Worcester's Stories of Adversity and Healing (WOOSAH) - 2027

Worcester's Stories of Adversity and Healing (WOOSAH) is WEC's official Equity Summit, bringing together educators, youth workers, advocates, and community leaders who are committed to creating learning environments where all students feel seen, supported, and able to thrive.

This summit invites attendees to deepen their understanding of how trauma, adversity, and out-of-school experiences shape learning, behavior, and educational outcomes. Through storytelling, research-informed discussions, and shared reflection, attendees will explore what it truly means to lead with empathy and to center students’ lived experiences in education.

Participants will engage with powerful local stories of adversity and healing, learn from practitioners and thought leaders in trauma-informed education, and examine how policies and systems can either hinder or support student success. The summit will emphasize healing-centered, culturally responsive approaches that move beyond awareness and toward meaningful change.

Most importantly, WOOSAH is designed to turn learning into action. Attendees will leave with a stronger foundation in trauma-informed practice and a clearer understanding of how to advocate for updated policies and legislation that prioritize student well-being—locally and statewide.

This is more than a convening. It is a call to listen, reflect, and act—together—on behalf of Worcester’s students.

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Sponsorship opportunities for this conference are currently available. We encourage you to explore those at www.wecollaborative.org or reach out directly to jennifer.herring@wecollaborative.org.