Worcester Business Journal

12 Worcester Business Journal | August 19, 2019 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y Sydney Elisa Vongphakdy (left) reads to 40 Under Forty winners and an alumnus at the Worcester Public Library. Raised in Pennsylvania, Meyer first came to Central Mass. to study at WPI, where he majored in biomedical engineering. His career dream, he always knew, was in teaching. Over six years at Clinton High School, Meyer taught math, became the department chair, then added duties as wrestling coach, freshman baseball coach, junior varsity softball coach, football coach and summer enrichment coordinator. His ambitions led him to quickly become, at 36, the second youngest school superintendent in the state when he became top official in the Athol-Royalston Regional School District, where he oversaw the construction of a new elementary school and attracted the district's first school turnaround grant, which brought in $1.2 million. Since 2017, he's been the superintendent in Clinton, a district with more than 1,800 students, where he's implemented a program to provide a computer for each student. Meyer volunteers for the Clinton Rotary Club and as a soccer and baseball coach for his sons' teams. He serves as an incorporator of Clinton Financial Services and on the board of CAPS Collaborative in Westminster. – G.W. What TV character is most like you? My show growing up was "The Simpsons," so I will say Supernintendo Chalmers. What's the hidden gem of Central Mass.? Twin Springs Golf Course in Bolton. For an inexpensive nine-hole course, it is in great shape and fun to play. What are you proudest of? My two sons, Ryan and Luke. Raising my own children really makes the work I do personal. Sharma is a 10-year technology and beverage industry marketing veteran, but it's her promotion and encouragement of diversity that has elevated her among her peers at the largest manufacturer in Central Mass. Her Women in Technology series was held in four cities in North America with more than 300 people in attendance. She collaborated with senior leaders to host panelists to highlight diversity as a strategic business imperative. She's the founder of the annual Living in Color Conference held in Worcester bringing together businesswomen of color. She's a commissioner on the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women, which advocates for legislation for equal pay, human rights, and fundamental freedoms for women. She's a member of Rotary International and has been a mentor for young teenage girls as a volunteer at the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. – Z.C. If could live anywhere for one month, where would it be? Toronto Favorite Central Mass. tourist attraction? Hopkinton State Park because of the hiking trails and the enjoyment it has provided me and my family over the years. Who is most responsible for your success? My husband who never complains while I am on business trips. He complains before and after the business trip, but never during it, which is super cool. What will the inscription say on the statue they eventually build of you? She could tell the difference between reality and fantasy. Sonia Sharma, 37 Social impact, campaigns manager Dell Technologies, Hopkinton Residence: Westborough Birthplace: Kuwait Colleges: University of Calgary & Schulich School of Business Steven C. Meyer, Ed.D., 39 Superintendent of schools Clinton Public Schools Residence: Lancaster Birthplace: Baton Rouge, La. Colleges: Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Endicott College & UMass Lowell

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