Worcester Business Journal

>> 40 U N D E R F O R T Y Career highlights: Joining the U.S. Small Business Administration Boston District Office as the lender relations specialist for Worcester County and Central Massachusetts, and becoming part of the executive team at RCAP Solutions Inc., two years after being hired as small business development and loan fund manager. Community involvement: Founded the Albanian American Association "Kombi" and Albanian School in Worcester. Represented RCAP at the Worcester Business Resource Alliance from 2012 to 2015. While at RCAP, worked primarily with women-, minority- and immigrant-owned businesses, providing technical assistance and capital to startups and to businesses looking to grow. Ultimate career goal: To represent the U.S. government in the international arena as part of the U.S. diplomatic corps. Non-relative you admire most: President Obama Favorite book: "War and Peace," by Leo Tolstoy Hidden talents: The lost science of game tracking. "By the time I turn 50, I'd like to have accomplished … something bigger than myself, perhaps creating a foundation that aids people in war-torn countries." Ili R. Spahiu Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration, Boston (formerly with RCAP Solutions, Worcester) Birthplace: Polican, Albania Residence: Worcester High school: M. Kondi, Albania Colleges and degrees earned: Bachelor's and master's degrees, Clark University Career highlights: Nervously leaving my 9-to-5 job to pursue a more artistic busi- ness venture. Expanding the product line and design of Worcester Wares while working with talented Worcester artists. Worcester Wares being chosen to open a storefront spot at the DCU Center. Community involvement: Joined the board of Worcester Local First and con- tinue to work with Worcester small busi- nesses on their social media and market- ing presence so they may continue to thrive. Ultimate career goal: To further pro- mote Worcester in a positive light in as many ways as possible. Non-relative you admire most: Photographer Diane Arbus Favorite book: "To Kill A Mockingbird," by Harper Lee Hidden talents: Tough question! Tying complicated knots, memorizing entire movies after only one viewing (although I never remember song lyrics), roller skat- ing and predicting when it's going to rain — even if the weatherman said it wouldn't — by the way the wind blows through the trees. "By the time I turn 50, I'd like to have accomplished … figuring out the per- fect work-life balance." Jessica Walsh Owner, Worcester Wares, Worcester Birthplace: Milford Residence: Worcester High school: Bellingham Memorial Junior-Senior High School Colleges and degrees earned: Bachelor's degree, Northeastern University Career highlights: Spent over a decade in event planning, menu design and catering coordination as director of sales and catering for upscale venues in New England. Launched Lettuce Be Local's Farmer Dinner Series. Personally edu- cates, aggregates and transports local food for 75 farms in Central Massachusetts. Recipient of the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce 2013 President's Award, the 2015 Champion of Education Award and the Women in Action Inc. Award, presented by Worcester Mayor Joe Petty and state Sen. Michael Moore. Community involvement: Chairperson of HYPE9, which empowers young pro- fessionals; liaison to St. Mary's School for the School to Business Partnership pro- gram, and volunteer for the Community Harvest Project. Ultimate career goal: Educate and influence healthy decisions through farm and land connections for sincere economic and community growth. Non-relative you admire most: Catherine Beyer Favorite book: "The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food," by Dan Barber Hidden talents: Ability to lift thousands of pounds of local produce with a smile. Previous on-air radio personality, and past dance instructor for ballroom and hip-hop. "By the time I turn 50, I'd like to have accomplished … positively affecting one person every day; attitude is contagious." Lynn Stromberg Co-founder, Lettuce Be Local, Sterling Birthplace: Whitinsville Residence: Holden High school: Woodstock Academy Colleges and degrees earned: Bachelor's degree, Eastern Connecticut State University Brian Westerlind Senior Vice President, CFO and Treasurer, Webster Five Cents Savings Bank, Webster Birthplace: Worcester Residence: Ashland High school: St. Peter-Marian, Worcester Colleges and degrees earned: Bachelor's degree, Providence College Career highlights: I worked for nine years at Wolf & Co., a Boston-based CPA firm, earning my CPA designation and rising to senior manager. In 2010, I returned home to Worcester County and joined Webster Five as SVP/CFO/ Treasurer and a member of the senior management team. Community involvement: Board mem- ber for the Worcester Community Action Council, and a member of its Audit/ Finance and Program committees. In addition, I serve on the Executive Committee of the Worcester Economic Club. Ultimate career goal: President and CEO at Webster Five. Non-relative you admire most: Veterans and members of the U.S. armed forces Favorite book: "Moneyball," by Michael Lewis Hidden talents: I am far from a well- rounded chef, but I can make a nice steak dinner and top-notch peanut but- ter and jelly sandwiches for my kids. "By the time I turn 50, I'd like to have accomplished … breaking 90 on the golf course." Spahiu Stromberg Westerlind (with children) Walsh www.wbjournal.com August 31, 2015 • Worcester Business Journal 29

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