Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 17, 2020 | Worcester Business Journal 27 Kennedy is a tireless advocate for equality, dedicating both her personal and professional life to eliminating racism and empowering women. At YWCA, her commitment to bettering the lives of those around her has taken her back and forth from Central Massachusetts to Boston several times, sometimes for work, other times on foot. A five-time runner of the Boston Marathon, Kennedy used each race to raise funds and awareness for organizations close to her heart, including three runs to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, one to raise money for the racial equity work at the YWCA, and one time to support the Purple Promise Foundation to End Melanoma, which was started in memory of her cousin, Jessica Dovi. During the coronavirus pandemic, Kennedy worked with other area nonprofits to establish a shelter for unaccompanied homeless women who did not have a safe place to stay. In days, the group found a space, secured supplies and established a hot meal delivery train for the guests. More than 30 women stayed in the shelter during its two and a half months of operation. - M.B. If you could spend 24 hours only in one city, where would you pick? Barcelona, I love the arts and culture. What is your favorite pandemic activity? Getting together with friends by Zoom, which keeps a connection with friends, particularly allowing me to see some friends more than I would in person. Who is most responsible for your success? To quote Rupi Kaur, "I stand on the sacrifices of a million women before me, thinking what can I do to make this mountain taller so the women after me can see farther." Robyn Kennedy (she/her), 38 Associate executive director, for mission, programs & community impact YWCA Central Massachusetts, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester College: Assumption University On his 27th birthday, Schimmel became the youngest executive director of the Jewish Federation's 148 offices. He is still charging full steam ahead a decade later, having spent six years at the Jewish Federation of Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem Counties in New Jersey, and then four as the head of the Central Massachusetts office. In Worcester, he oversaw a $400,000 campaign to beautify, refurbish and dignify three Jewish cemeteries in Central Massachusetts, as well as increased the number of donors contributing to the Jewish Federation's annual fundraising campaign by 10% in the past year. Some 390 legacy gifts valued at $10,275 have been promised to Central Massachusetts Jewish organization endowments over the course of his tenure. Schimmel is responsible for supervising operations at Clark University Hillel, Rachel's Table, Jewish Federation's Israeli Young Emissary Program and the Jewish Community Endowment Fund. He has spent the coronavirus pandemic working to ensure local organizations have the resources needed to serve their communities, including working with distributors to get protective masks to area nursing homes and elder care facilities. - M.B. What four people would you want as year-long travel companions? Niall Ferguson to explain the history and economics of the places we visit. During the long plane rides, we would brainstorm with Oprah and Elon Musk to develop new ideas and create solutions, and Bill Bryson would give comedic insights into the everyday mundane experiences of life and travel. After months of pandemic life, have you realized you want to work from home more? I miss the personal contact and interaction in the office, and I like the work environment there. And I miss shining my shoes everyday. Steven Schimmel, 36 Executive director Jewish Federation of Central MA, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Conroe, Texas Colleges: Manhattanville College, Rutgers University NOTRE DAME HEALTH CARE 2020 EDUCATIONAL FORUM Loretta LaRoche is an international stress management expert who helped pioneer the use of humor as a coping mechanism. Her signature humor is her ability to observe the absurdities that are so much a part of the human condition and the culture which often lead to stress and to help find the AHA in the HA HA! The emotional challenges of living in a high stress society are taking its toll and we are paying the price. Discover easy, practical ways to downsize your stress, and increase your ability to live a longer more fulfilling existence. When we add the ingredient of humor, our ability to handle life's inevitable ups and downs becomes more accessible. Learn to let go of the stress and the things beyond our control and let Loretta LaRoche make you laugh and contemplate all the good in your life. Presented By: Loretta LaRoche International Stress Expert & Best-Selling Author October 22, 2020 6:30–7:30 PM Hosted "Virtually" via Online Platform Due to the impact of COVID-19, this year's event will be held "virtually" via an online platform and include an uplifting and fun program, online auction and other ways to support our mission as we recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. For sponsorship information or to donate an auction item, please contact Paige Thayer pthayer@notredamehealthcare.org 508-852-5800, x2509 or visit www.notredamehealthcare.org/annual- educational-forum/. Links to access the online auction and virtual event will be posted on our website. The Auction will be available one week in advance of the event and the virtual event will be made available on October 22, 2020. Please RSVP to pthayer@notredamehealthcare.org PRESENTING SPONSOR 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y

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