Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 19, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 19 I N H O N O R O R M E M O R Y S T A R S & S T R I P E S T R I B U T E v e t e r a n s i n c . o r g / e v e n t s / g a l a - b a l l V E T E R A N S I N C . G A L A M I L I T A R Y B A L L O C T O B E R 1 9 , 2 0 2 4 F o r a d o n a t i o n o f $ 1 5 0 , y o u c a n h o n o r o r m e m o r i a l i z e y o u r V e t e r a n i n t h e 2 0 2 4 S t a r s a n d S t r i p e s t r i b u t e . S u b m i t y o u r p a s t o r c u r r e n t m e m b e r s o f t h e m i l i t a r y , o n e n a m e p e r l i s t i n g w i t h n a m e , r a n k a n d b r a n c h o f s e r v i c e A special way to honor a Veteran in your life! D e a d l i n e : S e p t e m b e r 1 9 , 2 0 2 4 Your tribute will be shared on our website and social media until the 2026 Gala & beyond. Along with a commemorative plaque! A l l e n t r i e s a f t e r S e p t e m b e r 1 9 t h w i l l b e a d d e d t o t h e l i s t o n v e t e r a n s i n c . o r g 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y In just the six years since his 40 under Forty award, Canton has made Paerpay, his contactless payment solution for restaurants, an internationally utilized brand. Having raised more than $5 million in venture capital, Paerpay launched with prominent chains includ- ing Carl's Jr., Hardee's Restaurants, and Steak 'n Shake, racking up hundreds of thousands of transactions. In 2023, Canton and Paerpay were profiled in an article published by the Boston Globe, and he was named one of Forbes 30 under 30 in the food and drink category. He earned third place in inaugural NBA Founda- tion Pitch Competition, receiving a cash prize of $15,000 during the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend. Rounding out a red-letter year, Canton was awarded a $150,000 grant from Google as one of three recipients of the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund. A graduate of Worcester State University, today Canton is a member of the Worcester State Foundation board while dedicating his time coaching and mentoring startup founders, providing guidance and sharing his experiences to support their entrepreneurial careers. – M.K.M. What did getting the 40u40 award mean to you at the time? It was a significant milestone in my career and was one of the first recognitions of my efforts, providing a tre- mendous boost in confidence to continue pursuing my entrepreneurial dreams. Moreover, the award served as valuable social proof, helping to attract top talent and investors to our growing business. What does it mean to you now? The 40 Under Forty award represents a pivotal mile- stone in my entrepreneurial journey. It signifies the beginning of one of the most exciting and transformative periods of my life, marking the start of numerous opportunities. What advice do you have for this year's 40u40 winners? Embrace this recognition as a springboard for even greater achievements. Leverage the visibility that comes with it to connect with like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and collaborators. Innovate, take risks, and make a positive impact in your field. Stay grounded, remain focused on your mission, and give back to the community. Class of 2018 Derek Canton Then: Founder & CEO, Paerpay, in Worcester Now: Founder & CEO, Paerpay, in New York City 2024 2018 Even before the age of 40, Najjar already has a wealth of banking experience. After stints at financial institutions including TD Bank, Belmont Savings Bank, and People's United Financial, she was hired in September 2019 by LCU. She oversees nine branches, including two branches located in area high schools, as well as managing the firm's member services, retail operations, and financial education services. Najjar takes pride in her work to boost the company's culture, implementing one-on-one meetings between managers and employees and underscoring the importance of career coaching in making every employee feel supported. In terms of customer service, she established a financial education department in order to give clients the skills and tools they need to protect their own financial futures. Realizing the importance of instilling this know-how before people have the chance to find themselves in financial trouble, Najjar has led youth financial education efforts at LCU, expanding the bank's presence to a branch at Fitchburg High School. Najjar serves on the board for The Arc of Opportunity, a Fitchburg-based nonprofit supporting individuals with disabilities. – E.C. What superpower would you like to have? Telepathy, the power to communicate with others using only my mind. As a leader, effective communication is critical. Go-to restaurant for a business lunch? Logan's Table in Leominster. The buffalo chicken pizza is fantastic! What famous person would be successful in your job? Malala Yousafzai, advocate of girls' education and women's rights Who's career would you like to emulate? Former Pepsi- Co CEO Indra Nooyi Class of 2024 Katie Najjar, 37 Senior vice president, retail banking Leominster Credit Union, in Leominster Residence: Lunenburg Birthplace: Brockton College: Bay State College Opening Creative Heart Counseling in 2017 was far from Welch's first venture into treating the mental health of those in Worcester County. Having worked as a clinical services coordinator, school-based counselor, and art therapist throughout her career, Welch had helped children, adults, and families through workshops and individual and group counseling, all services she now offers through her private practice. Since 2017, she has provided mental health services to more than 100 clients and continues to expand her areas of expertise, including having added ketamine-assisted psychotherapy services for her adult patients. Beyond her own practice, Welch dedicates her time promoting the mental health of those locally and abroad. She provided virtual support to those affected by the August 2023 Maui wildfires after receiving training as a disaster mental health volunteer from the American Red Cross. Welch volunteers for Together Beyond Words, Healing for Peace providing virtual emer- gency mental health support to victims of violence in the Middle East. Stateside, Welch has been a volunteer mentor for three years through the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester's Mentor Connection. – M.K.M. Would you rather time travel to the past or future? Travel back in time to explore and understand my ancestral roots, gaining insight into their challenges and strengths. Best coffee in Central Mass.? Armeno Coffee Roasters in Northbor- ough What person from pop culture would be most successful in your job? Kermit the Frog What is your favorite place you've ever visited? Sailing in the Mediter- ranean Sea along the coast of Lefkada, Greece Class of 2024 Kim Welch, 38 Owner, licensed mental health counselor & art therapist Creative Heart Counseling, in Auburn Residence: Charlton Birthplace: Monson Colleges: Lesley University, Westfield State University

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