Keynote speaker: Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenya,
Author, Jenks Chair in Contemporary American letters, The College of The Holy Cross

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is a New York Times bestselling author and the Jenks Chair in Contemporary American Letters at the College of the Holy Cross. Nana Kwame was raised in Spring Valley, New York, and earned his MFA in Fiction from Syracuse University.

His debut short story collection, Friday Black, a New York Times bestseller, received both the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award and the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. His debut novel, Chain-Gang All-Stars, a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction and was named one of The New York Times' Top Ten Books of the Year. The dystopian novel explores the intersections of race, gender, incarceration, consumerism, media, and capitalism, challenging readers to examine complex societal issues. 

Recognized as one of the National Book Foundation’s prestigious “5 Under 35” honorees, Nana Kwame continues to distinguish himself as an influential voice in contemporary American literature. Through his faculty residency at Holy Cross, he brings his unique literary perspective and thought-provoking storytelling to students, faculty, and the broader academic community.
 

MISSION STATEMENT Diverse Professionals Roundtable (DPR) is a professional program of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, committed to the development of professional and personal relationships among leaders of racial and ethnic diversity in Central Massachusetts. The program serves as a resource for the vibrant business, educational, and civic community of Central Massachusetts on diversity-related issues critical to building inclusive organizations and peaceful communities. Through roundtable discussions and planned events targeted to advancing diversity and encouraging underrepresented emerging professionals, DPR members grow and expand their influence and make a positive impact on the Worcester community.