The Castle Group

Castle’s Sandy Lish was in Geneva with our industry partners from the Public Relations Global Network, our exclusive PR agency network of firms on six continents. We spent four productive days collaborating to continually up our game to bring the world’s best PR strategies, insights, and market expertise to all of our clients.  From enriching discussions on topics such as AI, public affairs and sustainability (which featured the United Nations Global Compact), to celebrating industry excellence with traditional Swiss flair, our Fall Conference was the perfect blend of inspiration, innovation and connection. Welcome to our three new partner agencies A.wordsmith, Moore Agency, and Marlow Insight and thank you to our host agency Cabinet Privé de Conseils s.a., #PRGNGeneva, this year’s president Natacha Clarac of Athenora Consulting, and of course the amazing Gabor Jelinek. 

ICYMI BOND Civil & Utility Construction is redefining safety training with cutting-edge VR technology. Thanks to their innovative partnership with Pixaera, over 400 team members have already trained in this groundbreaking environment, sharpening their ability to make fast, life-saving decisions on the job. Catch WBZ | CBS Boston’s Mike Sullivan’s coverage for a deeper dive with our clients on how they’re using virtual reality to transform construction safety. ⬇ https://lnkd.in/etY2MF_K

The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation (ACF)’s inaugural gala was more than a celebration—it was a statement. A statement of progress, visibility, and the unstoppable power of community. Bringing together AAPI leaders, partners, and allies to recognize the incredible strides Castle Client ACF is making as the only philanthropic fund dedicated to serving the AAPI community in Massachusetts, it was a night to remember. From championing initiatives like the The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation (ABEC) to the AAPI Arts and Culture Collaborative, ACF is paving the way for real, community-led change. The incredible evening included guest chefs, cultural performances, and a powerful keynote address from Mayor Michelle Wu, highlighting the impact ACF has in advocating and advancing AAPI representation, leadership and narrative change across the state. A huge congratulations to Danielle Kim, Executive Director of ACF, Qingjian Shi, Senior Director of ABEC, and Gala Co-Chairs Renee Inomata (she/her) and Raj Sharma, CIMA® for curating such a special event, and to the entire ACF team—your dedication is moving mountains for the AAPI community! And a standing ovation for Geeta Aiyer and Bob Rivers—two visionaries recognized for their unwavering commitment to equity and justice. Your leadership continues to inspire us all.

A new chapter is here for healthcare in Merrimack Valley and Massachusetts!    It was an honor to join Dr. Abha Agrawal, MD, FACP, FACHE and the Lawrence General Hospital team to mark the integration of Holy Family Hospitals in Haverhill and Methuen to create a regional nonprofit healthcare system committed to high-quality and equitable care for our most vulnerable communities.   Creating a new system that will deliver patient-centered care, preserve frontline jobs, and invest in critical facility and technology infrastructure requires collaboration, leadership, and innovation. The heart, soul and energy of the leadership and team at Lawrence General is inspiring.   Thank you to Lawrence General’s Board Chair Rosemarie Day and Vice Chair Dan Rivera for your work to make this happen.

As we reflect on the one-year mark since the devastating attacks of October 7th, 2023, we stand united in support of peace and resilience. Governor Maura Healey’s statement reminds us of the importance of standing in solidarity with our community. Photo credit: Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey

“The most important thing is to recognize the sensitivity of the day and how it might resonate with or impact all of your stakeholders.” Leaders everywhere are navigating whether – and how – to address the one-year anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel. Gravity Research shows companies are pulling back from political and cultural issues, and colleges/universities are adopting stances of neutrality. The challenge? Striking the right balance in communications around sensitive topics. Our Principal/Co-founder Sandy Lish spoke with Eleanor Hawkins for this week's Axios newsletter to discuss the intentionality and planning that must occur within corporations and colleges, and at what point commenting is necessary. Whether you are in a lecture hall or a board room, Sandy reminds that “it’s critical to have policies, enforce the policies and communicate about what those policies are, so that there’s no surprises and there’s no having to figure things out on the fly.” Read more of Sandy’s insights in two articles from this week’s newsletter: 'Corporate America is staying silent on Oct. 7 anniversary' and 'Universities embrace "neutrality" ahead of Oct. 7' https://lnkd.in/eN9RhSwQ

Our Castle friends at 2Life Communities are statewide leaders when it comes to providing seniors and their families with affordable housing options in Massachusetts. Great story below from Jeff Shaw at Seniors Housing Business outlining how 2Life and other senior housing organizations are creatively and aggressively addressing the senior housing gap through mixed-income housing, policy advocacy and responsive tax credits. Read more below to see insights from 2Life CEO Amy Schectman and other senior housing leaders! https://lnkd.in/eJHtK-kX

Our team joined the region’s business leaders at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Forum featuring Mayor Michelle Wu. In a speech and fireside chat with Chamber CEO Jim Rooney, we gained insight into Mayor Wu’s plans to strengthen Boston’s reputation as a great place to do business, and what opportunities and challenges are ahead as we work together to achieve our housing, workforce, and climate goals.    Ahead of the forum, we joined City Awake at the Roundtable Discussion with Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets for the City of Boston, to learn how City Hall is planning and implementing new transportation infrastructure for a more connected Boston.

Trailblazer. Mother. CEO. Our dear friend Vanessa Calderon-Rosado does it all! If you have 23 minutes, give Candy O'Terry's latest episode of The Story Behind Her Success a listen for an inspiring conversation with Vanessa. 

As a part its 40th anniversary, Boston Women's Fund sought to recognize 40 leaders who have contributed to advancing racial, gender, economic, and social justice in Greater Boston. Congratulations to all of the Leading Us Towards Liberation Honorees, especially Sandra McCroom, president and CEO of Children's Services of Roxbury, Inc., Andrea Swain, chief impact officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, and Miriam Ortiz, MPP, director of education and training at Just A Start – your work to ensure your communities flourish is inspiring! Thank you to Natanja Craig Oquendo, Alexandra Auguste, and the rest of the BWF team for your intentional efforts to recognize unsung heroes driving meaningful change. We look forward to celebrating these leaders with BWF tomorrow night!