The Greater Worcester Community Foundation and Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, co-sponsors of Leadership Worcester, have announced the Leadership Worcester Class of 2020.

From a competitive pool of applicants, 28 rising leaders were selected to make up the program's fifth cohort. Beginning in the fall, they will embark on a nine-month experiential learning program that will explore critical public policy issues, engage with local leaders, and create meaningful relationships. Through day long sessions on a myriad of topics, participants will learn more about Worcester's opportunities and challenges and hone skills that will help them move our region forward.

“Community leadership programs like this one work really well when you are able to bring together people with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. Leadership Worcester creates a space for them to learn and discover ways their work and interests overlap all with the common goal of advancing our community,” said Sarah Shugrue, Program Officer, Greater Worcester Community Foundation. “The fifth cohort is one of our most dynamic groups yet. We're excited that interest came from so many corners of Worcester.”

The Class of 2020 will join more than 100 professionals that make up Leadership Worcester's alumni network. These individuals are advancing our community in bold and innovative ways by joining boards, spearheading local initiatives, and running for office.

“Part of the equation when it comes to the Chamber's recruit, retain, incubate mission is to harness the power of leadership within the existing workforce. By supporting their efforts and encouraging these rising leaders to make strong connections with the greater community, the Chamber and GWCF are investing in the future of this great city,” said Timothy P. Murray, President and CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. “We look forward to the development of this fifth cohort and seeing their unique contributions to the growing Leadership Worcester organization and our community.”

Members of the Leadership Worcester Class of 2020 are:

Natalie Anumba
UMASS Medical School

Elena Arranz Alonso
Worcester State University

Danielle Beauregard
UNUM

Sean Brennan
Lamoureux Pagano

Ethan Brown
MassHire Central Workforce Development Board

Jennifer Carlson
Redemption Rock Brewery

Dr. Bob Caron
Becker College

Valerie Cohen
Temple Emanuel Sinai

Alicia Colizza
UMASS Memorial Healthcare

Elizabeth Condron
Pine Street Inn

Lisa Drexhage
Worcester Business Development Corporation

Patrick Flanigan
Consigli Construction

Cassie Gevry
College of The Holy Cross

Emily Gowdey-Backus
Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Ariel Lim
City of Worcester, Office of Economic Development

Amanda Misilo
Berkshire Bank

Julia Moriconi
Mrs. Moriconi's Ltd.

Craig Mortley
YWCA of Central MA

Charisse Murphy
YOU Inc.

Milka Njoroge
Century Homecare LLC.

Alicia O'Connell
O'Connell & O'Connell, PC

Michelle Alexandra Santana
Community Activist

Erin Simpson
Fallon Health

Grace Sliwoski
Regional Environmental Council

Robert Totaro
Webster Five Cents Savings Bank

Alexandra Vazquez
Fidelity Bank

Jennifer Vu
Family Health Center of Worcester

Jessika Zequeira
The Shine Initiative