Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1525409
14 Worcester Business Journal | August 19, 2024 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y If you run a business in North Central Massachusetts, you might be familiar with Paulie Chlebecek. Once the manager of Destare, a martini bar and nightclub in Fitchburg, he then moved on to managing food and beverages for The Interna- tional, the prestigious golf club in Bolton. Nowadays, he puts that prior hospitality to use as a financial advisor through CUSO Financial Services, offering Workers Credit Union customers with non-deposit investment products and services. But Chlebec- ek might be most well known through his work with the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, which named him its Ambassador of the Year in 2020. Leading the chamber's efforts to reinvigorate its Young Professionals Network as its chair for two years, the network now has around 50 members. Finding another way to help boost young business people, Chle- becek is involved in the chamber's scholarship committee, helping high-achieving high schoolers find a financial path through college. A champion of all things relating to Fitchburg, Chlebecek is a member and past president of the Fitchburg East Rotary Club and former president of the Fitchburg Business Networking Group. - E.C. If you hosted a late-night talk show, who would be your first guest? Martha Stewart What is the hidden gem of Central Massachusetts? Farandnear Reservation in Shirley What is your next immediate goal? Become fluent in the Polish language with my two beautiful daughters Class of 2024 Paul "Paulie" Chlebecek, 39 Financial advisor Workers Credit Union and CUSO Financial Services, in Fitchburg Residence: Fitchburg Birthplace: Boston College: Fitchburg State University Dello Stritto involves herself in all aspects of the Worcester community, whether it be her former role as marketing outreach officer at Bay State Savings Bank or serving as festival director at Pride Worcester. For Pride Worcester, she increased festival attendance from less than 4,000 to more than 10,000 attendees in a single year through increased marketing efforts, expanded fundraising, and partnerships. In her previous role at Bay State Savings Bank in Worcester, she brought her marketing expertise by creating the bank's mascot, Benjie the Bay State Beagle, and raised just under $30,000 by celebrating the mascot's birthday, donating all funds to local animal-serving organizations. Now, she has joined Holden environmental science firm Verdantas as a communications specialist. In her free time, she volunteers with animal-serving organizations, organizations supporting food justice, and helping venues such as Mechanics Hall in Worcester promote a diverse-and-inclusive environment. - S.B. What person from pop culture would be most successful in your job? Donna Paulsen from "Suits". She makes a lot of behind the scenes moves for the people she loves, and unapolo- getically takes care of her own. Who's career would you most like to emulate? My grandma. She arrived in the U.S. with one suitcase and four children. Within days, she was walking to two jobs and learning English at night. She is a constant reminder of what hard work, selflessness, and determi- nation look like. Class of 2024 Ariana Dello Stritto, 31 Festival director, Pride Worcester Communications and social media specialist, Verdantas, in Holden Residence: Auburn Birthplace: Worcester College: Assumption University PHOTO | JAIME FLORES Lake Williams Boardwalk, in Marlborough