About the Training Institute

The Worcester Trauma, Resiliency & Racial Equity Institute connects community members and public health professionals in Greater Worcester through unique racial equity training and support networks.

Since inception, we have adapted our model in response to feedback from participants and local contributors. We are happy to offer trainings led by the community and tailored to meet our local needs.

Looking to build your skills in racial equity and resiliency?

Check out our upcoming opportunities →

  • 4-sessions, 10-hours total, virtual course

    This training introduces core concepts related to trauma, resiliency, and racial equity, including the use of cohorts broken into professional sectors (such as healthcare, human services, youth serving agencies, etc.) and racial affinity groups.

    You must take this training prior to Supporting Change Agents or Community of Practice.

  • 6-month series designed to support graduates of the Foundational Training to:

    a) apply training in racial equity to specific projects within their professional or personal work, including developing racial equity leadership teams within organizations and designing public or private advocacy campaigns, OR

    b) participate in a train-the-trainer program and explore joining our facilitation team, expanding local capacity for delivering racial equity curriculum.

  • A year-long series for graduates of the Foundational Training and Supporting Change Agents

    This course is designed to include continued learning, affinity spaces for further processing, and peer support for confronting challenges with application of principles.

  • We also develop custom courses for your specific organizational needs. To book a training for your team, email:

Our curriculum is designed to build cumulatively, beginning with our Foundational Training and followed by either Supporting Change Agents or Community of Practice.

“This is just so well organized and well done. There is a good mix of learning styles incorporated. I love the continued breakout rooms with the addition of affinity groups.”

— Testimonial from a Foundational Course participant

Meet the Facilitators

  • Casey Burns

    Casey, Director of the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester, is a Clark University alumna with extensive experience in program management and community organizing. Her prior role as Director of Programs for the Regional Environmental Council has prepared her to engage with community members, organizations, and institutions to implement the Greater Worcester Community Health Improvement Plan through the Coalition.

  • Laura Martínez

    Laura Martínez is the founder of Martínez Consulting in Worcester, MA, an Afro-Latinx founded organization focused on racial equity trainings, food policy, and financial literacy. Laura works on the REACH (link) grant, serving Worcester's Latinx population for three years. She is also a graduate student at Georgetown University.

  • Rob Jones

    Robert T. Jones is a consultant with expertise in Inclusion and Diversity/Organizational Effectiveness. He previously served as the Program Director for the National Conference for Community and Justice in Rhode Island and Southeastern New England Region. Today, he is the Chief Empowerment Officer at T. Lee Associates, an international education consulting company. Robert has conducted strategic development trainings in diverse settings and holds a degree from Boston University. He is dedicated to building lasting bridges between people of different backgrounds.

  • Raquel Castro-Corazzini

    Raquel is the founding director of the City of Worcester’s Division of Youth Opportunities, promoting equitable access to community programs for Worcester’s youth. With over a decade of experience as a consultant, she works towards creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments for organizations and institutions. Her accolades include the 2019 Healthy Greater Worcester Health Equity Award, the 2017 City of Worcester Municipal Employee of the Year Award, and the 2011 Lewis Hines Award. Raquel holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Worcester State University and a master’s in Urban Planning from Boston University.