Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1538711
wbjournal.com | August 25, 2025 | Worcester Business Journal 27 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y 25 YEARS LEADING PARAGUS — AND STILL Delcie Bean IV UNDER 40 Congratulations to Delcie Bean on being named to the Worcester Business Journal's Forty Under 40 list. Jennifer Ngo, 39 Chief of staff Bud's Goods & Provisions, in Central Massachusetts and Boston Residence: Middlesex County Birthplace: Worcester College: Worcester State University Jennifer Ngo exemplifies adaptability and strategic leadership through her pivotal role in converting Bud's Goods from a single-retail concept into an award-winning, multi-faceted cannabis brand. After launching her career in the competitive biotech industry, she pivoted to cannabis when her longtime friend Alex Mazin needed strong leadership to build his business. Her stra- tegic insight and operational excellence have been instrumental in the com- pany's evolution into a respected brand with retail operations, co-packing, wholesale distribution, and multi-state expansion. Bud's Goods has earned numerous community-driven awards, including Best of Boston, WBJ Best of Business, and the Boston.com Readers' Choice Award. These honors reflect the trust and loyalty she and her team have built through authenticity, quality, and innovation. Her greatest accomplishment lies in mentoring team mem- bers to thrive, turning efficiency goals into professional growth opportunities. Ngo's community impact extends through her leadership of volunteer initiatives, particularly during the holiday season, providing time, services, food, and financial support to Central Massachusetts families through nonprofits like Thrive Support & Advocacy. Her hands-on approach includes participating in neighborhood cleanups, supporting initiatives elevating underrepresented voices, and championing small busi- nesses like the Mochiko Hawaiian restaurant in Newton by helping it navigate marketing strategies. What movie best describes your life journey? "Everything Everywhere All At Once" Best place to relax? Cascading Waters in Worcester Who helped you the most in your professional journey? Alex Mazin, president and CEO of Bud's Goods. He's an incredible leader, mentor, and friend. What person would you most like to meet? Michelle Obama Yolanda Ramos, 39 Consultant, mental health provider & doula Together For Kids Coalition & Yolanda Ramos LLC, in Worcester Residence: Leicester Birthplace: New York and raised in Dominican Republic Colleges: Mount Ida College, Anna Maria College, Springfield College Yolanda Ramos has emerged as a powerful advocate for early childhood development and mental health equity. As consultant and mental health provider for Together For Kids Coalition, she has helped grow membership from around 50 to 260+ in four years. Her trauma-informed, culturally responsive bilingual mental health services have supported hundreds of children and families, particularly in underserved communities, while her advocacy work has taken her to the Massachusetts State House to represent families and highlight community needs. Her decade of experience includes supporting children after Mass. Department of Children and Families involvement, helping them reach levels of healing and stability. She has broken through mental health stigma within Lati- no and African communities, where these conversations are often met with silence. As founder of Yolanda Ramos LLC, she designs workshops centering community voice and healing while showing how early childhood care impacts businesses and working parents across Central Mass. Who helped you the most in your professional journey? My family has been my anchor, my kids inspire what I do, and my husband has supported my unconventional path. Mentors like Dodi Swope and Eve Gilmore have guided me along the way. What do you want to accomplish in the next 50 years? Raising smart, strong children who grow into compassionate leaders contrib- uting to and uplifting their communities.