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2026 Convocation

MCLA's opening-of-the-year tradition where new and first-year students symbolically walk through the campus gates to mark the start of their academic journey.

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Convocation

Convocation Details

Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 11 a.m. in the Amsler Campus Center Gym.

Guest Speaker, Brett Random

Brett RandomBrett Random, MSW is a social work leader with more than 20 years of experience serving Berkshire County through mission-driven organizations dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities. Grounded in family- and community-centered practice, her leadership is guided by an inclusive, strengths-based approach that values diverse perspectives, builds collaborative partnerships, and advances community resilience. With over eight years of executive leadership experience, Brett is recognized as an innovative leader, mentor, and advocate for equitable systems that create lasting opportunities for children and families. She was appointed by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as a Commonwealth Heroine and has been recognized by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus for her leadership and commitment to advancing equity in the Commonwealth. 

 Brett earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies of Children and Families from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a Master of Social Work in Clinical Social Work from Westfield State University. She also holds a certificate in Organizational Leadership from Harvard Business School Online and a certificate in Whole Community Leadership, bringing expertise in organizational development, systems thinking, and collaborative leadership. 
  
Brett currently serves as the Executive Director of Berkshire County Head Start Child Development Program, Inc., where she leads innovative strategies to expand access to high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive family services. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Massachusetts Head Start Association Board of Directors, advocating for Head Start programs and families across the Commonwealth, and as a member of the Greylock Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. Through her leadership and board service, Brett is committed to advancing policies, partnerships, and initiatives that empower families and strengthen communities throughout Berkshire County.