Reading, MA—Established in 2022, Reading’s Office of Equity & Social Justice has been at the heart of community-wide educational programs and celebrations that raise awareness and ensure Reading remains and grows as a more welcoming place for all. Notable events include the Juneteenth Freedom Festival, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Reading Reflect, and Overcoming Hurdles to Disability Inclusion.
On October 16, Albert W. Pless, Jr., will begin as the Director for Equity & Social Justice. The Director fosters and supports a Reading culture of equity, diversity, and belonging by developing and supporting programs and initiatives that educate, empower, and connect the community.
Please join us in welcoming Albert to Reading at a Meet and Greet with light refreshments on Wednesday, October 18 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the Community Room of the Reading Public Library.
“The Town went through a rigorous candidate recruitment process, and we are extremely proud to announce that Mr. Albert Pless will be replacing Dr. Sudeshna Chatterjee as the Director of Equity and Social Justice,” said Fidel Maltez, Town Manager. “The Town is very excited to support Mr. Albert Pless as he transitions into this critical position. Mr. Pless is an expert in the field, and brings incredible professional and lived experience that will be an asset to the Town and our residents. We look forward to celebrating Mr. Pless and his success in Reading!”
Albert W. Pless, Jr., is an Adjunct Professor at the Tufts School of Medicine Online MPH program and a guest lecturer at the Tufts School of Community Health. He has over 25 years of experience working in community-based programs in the Greater Boston area. Previously, he was the Inaugural Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Town of Andover, Massachusetts. In addition, he directed nationally recognized Community Health Worker programs for Black and Latino men at both the Boston Public Health
Commission and Cambridge Public Health Departments. He is on numerous boards and committees, including Harvard Catalyst and the Men’s Health and Black Health Care Workers Caucuses of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Albert has committed his entire professional career to addressing health and racial inequities. He received his Master of Science degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH.
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The Reading Public Library is committed to evolving together to strengthen communication, equity, collaboration, and learning in our community. Our mission is to be a center and resource for learning and civic engagement. We provide a place and platform of, by, and for the people who can benefit as individuals as well as contribute to the well-being of the community. We work to achieve these goals and commitments by focusing on education, equity, accountability, and access.
