The Berkshire 25
The Berkshire 25
Alicia Ginsberg
is Director of Early Education and Care( EEC) Career Pathways Grant & Initiatives at Berkshire Community College, supporting childcare workers to achieve certification or a degree. Working with Berkshire HeadStart and Luminary Evaluation, she explores ways to increase capacity and employer partnerships. Alicia helped United Way secure the Employer Childcare Innovation Fund Grant and coordinates the Girls Unity Squad for girls of color ages 5 – 12 to build identity and community. She also represents BCC on a statewide Interagency Taskforce focusing on student-parent support. BCC Vice President Laurie Gordy notes,“ Alicia’ s work has truly enhanced the quality of childcare educators in Berkshire County.”
Danielle Gonzalez
is Chief Human Resources Officer at Williams College, shaping its culture and leadership since 2018. She invests her expertise throughout Berkshire County, previously serving as Chair of the 1Berkshire Board of Directors and currently a member of the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Regional Advisory Board. Danielle also sits on the Board of Trustees of Berkshire Community College( BCC), where she chairs the Governance Committee. Christina Wynn, BCC Vice President, Administration and Finance, and Berkshire 25 alumnus, notes,“ Danielle has the rare ability to connect people with different perspectives, inspire collaboration, and move ideas into action. She is a trusted voice among leaders across higher education, business, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector.”
Laurie Gordy advances student success as Berkshire Community College’ s Vice President for Academic Affairs. She builds community partnerships, including the Berkshire Innovation Center’ s Tech AMP program with MIT. Her initiatives help expand enrollment and graduation rates through Free Community College and Supporting Urgent Community College Equity through Student Services( SUCCESS) programs. Dr. Gordy supports women’ s leadership and participated in the NAACP’ s White Learning Circle. She past-chaired the Massachusetts Community College Chief Academic Officers Council and serves on the BART Charter Public School Board. BCC President Hara Charlier notes,“ What most distinguishes Laurie Gordy is her ability to bring people together around a shared purpose.”
Julia Keosaian’ s
unwavering dedication and commitment to the families of Berkshire County as Executive Director of Berkshire Nursing Families( BNF) has made an extraordinary impact, expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, adding free programs and increasing access to essential services regardless of income, language, or background. Julia is a collaborative community partner who works alongside local hospitals, healthcare providers and fellow nonprofits including Berkshire Health Systems, Northern Berkshire Pediatrics, WIC, Early Intervention, It Takes a Village, and Latinas 413.“ Julia’ s leadership helps build a healthier, more connected Berkshire County,” says BNF Executive Assistant Alana Boyd.
Ethan Klepetar
is a partner at Arienti & Klepetar and pro-bono counsel to Berkshire Immigrant Center and former chair of their Advisory Board. He is Becket’ s Town Moderator and mentors those starting nonprofit organizations. A Crane Honorary Life Trustee and former Berkshire Museum Board President, his vision of an inclusive space was realized with its recent renovation and reopening this summer. Ethan also serves on the Berkshire Taconic Foundation Board.“ Ethan is dedicated to making the Berkshires a place where people can live, work, play, and thrive,” says Adam Klepetar, VP at Berkshire Community College, past Berkshire 25, and Ethan’ s brother!
Gary Levante was the first Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Berkshire Bank, now Beacon Bank, where he created the Employee Volunteer Program. He currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer and Trustee of the Beacon Bank Foundation. Gary is Chair of America’ s Charities, Vice Chair of the Pittsfield Community Development Board, and serves on the Massachusetts Bankers Association Legislative Committee and Berkshire Omega Corporation Board.“ Gary exemplifies strategic leadership, community impact, and a deep commitment to service,” says Beacon Bank Foundation Director Lori Kiely, who is a past Berkshire 25 honoree.“ His role encompasses what drives him: passion meeting purpose.”
60 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2026