The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has announced that the second edition of the “Equity in The 413: The Western Massachusetts Racial Equity Summit” will take place in June 2025.
The first edition took place in 2023.
This event gathers business leaders, nonprofits, and community partners to discuss systemic issues and share solutions and strategies to help end racial inequity.
What is Equity in the 413?
“Equity in the 413 is a call-to-action to advance racial equity at the individual, organizational and regional levels.
The Western Massachusetts Racial Equity Summit will offer workshops that can deepen knowledge and align our efforts to achieve intersectional racial equity.
Authentic and mutually beneficial relationships are at the core of advancing racial equity; building connections between participants is a key goal of the event.
Accountability helps make change possible. Participants will be provided with resources and be challenged to develop action step.”
– From the summit organizers
What’s on the agenda?
Key topics include data-driven equity strategies, inclusive hiring practices, and fostering leadership diversity.
These discussions are designed to help organizations build workplaces where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.
Highlights from the 2023 summit
The 2023 summit attracted nearly 400 participants across Western MA.
They dove into discussions on how businesses can actively embrace racial equity, leveraging data and shared experiences to push the conversation beyond lip service.
The turnout and the engagement created a palpable feeling of momentum towards finally making real impact on some of the most stubborn situations of inequity, but participants over and over acknowledged that only sustained action would bring about the required changes.
The 2025 summit will provide pause to reflect on the commitments of 2023 and hopefully offer a continuation of the momentum created during impassioned sessions in the conference rooms of the Sheraton Springfield.
Reality check
Inequality in Western Massachusetts, like much of the U.S., shows up in disparities across income, education, and employment opportunities. The statistics we shared before the first summit, still reflect current trends.
Communities of color, especially Black and Latino residents, often face higher unemployment rates, lower access to quality education, and significant income gaps.
Housing affordability and access to healthcare further widen these divides. Structural barriers persist in many sectors, creating unequal outcomes in health, wealth, and well-being.
Why should you be concerned?
Addressing racial equity is not just a moral imperative for businesses—it’s a smart business strategy. Studies show that companies with diverse leadership teams consistently outperform their peers. For example, McKinsey found that businesses in the top quartile for ethnic diversity were 36% more likely to be profitable than those in the bottom quartile
Diversity drives better decision-making, fosters innovation, and improves employee engagement.
Additionally, focusing on equity can help small businesses in Western Massachusetts connect with a broader customer base and strengthen ties to the community.
By creating inclusive environments, companies not only enhance their brand reputation but also attract top talent from diverse backgrounds, ensuring long-term competitiveness
A call for community partners
As they gear up for the next summit in June 2025, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts is seeking community partners to collaborate on this growing initiative. The goal is to ensure the program reflects the unique challenges and opportunities within the region while fostering collective change.
For more information, visit Equity in the 413.
Photo: A scene from the 2023 Equity in the 413 Summit.
Courtesy: Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
