From Workforce Readiness to AI: Convocation Sets the Stage for 2025
Friday, September 12, 2025
Bunker Hill Community College held its annual Employee Convocation on Thursday, August 28, 2025, bringing faculty, staff, and administrators together to kick off the new academic year.
The day opened with breakfast, a land acknowledgement, and welcoming remarks from President Pam Eddinger and Provost James Canniff. Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones delivered the keynote address, “Building an Inclusive, Skilled and Prosperous Workforce,” emphasizing the critical role of community colleges in shaping the state’s workforce pipeline.
The Secretary outlined four major workforce strategies that the Healey-Driscoll Administration is advancing in partnership with institutions like BHCC: collaborative grant programs, expanded registered apprenticeships, increased investments in ESOL for Work, and deeper regional coordination through MassHire. She celebrated BHCC’s active role in each area, including its healthcare training partnerships, surgical tech pipeline, new CNA apprenticeship initiative, and its commitment to adult education and recredentialing.
The morning also included a faculty and staff panel on Strengthening Student Workforce Readiness, featuring insights from leaders in academic affairs, advising, and career development. Facilitated by R. Arlene Vallie, Associate Provost, Chelsea Campus, the panelists included Aurora Bautista, Faculty, Behavioral Sciences, and Ethnographies of Work Faculty Co-Coordinator; Teresa Lefebvre, Director, Internships and Career Development; Kristen McKenna, Dean, Workforce and Economic Development; and Christina Hannon, Career Advising Coordinator, Advising & LifeMap.
A highlight of the day was Professor Ashley Paul's presentation, co-chair of the BHCC AI Commission, which was created to explore, evaluate, and develop actionable strategies for integrating and ethically applying AI technologies within the College’s environment and across its teaching, student services, and administrative operations. Faculty and staff then participated in table discussions about how artificial intelligence is influencing their roles and how the college can best prepare students for an AI-enhanced workplace.
Convocation also celebrated community achievements with the introduction of new employees, employees in new roles, and the 2025 Commonwealth Citation for Outstanding Performance, which honors employees who go above and beyond in their service to the people of Massachusetts. These recipients make significant contributions that improve efficiency, enhance public service, and strengthen communities.
Individual honorees included:
- Monica Anand, Staff Associate, Public Safety
- Sara Blackwood, Coordinator of Instructional Technology (Simulation Lab Specialist), Health Sciences
- Laura Boucher, EDP Systems Analyst IV, Technology Support Services
- Misael Carrasquillo, Assistant Director, Success Fund
- Peter King, EDP Systems Analyst IV, Network Operations
- Agi Simon, Senior Director, Grants Management
- Chi Ha Nguyen, Administrative Assistant II, Student Affairs
- William Pendergast, Associate Director, Learning Commons
- Zainab Salejwala, Program Coordinator (Senior Special Programs Coordinator), Student Affairs
- Kevin Wery, Senior Director, College Events and Cultural Planning
- Colleen Yee, Director, Retention & LifeMap
In addition to individual recognition, the BHCC Facilities Management Department was honored. The group included:
- Denis P. Bastien, Maintenance Equipment Operator I
- Gary A. Bigelow, Chief Facilities Planning Officer
- Bernard G. Boudreau, Painter II
- Leonard Cardarelli, Head of Building Maintenance
- John A. Chirichiello, Director
- Omar E. Cruz, Maintenance Working Foreman
- Richard J. Cuevas, Maintainer III
- Joseph A. DeCristoforo, Head of Grounds Service Section
- Endy Gomez Vergara, Painter I
- Carlos G. Hernandez, Maintenance Equipment Operator I
- Jose R. Lopez, Maintenance Equipment Operator I
- Brian J. McGonagle, Carpenter I
- Caroline O'Brien, Administrative Assistant II
- Jose N. Portillo, Maintainer III
- Heather P. Tortola, Director of Facilities Planning, Construction, and Energy Management
BHCC proudly celebrates the honorees for their outstanding performance.
To view the presentation of new hires and appointments, visit the BHCC Intranet.