authentic selves. Advocacy, respectful language, pronoun inclusion, and meaningful representation were highlighted as essential steps toward creating safer, more inclusive spaces.

Celebrating Civility and Kindness at Nonotuck (August)

In August, during National Civility Month, Nonotuck hosted an internal discussion led by the DEI & B Committee, with co-chairs Nichole Bourke and Joshua Murray facilitating the conversation. The session opened with a short video compiled by Marketing Content Specialist Justus Perry, featuring reflections from staff across the organization about what civility and kindness mean in their daily work and relationships.

After viewing the video, employees participated in discussion scenarios centered on workplace communication and conflict resolution. Topics included responding to difficult emails, managing interruptions during meetings, and practicing empathy in professional interactions. President and CEO George H. Fleischner emphasized that civility and kindness are foundational to Nonotuck’s culture and essential to building trust both among staff and with the people Nonotuck supports.

Celebrating LatinX/Hispanic Heritage Month at Nonotuck (October)

In October, Nonotuck hosted a celebration of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month featuring two nurses from our Auburn office, Carmen Paredes-Restrepo and Daihyana Wood. Staff from across the state attended the session, which highlighted personal stories, cultural traditions, and perspectives from their work in healthcare.

Carmen shared her journey from Colombia to the United States, reflecting on the role of family values and the importance of bilingual nursing in building trust with the people and families served in healthcare settings. Daihyana spoke about growing up between two cultures and how that experience helps her connect with families and provide culturally sensitive care. Both presenters emphasized the central role of family, respect for elders, and traditions such as food, music, and community celebrations.

Native American Heritage Month Event (November)

In November, Nonotuck marked Native American Heritage Month with a presentation by Ronda Tobey, a Clinician in Nonotuck’s Plymouth office who has worked with the organization for more than ten years.

Ronda’s presentation explored the concept of historical trauma among Native Americans, examining the profound and lasting effects of colonization, forced relocation, and cultural genocide on Indigenous communities. She discussed the roots of this trauma through events such as the Trail of Tears, the residential school system, and assimilation policies designed to erase Native cultures. The presentation provided important historical context and encouraged reflection on the long-term impacts of these experiences.

MLK: The Voice We Need but Do Not Want (January)

In January, in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Nonotuck gathered to reflect on MLK: The Voice We Need but Do Not Want, a TEDx talk by Dr. Gregory Thompson, a scholar of Dr. King’s work.

In the talk, Thompson examines how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is often remembered in simplified ways that overlook the depth and difficulty of his message. He reflects on King’s emphasis on love, justice, and moral responsibility, and explores why these ideas can be challenging to accept or sustain, particularly during times of social tension and inequality. The viewing created space for thoughtful dialogue among staff about Dr. King’s legacy and the continuing relevance of his call for justice and compassion.

Intergenerational Black History Month Panel (March)

We were proud to host an intergenerational conversation exploring Black life in America — past, present, and future. Hosted in celebration of Black History Month, the event took place virtually on March 5, 2026.

The event explored the Black experience across generations, reflecting on progress made, challenges that persist, and the evolving ways community, activism, identity, and healing continue to shape life as a Black person in America.  Panelists reflected on historical realities such as segregation, discrimination, and civil rights activism and compared them with contemporary issues including digital racism, mass incarceration, and the role of social media in modern advocacy.