2023
WINNER
Marlina Duncan
Vice chancellor, diversity and inclusion, and chief diversity officer
UMass Chan Medical School, in Worcester
Residence: Whitinsville
Education: Bachelor's degree in biology from Westfield State University; doctorate in science
education from UMass Amherst
Who's career would you most like to emulate? Joan Fuller, former director of the urban
education program at Westfield State University; and Sandra Petersen, professor at UMass
Amherst and former executive director for the Northeast Alliance for Graduate Education and the
Professoriate. Both were life-changing administrators, and women who made an impact while
serving as positive role models and mentors.
What are the main obstacles women face to success in the workplace? Lack of
representation and biases in business. Women are often striving alone in industries and
businesses dominated by men. Many women, especially women of color, are facing a double
bias. This in turn creates difficulties when it comes to advancement, obtaining funding,
establishing partnerships, and networking.
What advice would you give to a woman just entering the workforce? "Success is liking
yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." - Maya Angelou
