Two-time Alumna Michaela Grady '20 M'21 serves as the liaison between WSU and the City of Westfield

Two-time Alumna Michaela Grady has a deep-rooted connection to Westfield State University. Grady graduated from Westfield State with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology in 2020 and then her Master’s in Criminal Justice in 2021. During her time at WSU, she ran for the Cross-Country team all four years and was on the Track and Field team her first year.  

Grady started her position as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Coordinator for the City of Westfield in August of 2022. In 2022 Westfield received $367,902 in block grant funds, which were used for activities to benefit low- and moderate-income individuals and address community development needs. As the CDBG Coordinator, she assists in the implementation of Westfield's CDBG program. Serving as the primary point of contact for grantees or people interested in applying to one of the grants programs. In addition, she coordinates the implementation of grant policy guidelines and administrative procedures, as well as plans and monitors compliance, financial management, citizen participation, subrecipient monitoring, and assist in preparing plans and reports.  

Grady recently began a new role as a liaison between the City and Westfield State University Administration. Mayor McCabe and President Thompson have been making successful efforts to promote and increase participation in the "Town Gown" Partnership. Her role has been to serve as a contact person from the city to participate in collaborative efforts with the University. “My vision for this liaison role is to not only facilitate effective and meaningful communication between the City and University regarding upcoming events, partnerships, or other relevant topics of interest and concern, but also to promote positive interactions between community members and University students at partnership events.” said Grady.  

 One of her goals for the Town Gown Partnership is to increase participation in both City events and University events such as public concerts, art displays, fundraisers, presentations, guest lectures, etc. This would help foster a sense of community among Westfield residents and University students, where each can appreciate each other’s role and value within the city “As a two-time Alumna of Westfield State and now a member of the Westfield community, it means so much to me to be able to give back to the community in my day-to-day work.”