Annual Report - 2006
MetroWest Alliance for Workforce Diversity (MAWD)

MAWD continues the passion, mission, and growth started in 2000. I am most pleased with the transition that occurred in the last year; I, moving to the former chair position, Nancy Morse-Bey moving to the chair position, Paula Axelrod moving to the Chair-elect position; along with the other new officers. As a result, the adopted MAWD By-Laws were of great value in allowing this transition to occur smoothly.

Steps towards MAWD self actualization occurred with the establishment and collections of membership dues. It was also a great accomplishment of the organization to achieve the implementation of programs around the MAWD website, new membership recruiting and orientation, and fulfilling the obligation we had to programs such as the MetroWest Leadership Academy.

The By-Laws were slightly changed to hold election of new officers every two years as opposed to every year. This is a sign of the organization being able to handle changes effectively. Combined with the modification in handling planning to better achieve the mission, goals, and objectives, leads me to believe that MAWD has grown and matured.

The twelve general meeting were improved upon my having the Host discuss their Diversity best practices. This is in addition to members discussing and sharing ideas about their individual companies and groups programs of interest to the general body. It is much appreciated that these hosts extended their time and effort to host these general meetings. My thanks to The TJX Companies, BJ’s, South Middlesex Men’s Club, South Middlesex NAACP, Danforth Museum, MetroWest Medical Center, SELECTSTAFF, Staples, Breakthrough Partners, Pape Communication and T.A. Wilson Associate for hosting in the past year.

The coming year is full of anticipation of further maturing and growth in carrying out MAWD mission, goals, and objectives. Many new programs are being developed to rollout under Nancy’s leadership, along with continuing those programs that have shown great results. Among these programs are our monthly meeting agenda, our planning process, MetroWest Resource Guide and our recruitment efforts.

Respectfully Submitted,
Rod Flakes, Immediate Past Chair