Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | February 17, 2020 | Worcester Business Journal 17 On behalf of our Board of Trustees and staff, we're proud to welcome Elizabeth into this critical leadership role. Elizabeth has been an avid champion of the Foundation's focus of supporting local non-profit programs that address substance use disorder and mental and behavioral health services for children and youth. is effort has never been more important to the Central and Metro West communities served by the Foundation. Under Elizabeth's guidance as our Grants Committee Chair, the Foundation awarded a record $705,000 in Community Grants during 2019. And the need continues to grow. We're excited about our future and the positive impact it will have on our community. Congratulations Elizabeth L.B. Greene, Esq., on being named Incoming Chair of the Board at Reliant Foundation 311 Main Street, Suite 202 Worcester, MA 01608 reliantfoundation.org 508-231-4663 KELSA ZERESKI President, Reliant Foundation ELIZABETH L.B. GREENE, ESQ. Mirick O'Connell, Incoming Chair, Reliant Foundation Board of Trustees W O M E N I N L E A D E R S H I P F O C U S What does financial freedom mean to you? At Bartholomew & Company, we believe it comes down to sound financial planning and investment advice—expertise you can trust to keep you on track at any stage, whether you're just starting your business or getting ready to retire. It's the kind of guidance we've been delivering for more than 25 years. So that when those important moments come along, you can experience every one of them with confidence. Call us for a complimentary consultation at 508.753.8807, or visit www.bartandco.com. Financial Planning Today for All of Tomorrow's Firsts 370 Main Street, Suite 1000, Worcester, MA 01608 | 508.753.8807 Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, ® Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. "What should I have done differently?" Every woman interviewed for this story reported having the same impulse when faced with the advances of someone who held institutional power. ey first placed the blame on themselves, asking, "What should I have done differently?" e correct answer is more difficult than it sounds: Speak up. Expressing concerns politely and immediately can stop a culture of harassment from flourishing. Responsible organizations will already have a protocol in place. Worcester insurer Fallon Health prides itself on maintaining an environment of collaboration and compassion and has catered its HR policies to suit, said Jill Lebow, Fallon senior vice president and chief human resources officer. "Rarely do workplace harassment issues come up," Lebow said in an email. "When they do, we have a robust policy in place to maintain a work environment that is comfortable, professional and protects an individual's dignity and respect." If a complaint is not adequately addressed by HR professionals, Jansky said to contact the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Consider your context Is there ever an appropriate time for a professional superior to express romantic interest in you? e short answer is no. CEOs, financial backers, influential donors, and board members who fail to consider their own seismic influence will inevitably stand in the way of an organi- zation's success. It takes a lot of gumption to raise con- cerns when someone above your paygrade makes you feel uncomfortable. I find it helps to imagine a young woman I care about being placed in the same situation. I think, "How would I help her?" As for the men in our midst, please consider your context. Pick out your pleasantries with the same care you'd use to select a playlist. I'll bet the music you workout to is different than the music you'd queue up for a dinner party with the in-laws. It's not walking on eggshells; it's civility. Sarah Connell is a freelance journalist living in Worcester. W

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