The Greater Boston Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is proud to spotlight Cesar Morocho as our Safety Professional of the Year. Since joining our chapter in 2020, Cesar has shown an unwavering dedication to promoting safety and health in the workplace and beyond, particularly through his significant contributions to our student community.
Early Contributions and Leadership at UMass Lowell
Cesar’s journey with the ASSP began as the Student Section President at UMass Lowell, a role he held from 2020 to 2022. During his tenure, Cesar spearheaded numerous initiatives that greatly enhanced the engagement and professional development of students in the field of safety. His efforts in student recruitment and the organization of student-led meetings allowed graduate students to present their research topics, fostering a rich environment of learning and peer-to-peer exchange.
Moreover, Cesar played a crucial role in promoting participation in Greater Boston Chapter meetings and our scholarship fundraisers. His effective dissemination of information about ASSP Foundation scholarships helped many students seize opportunities for further education and professional growth. Cesar’s leadership was instrumental in UMass Lowell’s application for the 2021-22 Outstanding Student Section Award, highlighting the significant achievements under his guidance.
Advancing Chapter Goals as Student Affairs Liaison
After graduating, Cesar transitioned to a pivotal role within our chapter as the Student Affairs Liaison. In this capacity, he has been a linchpin in overseeing the Chapter Scholarship Awards and coordinating funding efforts to support our Student Sections. His proactive approach in conducting both in-person and virtual meetings has been vital in recruiting new members and informing them about scholarship opportunities.
Cesar’s initiative in securing funding for student-focused events and training tools, like the heat stress monitoring equipment for UMass Lowell, underscores his commitment to practical, hands-on education in safety. This equipment not only enhances training but also supports UMass Lowell’s continuous recognition for excellence, as seen in their 2023-24 Outstanding Student Section Award application.
Supporting Research and Professional Engagement
Beyond his roles in student support and chapter administration as the current Secretary for the 2024-25 term, Cesar has also led significant initiatives to fund student research. His efforts to provide two students with $500 each to support their innovative research ideas demonstrates his belief in the importance of academic research in advancing our field.
Additionally, Cesar’s collaboration with the UMass Lowell Director of the Industrial Engineering program to engage new engineering students highlights his forward-thinking approach. By offering first-year free memberships to students in the Occupational Ergonomics concentration, he opens doors for the next generation of safety professionals.
A Pillar of the Greater Boston Chapter
Cesar’s extensive involvement and leadership in the Greater Boston Chapter and his contributions to social media communication further amplify his impact. His consistent efforts to document and disseminate information about our chapter’s initiatives have made him an indispensable member of our community.
As we celebrate Cesar Morocho’s achievements and his receipt of the Safety Professional of the Year Award, we recognize not just his contributions but also his passion for nurturing a culture of safety that reaches far beyond our local chapter. His work ensures that the future of the safety profession is bright, inclusive, and increasingly innovative.
Congratulations, Cesar, and thank you for your unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to our community!