Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 22, 2022 | Worcester Business Journal 25 Lasell is one of the powerful figures in Central Mass. blazing a trail for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and she's doing so with a unique- ly artistic flair. She joined UMass Memorial in 2022 as one of the founding members of the healthcare provider's DEI office, which was established in 2020 at the largest employer in Central Mass., with more than 14,000 employees. In her role, Lasell not only works to elevate diversity and inclusion within the UMass Memorial system, but she focuses on eliminating health- care inequities among the organization's patient base. The newly created role requires high levels of adaptability and creativity, specialities which come naturally to Lasell, who is an accomplished artist and writer. Lasell has made her mark on virtually every corner of the Worcester community. Her art- work was included in Worcester's Black Lives Matter street mu- ral, for which she received a key to the city. Before UMass, she held a variety of leadership roles, including director positions at Worcester State University and YWCA Central Massachusetts, and an editor role at Davis Publications, where she worked for more than 10 years. In 2021, she volunteered on the Commit- tee to Elect Jermaine Johnson, who was the first Black man to be elected to Worcester's School Committee. - K.H. What movie best encapsulates your personality? "Moana" - Like Moana, I'm drawn to the water, can be pretty stubborn, and am always up for a big life challenge. What Central Mass. restaurant should everyone try? Bocado Tapas Wine Bar. The fried goat cheese and paella haunt my dreams. If you gave a keynote at a college graduation, what advice would you give? Travel, travel, travel! Get out and see the world now. Outside of your career and family, what has been your mar- quee life experience? Traveling to Honduras with my dad to volunteer with the medical relief group Cape CARES Hana Lasell, 39 Content strategist & writer for the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging UMass Memorial Health, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Boulder, Colo. College: Clark University Besides being a successful business owner, Norford has become a key leader in the Main South business community, playing an important role in the Worcester neighborhood's significant development over the past five years. Norford serves as the clerk and secretary of the Main South Business Association, a group of 34 businesses almost all owned by people of color. The association was established just before COVID-19 hit and became a crucial resource for Main South entrepreneurs to stay afloat during the pandemic. The association helps business owners build an online platform, access economic resources, and network. Norford is also on the board of directors for the Main South Community Development Corp., an integral economic resource for a neighborhood which has historically faced exclusion from Worcester's development plans and investment. Norford began working as a hairstylist at the age of 13, learning from her aunt, who owned her own salon in the Dominican Republic. She is a mother and active with her church's youth programming, where she helps provide education, food security, and exploratory trips around Worcester. - K.H. Would you prefer to live on the equator or Antartica? The equator, because I like the tropical weather. What do you think Worcester and the surrounding Central Massachusetts region will be like 10 years from now? It's going to be more diverse. What is the key to your success? God's grace What destination do you hope to visit in the next 25 years? Israel, Egypt, and Dubai, in the near future. And, of course, the Dominican Republic. Katia Norford, 39 Owner/property manager Carlitos's Barbershop/Canland Enterprises LLC, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Dominican Republic College: Salter College (978) 728-3969 CentralMAProductions.com CHEERS TO THE CLASS OF 2022 FROM THE ENTIRE TEAM AT CENTRAL MASS PRODUCTIONS! Congratulations to Matt Majikas, CMP President and 40 Under Forty Winner Class of 2022 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y

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