Worcester Business Journal

32 Worcester Business Journal | August 17, 2020 | wbjournal.com Running a successful restaurant would seem to be enough to keep anybody busy. Larbi, however, apparently still has time and energy to spare. Larbi, who was 7 when his family immigrated from Ghana to Worcester in 2002, opened Accra Girls, a Ghanian restaurant, in 2017, reaching more than 250,000 patrons in its first two full years. This year, he added a smaller second location at the Worcester Public Market, giving one of the city's largest immigrant groups a thriving business to be proud of – and share a part of its way of life. When he's not at either restaurant, Larbi, an Assumption University biology graduate, is enrolled in Harvard University's business analytics program, shifting career trajectories from his previous work as a cancer researcher at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. During the coronavirus pandemic, he helped feed frontline workers in Worcester and Boston. He shares his knowhow through Worcester State University's Office of Multicultural Affairs in helping to create entrepreneurial opportunities for youth and people of color. He's on the founding committee for EforAll Greater Worcester, an effort working to bring to the area a branch of the nonprofit working to improve economic opportunities in underserved communities through entrepreneurship. – G.W. Who would play you in the movie about your life? Will Smith What is your favorite activity since the coronavirus pandemic began? Zoom parties What are you proudest of? I'm most proud of my mom and siblings. Everything I've accomplished to date is a result of them, and every dream I want to accomplish is impossible without them. What will the inscription say on the statue they eventually build of you? Life's in the details. Look closely enough and you'll see I'm not dead, but rather, I'm living in everyone I've influenced or impacted. Emmanuel Larbi, 27 Co-founder & CEO Accra Girls Inc. & akra LLC in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Ghana College: Assumption University Sanders is committed to being an ambassador for the city of Worcester. Other than her role as a public school teacher, Sanders is a prolific journalist, averaging 3,000 words per week in local publications. Sanders' work creates conversations around important social issues like sexual misconduct, policing, the wage gap, and urban development. She was recognized in 2019 as Worcester's Best Columnist in the Best of Worcester awards from Worcester Magazine. However, Sanders' work goes past newspapers and classrooms. After being disheartened by the lack of representation for womxn in local radio, she began recording Pop It, a show dedicated to womxn's voices. Pop It has more than 80 episodes with more than 16,000 downloads. She directed the TEDx event in the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts in Worcester in 2015, which has amassed more than 1.7 million views on Youtube. Sander is a social media consultant for multiple nonprofits. Other than her work in media, Sanders' helped secure more than $4.3 million for the renovation of the Worcester Public Library and more than $30,000 for the revitalization of the James Courville Arboretum in Auburn. As a member of the POW! WOW! Worcester sponsorship committee, Sanders has assisted in securing funds for more than 100 public art installations. - D.B. What city would you like to visit for 24 hours? The pandemic delayed our honeymoon to Sorrento, Italy. Turns out, I'm content in any old city with my husband, Jacob Sanders, by my side. What was your hardest career achievement? Reporting on alleged sexual misconduct at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester was the most difficult assignment of my career. I could not have proceeded without the tremendous emotional labor and bravery of the survivors. Sarah Connell Sanders, 33 Media specialist Pop It & Worcester Public Schools Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Northampton Colleges: Fordham University, Boston College, Worcester State University 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y

• Cover