Worcester Business Journal

24 Worcester Business Journal | August 19, 2024 | wbjournal.com Gardner Ten Pins (special thanks to Mike Budick) PHOTO | CHRISTINE PETERSON 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Luisa Fernandez's life changed forever in 2015, when she was vacationing with her family in Fitchburg. The situation in her home country of Venezuela had become increas- ingly frightening. The need to keep her family safe and seek freedom compelled Fernandez to make this country her family's new home. She started from scratch as an undocument- ed immigrant, had to double up living arrangements with a family member, didn't speak English, and was unsure of where to begin. Despite facing significant difficulties, she and her family set am- bitious goals for themselves and pursue their American dream, which to Fernandez means making a difference by helping others in the Fitchburg community. At Fitchburg Public Schools, she creates and facilitates programs for parents and children, building strong relationships between the school system and the community. She developed a community resource guide for families, including information on food assistance, housing support, shelter options, and health care. She coordinates free English classes for adults, helping around 100 citizens at a time improve their communication skills. Outside of the school system, she collaborated with the Fitchburg Art Museum to create the Fitchburg Families First program, providing food and toys during the winter months to families in need. In the community, she is the president of Inform Fitchburg and serves on boards for nonprofits like Fitchburg Art Mu- seum, NewVue Communities, and the Spanish American Center. – S.B. Would you rather time travel back to meet your ancestors or your descendants? Every history has a beginning, and I would love to know and understand mine. Class of 2024 Luisa Fernandez, 40 Family and community engagement coordinator Fitchburg Public Schools Residence: Fitchburg Birthplace: Maracaibo, Venezuela College: Dr. Rafael Belloso Chacin Private University, in Venezuela Kazinskas hit the ground running as a city councillor. During her first term in 2018, she played an integral leadership role in getting Gardner's $3.5-million public school athletic complex project passed by the City Council. During her second term in 2020, Kazinskas became the first woman to hold the position of acting mayor in Gardner. Following her acting mayor role, she remained City Council president, a position she has been elected to five consecutive times. Running as an at-large City Council candidate in 2021 and 2023, Kazinskas made Gardner history again as the first woman to receive the highest number of votes. During that same time, Kazinskas rose from a legislative aide for State Rep. Kimberly Ferguson in 2020 to district director in 2021, a position in which she supports residents in navigating state process- es, connects them with state agencies, and relays feedback to Fer- guson. Starting in 2017, Kazinskas has been a member of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce membership and retention committee. She's served on the GFA Federal Credit Union's supervisory committee since 2018, and since 2022, she has been a board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner. - M.K.M. For an entire year, would you rather give up access to your cell phone or to your favorite food? My cell phone. Technology is a wonderful thing; time away from technology is also wonderful. Where is the best coffee in Central Massachusetts? Gardner! What is the best movie you ever saw? "The Sound of Music" Class of 2024 Elizabeth Kazinskas, 40 District director, Office of Assistant Minority Leader & State Rep. Kimberly Ferguson, in First Worcester District (Holden, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Westminster) President, councillor at-large, & finance committee chair, Gardner City Council Residence: Gardner Birthplace: Gardner College: UMass Amherst

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