QCC celebrated Women's History Month with a series of events that brought together exceptional female leaders who shared their expertise and inspiring stories.
Strength in Unity: Building Leadership and Strong Networks for the Next Generation included multiple workshops and a women-owned business pop-up.
Own Your Brand: The Marketing Must-Haves for Growth was led by Harolyn Castillo, regional program manager at the Center for Women & Enterprise and Racquel T. Knight, founder and CEO of Own Your Legacy Ventures LLC.
A dynamic entrepreneur recognized for her refreshing and bold approach to business, Knight helps entrepreneurs create distinctive brands that reflect their authentic selves. As the former Director of the Central Massachusetts Women's Business Center, she implemented programs empowering women, particularly women of color, to embrace leadership and build wealth. Her commitment to education extends to founding the For One Child Foundation, which has provided crucial learning resources to over 1,300 children in rural Jamaica. Racquel's achievements have earned her multiple accolades including WBJ 40 Under 40 and the Massachusetts Commonwealth Heroine Award.
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Castillo shared her journey as a community builder and entrepreneur. She is also the founder of Verde Events, LLC and the creator of World of Foods Worcester. This community-centered event celebrates diverse cultural traditions through food, creating a vibrant and family-friendly environment that showcases Worcester's rich cultural tapestry.
Lupe Z. Lomeli presented The Invisible Load: A Conversation About Caregiving and Career, drawing from her extensive experience in student support. As Director of the Worcester Partnership at Bancroft School (and former QCC employee), Lupe brings nearly 15 years of expertise beginning with her work as a Consultant at ACT, Inc. A first-generation college graduate with a master's in counseling, she shared valuable insights on balancing professional demands with family life after becoming a mother at 42. Beyond her passion for transforming lives through education, Lupe applies her organizational talents to creating functional, serene spaces.
There were also four accomplished alumnae who returned to Quinsigamond Community College to share their diverse career paths and insights during a special Women's History Month panel discussion EmpowerHER. The event, organized by Career & Transfer Services Office in collaboration with the Office of Access & Opportunity, featured Tiffany Lillie ('10), Jess Favreau ('02), Giselle Rivera-Flores ('13), and Hazel Berry ('93), each representing different industries and experiences that began at QCC.
Tiffany Lillie, CEO of Girls Inc. Worcester, reflected on her unconventional career philosophy.
"I don't believe in choosing a career path because I've always felt like a wanderer at heart. When I don't love my work, it's time to look and move on," she shared. Tiffany credited QCC for creating a supportive environment, through services like tutoring and counseling, where she could "fail and try again" without judgment—something she appreciated more when she continued on at other institutions.
Jess Favreau, now a commercial loan officer at Baystate Bank, described her winding career path through restaurant management and police work before finding her home in banking.
"Every opportunity I've gotten is because somebody gave me a chance," Favreau emphasized. She noted that QCC served as her "beginning stepping stone into adulthood," teaching her organization and responsibility.
Giselle Rivera-Flores, currently Director of Communications for Senator Robyn Kennedy while pursuing law school, explained how QCC was "a foundational point" in her life. Coming from a family without higher education access, attending night classes while working full-time showed her that "higher education is accessible to everyone." She also emphasized the importance of finding a network of genuine connections.
"Every pivot and growth in my career is because of a mentor," said Rivera-Flores.
With 36 years in law enforcement, Hazel Berry shared how she became one of the first female officers in Worcester with a desire to help victims who felt like they didn't have a voice. Berry's QCC journey spanned decades—starting in 1971, taking occasional courses as a single mother, and finally graduating in 1993.
"At QCC I found people who I trusted and advised me," she said, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and building strong support networks.
Despite their different paths, all four alumni stressed the importance of authentic relationship-building and staying true to yourself on your professional and academic journey. Their stories highlighted QCC's role in providing access, support, and a foundation for success regardless of background or circumstance.