Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 22, 2022 | Worcester Business Journal 29 Better Business Banking doesn't have to come from a bank. Insured by NCUA 800-262-1001 | iccreditunion.org Business Solutions October 19, 2022 6:30–7:30 PM 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 19, 2022. NOTRE DAME HEALTH CARE 2022 EDUCATIONAL FORUM Brian O'Donovan is a broadcaster, writer, and presenter best known for his work with Boston's public broadcasting powerhouse, GBH. His popular radio program and live performances of "A Celtic Sojourn" are legendary. He was born and raised in Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland. He completed his degree at University College Cork, and attended grad school at Emerson College in 1980. "Growing up in Ireland, songs and music, stories and poetry, surrounded me. Family gatherings in my small town in West Cork were centered on what we called "sing-songs." I was the second youngest of nine children and from an early age, we were each encouraged to have a party piece ready to sing, a poem to recite, even a story to tell. Music was around us always, as natural and present as air. A common repertoire of songs regularly united us in resonant chorus as we shared our joys and sorrows. Music reminds us of our humanity. This in spite of – maybe because of – the dark shadow life so regularly throws over us. It has inspired painters, novelists, poets, dancers, and philosophers for thousands of years. Music is the essence of who I am, and I look forward to sharing my passion with you as well as favorite poems and stories, and some of the songs I grew up with. Perhaps, we'll get you to sing along!" Presented By: Brian O'Donovan Broadcaster • Writer • Presenter Please RSVP to pthayer@notredamehealthcare.org PRESENTING SPONSOR PARTNERS IN CARE Join Us "Virtually" via Online Platform Proceeds from our 2022 Educational Forum fundraising event will support the healthcare mission of Notre Dame Health Care, strengthening our ability to provide exceptional programs and services to our residents, patients, families and students. The Transcending Power of Art: reflections from my life in music 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y In 2019, Majikas grew his DJing side hustle to the point where he was making more than twice what he made at his day job selling ads for the Worcester Business Journal. He quit WBJ just before the COVID pandemic, which forced him to expand his offerings beyond just DJ services. That's how Central Mass Productions was born. During the first few months of the pandemic, Majikas started Friday Night Uplights, where he used his lighting equipment free of charge to bring joy to the community by uplighting local landmarks and buildings, including St. Bernard's High School in Fitchburg. Throughout COVID, he pivoted to producing high-level Zoom meetings and kept spirits up at local businesses by hosting virtual trivia events. Now that COVID has calmed down, the DJ trivia arm of Majikas' business has come back bigger and better than before. Central Mass Productions donated its live streaming services to the funeral of Leominster native and U.S. Marine Captain Ross Reynolds, who tragically died in Norway in March in a training accident. After agreeing to do it, Majikas realized the church didn't have an internet connection, but after 300 feet of ethernet cable and all the coffee they could get their hands on, Central Mass Productions staff was able to deliver the services to U.S. marines all over the world. - L.F. Would you prefer to live on the equator or in Antarctica? Is there golf in Antarctica? I Googled it; there isn't. Fine, the equator. What is the best location in Central Mass.? Oak Hill Country Club in Fitchburg What is the key to your success? Having a beer with my old boss Lester Barr one night gave me the inspiration to run my own DJ company. He was right. Who would you like to meet in the next 15 years? The family of Welles Crowther. The man in the red bandana. A true American hero. Matt Majikas, 37 President Central Mass Productions, in Leominster Residence: Fitchburg Birthplace: Leominster Hometown: Sterling College: Webster After losing her job in the hotel industry to the COVID pandemic, Kenyon made a decision which defined her career. She took a job with Lysa Miller, who had just begun rebuilding her company into a digital branding consultancy for biotech companies. Using her organizational and spreadsheet acumen from her hospitality management days, Kenyon took the lead on Ladybugz sales and operations, working extremely closely with Miller, the CEO. Within Kenyon's two years on the leadership team, Ladybugz has grown to a seven-figure com- pany. Harnessing the power of Greater Boston's internationally renowned life sciences industry, Kenyon regularly works with biotech companies around the world to connect them with Ladybugz's website design, social media strategy, and online branding. Kenyon is a mother and en- courages a strong work-life balance at her company, working hybridly herself. Although she works in Hudson, she has lived in Worcester since she started at Clark University. She is a strong advocate of Central Massachusetts and has volunteered as a board member at the Worcester Jewish Community Center for 10 years. - K.H. What will Central Mass. be like in 10 years? The arts and small business scenes will continue to grow and thrive, creating a unique Worcester flavor. If you gave a keynote at a college graduation, what advice would you give? Take every professional development opportunity you can. Some will be better than others, just like your classes. Keep growing and learning. Where do you hope to visit in the next 25 years? I would love to go back to Israel and spend more time exploring there. I also welcome the opportunity to do a European wine trip. Billie Kenyon, 35 Chief operating officer Ladybugz Interactive Agency, in Hudson Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Kingston, Pa. College: Clark University

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