Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546260
wbjournal.com | August 24, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 37 2026 Impact Campaign Sponsorship Opportunities Help us make a difference for Auburn families this year! www.ayfs.org • 508-832-5707 Help Us Make a Difference for Auburn Families is Year Neighbor — $500 • Digital sponsor badge for use on website and social media • Logo listed on event website sponsor page • Recognition on sponsor signage at events and in event programs • Social media thank-you posts • Inclusion in annual report • Early access to purchase tickets for all events Community Partner — $750 Receives everything in Neighbor Level, plus: • Your choice of 2 tickets to Comedy Show or Ladies Night Out / Bingo • Window cling decal: Proud Hometown Supporter of AYFS Hometown Hero — $1,000 Receives everything in Neighbor Level, plus: • 2 tickets to Comedy Show • 2 tickets to Ladies Night Out /Bingo • Window cling decal: Proud Hom town Supporter of AYFS Auburn Champion — $2,500 Receives everything in Neighbor Level, plus: • Sponsor plaque for home or business display • Reserved table (4 tickets) to the Comedy Show • 4 tickets to Ladies Night Out / Bingo • Invitation to attend AYFS Annual Appreciation Breakfast • Invitation to be keynote speaker or setup your business table at one of our 2026 events Cathy Zhang, 34 Circular economy innovation manager/group leader, Circular Economy Solutions, Saint-Gobain North America, in Northborough Residence: Medford Colleges: Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Harvard University Cathy Zhang is helping manufacturers turn waste and sustainability challenges into practical business opportunities. Since taking her current role in 2024, Zhang has helped build Saint-Gobain North America's Circular Economy Innovation group and a portfolio focused on recycled and alternative materials, recycling technologies, and waste reduction. Her team now supports innovation across more than 10 product families. Earlier, Zhang co-led development of a digital sustainability tool deployed to more than 300 Saint-Gobain employees globally, helping teams evaluate environmental and economic tradeoffs during product and manufacturing development. Zhang has helped strengthen Saint-Gobain's collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Central Massachusetts Climatetech Hub, connecting manufacturers with researchers, startups, and emerging technologies. She serves on the board of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and mentors students, professionals, and startups. What actor would play you if Hollywood made a movie about your life? Probably Ashley Park; my family and friends suggested Keiko Agena or Melissa Fumero. What is the best restaurant in Central Mass.? C'est La Vie in Northborough. The room is cozy, and they have a delicious menu. What song has the best life advice? "100 Years" by Five for Fighting What one thing is most important to accomplish in the next 50 years? Help make environmental sustainability and resource efficiency the obvious choice in manufacturing. 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Jon Zlotnik, 36 State representative, 2nd Worcester District, Massachusetts House of Representatives Residence: Gardner Colleges: UMass Lowell; Clark University Jon Zlotnik entered elected office at 21 and has spent his career using state policy and funding to drive economic development in North Central Massachusetts. First elected to the Massachusetts House in 2012, Zlotnik has secured millions of dollars for infrastructure projects and helped consolidate the Gardner and Winchendon district courts, saving more than $100,000 annually without reducing services. Zlotnik helped establish the Greater Gardner Business Incubator Network, which led to the Wachusett Business Incubator supporting entrepreneurs across the region. He changed state liquor laws to allow beer gardens and brew yards and secured funding for a new STEM building at Mount Wachusett Community College. His office handles more than 1,000 constituent cases annually, assisting residents with unemployment, housing, healthcare, and veterans services. Zlotnik volunteers with a local food pantry. Do you prefer working from home or the office? Home What actor would play you if Hollywood made a movie about your life? Jesse Plemons, or a younger version of Patton Oswalt What TV show, book, or movie best describes your life journey so far? "Veep" Why do you choose to live in Central Mass.? A great blend of city and country. There are plenty of amenities, but nature, too. What song has the best life advice? "If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out" by Cat Stevens W W