Worcester Business Journal

26 Worcester Business Journal | August 20, 2018 | wbjournal.com F O C U S 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Jansky lives to volunteer, so it's no surprise she is most well known for her accomplishments at places like the Young Professional Women's Association, Friendly House, Veterans, Inc. and the Worcester Animal Rescue League. Yet, in her day job at WHA, Jansky has transitioned the agency to a paperless payroll system, implemented an employee portal for staff and created new training and employee engagement programs. She will send staff hand-written cards for their birthdays. In her two-year stint on the YPWA board – including the last year as president – membership increased 50 percent. In the three years she served as chairwoman of WARL's Wagtime committee, fundraising increased 140 percent to $55,000 annually. At Friendly House, Jansky runs the wish- list donation every holiday season to provide gifts totalling more than $10,000 to 17 families, and she negotiated the donation of a $6,000 designer closet for the nonprofit's Elm Street shelter. Jansky is a member-at-large of the Leicester Economic Development Committee, focusing on development amid historic preservation. – B.K. From judge Michael Arnum: "As Worcester's indefatigable voice for the homeless, Erin has personified a contagious compassion for her cause." Were you a straight-A student? Definitely not. I was bored in school. Boredom is the kiss of death for me. However, I loved and got straight As in my MBA program! What TV character is most like you? I've been told I'm a funnier, less scatterbrained version of Leslie Knope from "Parks and Recreation." We both love waffles. Erin Jansky, 36 Director of human resources Worcester Housing Authority Lives: Leicester Birthplace: Sao Paulo, Brazil (while her parents were there on business) Colleges: University of Rhode Island, UMass Amherst Kelleher, whose family owns George's Coney Island, was just 27 when she bought Crust Bake Shop from her boss last year, after starting as a baker in 2014. She entered the baking world after she graduated with an English degree from Wellesley College, taking a four-month baking class in Vermont and moving to Charlottesville, Va. for a baking externship. Now, Crust supplies bread to Worcester restaurants like deadhorse hill and Armsby Abbey, and her goal is to elevate the thriving Worcester foodie scene with her baked goods. Last month, Kelleher opened North Main Provisions, an artisan wine- and-cheese shop next door to Crust after a consignment store moved out of the space at the beginning of the year. Through the shop, she offers a variety of local food items, supporting local businesses. Kelleher volunteers and donates gift cards or gift baskets to organizations like Abby's House, Worcester Art Museum and UMass Memorial's Cancer Walk. Leftover bread is routinely donated to shelters. – Z.C. From judge Milka Njoroge: "Alexis is a successful business owner at a young age who is generous and committed to the community." Where would you like to travel? Italy. I am enjoying lots of exported foods from Italy, and I have heard everything is more beautiful and delicious when you actually have it there! Which movie character is most like you? Mary Poppins. I subconsciously live by lessons in that film. As a baker, a spoonful of sugar (or a chocolate chip cookie) is enough to get me through the day with a smile on my face! Alexis Kelleher, 28 Owner Crust Bakeshop and North Main Provisions, Worcester Lives: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester Colleges: Wellesley College, New England Culinary Institute Photo taken at Worcester Arts Magnet School.

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