Press Release  Massachusetts Commission for the Blind Announces Draper as Employer Partnership Award Recipient

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) announced the 2023 recipient of the annual Employer Partnership Award, Draper, at the closing ceremony for MCB’s annual summer internship program. This ceremony celebrated 60 interns in the 2023 class who now join the ranks of more than 800 interns since the program’s inception in 2003.

MCB’s Employer Partnership Award is presented annually to a Massachusetts employer that has shown a commitment to diversifying its workforce by providing internship and employment opportunities in the past year to residents of the Commonwealth who are legally blind.

Frank Serna, Vice President and General Manager of Air Force and Missile Defense Strategic Programs, accepted the award on behalf of Draper. Draper, a non-profit engineering innovation company, has partnered with MCB and hosted software developer interns for the past four years. After hosting one intern for two consecutive years, the company offered him a job as a software developer upon his college graduation.

“Employer partners are an important part of the MCB community,” said MCB Acting Commissioner John Oliveira. “Draper has partnered with us consistently since 2019, even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide internship and employment opportunities for our consumers. This commitment highlights the company’s dedication to building an inclusive workforce and accessible workplace.”

“Draper is honored to be the recipient of this important award and to be a partner to the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind,” said Draper Chief Diversity Officer Aisha Losche. “We strive to build new ways to ensure an accessible and accommodating workplace across all of our campuses - one where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and has equal opportunities to participate."

Draper is one of hundreds of Massachusetts employers that work with MCB and are committed to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired. Other participating employers work in medicine, education, human services, banking, technology, hospitality, and food preparation.

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