Nonprofit Center Launches Equity Academy

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — In more than one survey, Berkshire nonprofit leaders indicated strong demand for training in DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging). As a result, Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires is partnering with André Lynch and the Berkshire Equity Association to launch a training series that runs from September 2025 through April 2026.

The Agents of Change: Equity Academy includes 6 workshops, individual coaching to assist in achieving organizational goals, and a culminating sharing and "Equity Activator" certificate presentation.

The cost of the series is largely underwritten by The Barr Foundation, Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Guardian Life, and Milltown Foundation. The cost per organization (for up to three participating individuals) is $500. Some scholarships may be available based on financial need.

"This type of robust training is normally very expensive," said NPC executive director Liana Toscanini.  "By partnering with a group of local funders, we are able to offer a high-quality program that’s affordable for nonprofit organizations and work alongside the Berkshire Equity Association as they pilot their framework for fostering equitable practices."

The 6 workshops (3 in-person and 3 virtual) address the following topics: DEI Fundamentals, recognizing and addressing microaggressions, unpacking organizational culture, serving diverse communities, measuring and communicating DEIB impact, reflection and presentation. 

Facilitators include André Lynch (DEIB consultant and coach, and Vice Provost of Institutional Equity & Belonging at MCLA), Michael Obasohan (M.Ed, Chief Diversity Officer for City of Pittsfield), and Sharron Frazier-McClain (Director of Community Engagement & DEIA at Barrington Stage Co.).

Berkshire nonprofit organizations are invited to apply through July 15 and will be notified by the end of July. A maximum of 20 organizations will be chosen for this initial cohort. More information about the program and application process can be found online https://npcberkshires.org/workshops/agents-of-change-equity-academy/

Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele12:17PM / Saturday, October 03, 2026

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.

EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.

 

William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building. 

 

Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.

 

"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.

 

"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."

 

Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.

 

For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series.