Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 24, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 35 LEARN MORE & PURCHASE TICKETS: YWCACM.ORG/EVENT/TRIBUTE 2026 KATHARINE F. ERSKINE AWARD RECIPIENTS Robyn Kennedy MA State Senator, 1st Worcester District Elizabeth Cruz President Latin American Business Organization Rubby Wuabu, Esq. Policy and Cabinet Affairs Liaison Office of Governor Maura Healey Toby Sisson Professor of Visual Art Clark University Roberta Brien Executive Vice President Worcester Business Development Corporation Shiko Gathuo, Ph.D. Professor of Urban Studies and Graduate Program Director Worcester State University Tuesday, September 29, 2026 5:00 to 7:30 PM, AC Hotel Worcester Brian Sora, 37 Vice president of operations, DiLeo Gas, in Worcester Residence: Millbury College: Worcester State University Brian Sora has helped turn a small propane company into a growing operation while emerging as a national voice on workforce development. Sora joined DiLeo Gas as office manager when it had six employees. Now vice president of operations, he oversees 60 employees as the company's customer base has grown from about 1,000 to more than 14,000. With an average employee age of 39, compared with an industry average of 55, the company's workforce efforts have led Sora to speak at national propane conventions and serve on the National Propane Gas Association board. During the COVID pandemic, Sora spearheaded a program providing customers with gift cards for essential needs at local businesses. Sora is vice chair of the Millbury Board of Selectmen and won reelection to another three-year term. He co-founded the Millbury Future Foundation, which has awarded nearly $20,000 in scholarships to Millbury High School graduates, and has volunteered with Worcester Animal Rescue League. What is your favorite Central Mass. community? Millbury, and it's not even close. Go Woolies! Where is the best place to relax in Central Mass.? Lake Singletary Who helped you the most in your professional journey? Paul and Harry DiLeo and my wife, Kelsey What is your proudest moment? Convincing the most wonderful woman in the world to marry me 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Nayara Tonin, 37 Lead bioprocessing associate, WuXi Biologics, in Worcester Residence: Webster Colleges: São Paulo State University; Cambridge College Nayara Tonin came to the U.S. to pursue biotechnology and is now helping design a more than $300-million biologics manufacturing facility in Worcester. At WuXi Biologics, Tonin represents manufacturing end users as the company designs its commercial facility. She evaluates equipment layouts and process flows to ensure the plant is safe, efficient, compliant, and practical for operators. As the project advances, she will help prepare manufacturing operations and train employees. Tonin began her U.S. biotechnology career in 2018 as a GMP cleaner. She has since earned six promotions, with roles at Amgen and Moderna. At Moderna, she supported process improvements generating approximately $2 million in annual cost savings without capital investment. Tonin has participated in missionary trips to Colombia and Brazil. On an Amazon River mission, she helped lead more than 20 volunteers, raise more than $10,000, and distribute food and toy bags. She is a foster parent and has participated in life sciences career events at Fitchburg State University. What one life lesson do you most want to pass onto the next generation? We can accomplish anything with self-belief, discipline, hard work, consistency, and perseverance. What song has the best life advice? "Stronger" by Kelly Clarkson Where did you go on the best vacation you ever took? The Amazon River, where natural beauty, remote communities, and missionary service made the journey meaningful and humbling. W W

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