Nominated by the Pulse Staff
Written by Irena Kaci
Every year we like to kick things off by discussing what the future holds for Worcester’s various sectors. So much depends on the good people doing good work, now more than ever. I am delighted to interview Pulse’s list of movers and shakers who give their best to our city and communities. Whether they are at the beginning, middle or end of their careers, the work speaks for itself. Worcester’s People To Watch are sometimes at the forefront and sometimes behind the scenes but always bettering our world.
Levi Ekstrom grew up in Northbridge in Southern Worcester County, but didn’t spend much time in Worcester proper during his childhood. He moved back to the area after attending Westfield College and began working in Worcester. “I quickly fell in love with the Worcester community. During my first week of work, local advocates organized a protest against the Worcester Catholic Diocese’s discriminatory student dress code. Witnessing that level of commitment to LGBTQ+ youth made me proud to join a community that cares so deeply about equity and inclusion. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to get involved with local organizations such as Love Your Labels, Open Sky Community Services, Mass Equality, the YWCA, Pride Worcester, AIDS Project Worcester, the Worcester Community Action Council, OutLoud Sports, and many more. Worcester has become a place where I feel deeply connected and committed to making a positive impact.” Proud moment: “Over the summer of 2025, I had the honor of serving as Associate Producer for Love Your Labels’ biggest fundraiser, “Queer AF”, a Queer Art and Fashion show that I consider a true Worcester treasure. This event is deeply meaningful to me. I’m especially proud to have been part of the leadership team because the show was successful on so many levels: the incredible talent, the smiling faces in the crowd, the funds raised for LGBTQ+ youth programming, and the stunning transformation of Mechanics Hall. From the designers to the hair and makeup team, every detail came together beautifully. Most of all, I’m proud to have worked alongside such an amazing team of passionate, creative individuals to make it all happen. If you haven’t been, mark your calendar for the first Friday in September, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!.” On how his values weave into his work: “I’m proud to work as a DEIB practitioner, a passion that extends far beyond a 9-to-5 schedule and one I’m fortunate to be employed in. In both my personal and professional life, I enter spaces with the goal of building community. I show up with authenticity, integrity, and curiosity, ensuring that every project I work on is equitable and brings people together. In a world where it’s easy to feel isolated, I strive to curate spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging.” On what 2026 will bring: “I’m currently serving as a Youth 250 Bureau Member with Made By Us, a role that wraps up in March 2026. Before my term ends, I’d love to connect with Worcester and Massachusetts organizations to explore creative ways to engage young people in conversations about the future of the U.S. and the upcoming 250th anniversary. I’m excited to get more involved in boards in 2026. Overall, I plan to continue supporting community events that matter deeply to me, like planning Trans Day of Visibility in March and Trans Day of Remembrance in November, initiatives I’ve been proud to help organize for several years.” You might not know it just by looking at him but: “In 2021, I bought my Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 XL, affectionately named “Raven” after my favorite drag queen. She’s a statement of freedom, adventure, and unapologetic fabulousness.”
Dr. Cherise Hamblin came to Worcester by way of UMASS Memorial in January 2024. “I had been practicing medicine in Eastern Pennsylvania when Dr. Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, a friend from residency, was recruited to the UMASS, Collaborative Health Equity team. She knew I might also be a good fit for this initiative, so she reached out. What started as a conversation led to a move up north to help run the dual program.” On how her values weave into her work: “As an OBGYN, I felt like I was doing good work but still it felt limited. You can only make a difference with the one patient that’s across from you.I wanted something that could reach further than my hands. Also my own pregnancy revolutionized everything. I ended up on bed rest. I experienced complications that I had treated. And while my own care was amazing, I knew it is not the experience for everyone. I wanted to close the gap. When we think about how our society works, we can only feel as good as what we tolerate. We can’t be so excited about how well we’re doing in medicine, if we’re having this terrible floor. I worked with my mentor from undergrad on how we build the same experience for everyone. I launched the nonprofit Patients R. Waiting, and began mentoring students from my Alma Mater through the Diversifying Doulas Initiative. Currently, the hospital has made a commitment to increasing health equity and improving client outcomes for diverse communities. The doulas are trained in non-medical intervention, which have decreased c-section rates, and increased breastfeeding.” Proud Moment: “Patients R. Waiting is national so we have students everywhere. I am so proud of this work. We just finished recruiting for the spring. The kids in this program think that they run UMASS Chan, which is what you want to see. You want them [the kids] to really inhabit the role, to feel like they belong in this space, knowing actual doctors and feeling comfortable.” On what 2026 will bring: “My intention for 2026 is to have more balance and more joy. I look forward to being in the moment. I want to get back to really being in the moment that I’’m in. I’ve had a really busy last 3 years and I want to slow down, and be more present.” You might not know it just by looking at her: “ I have wielded a cutlass to cut open my own coconut.”
Josh Duhamel grew up 20 minutes down the road from Worcester in the town of Clinton. “After high school I wasn’t totally sold on a college education. After many conversations with my grandfather, who was the most influential figure in my life. We made a deal that I would try at least a semester. I then attended Quinsigamond Community College and eventually graduated from Worcester State University studying History, Political Science, and Pre-Law. During college I was working as a cook and bartender at many different local places in Sterling and Clinton which brought me in contact with all walks of lives. The different stories and folks I met while I was also studying made me want to be a part of impactful change that I read about so often. I started on a special election for an open State Senate seat. I volunteered on different campaigns and spent so much time volunteering that I was then hired for a primary campaign on an open Congressional seat, then moved to New Hampshire after Graduating Worcester State to work on Pete Buttiegieg’s Presidential Campaign. Harold Naughton, who was the Chairman of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and State Representative of the 12th Worcester District, had an opening in his office that I interviewed for and was hired. It felt like a full-circle moment as the district he represented included my hometown of Clinton and neighboring towns. After 4 years at the State House, I came back to Worcester where my political journey started and have been here for the last 2 years, first as an aide and now as the Chief of Staff for the City Council.” On how his values weave into his work: “I chose to be a public servant as I view this line of work to be interwoven with my values. Working in tandem with 10 different Councilors with diverse backgrounds and opinions means I’m not only busy, but I get to learn many different points of view that I may have never thought of on my own. Ultimately, I believe that government, specifically local government, can be the last line of defense for the defenseless, especially when we have loyal, empathetic, and passionate people working as public servants. I love the work we do, and I hope that many more will join me.”
You might not know it just by looking at him but: “I’m one of five siblings, which means I grew up in a lively, fast-paced environment where teamwork, adaptability, and a little friendly competition were part of daily life. Those experiences shaped my collaborative nature and entrepreneurial mindset—qualities that continue to drive my passion for building meaningful ventures and connections today.” Proud Moment: “Personally, reducing (and one day eliminating) gun violence has been my main mission which led me to campaign work and now here at the local level. August of 2014, heading into my senior year of high school, a friend of mine that I had known since I was 5 years old was shot and killed. When I first joined the Worcester City Council as an aide, the city was experiencing the highest murder rate in decades. The avid partnership between many local organizations, residents, City Council, Worcester Police, and the City Manager have pushed for dedicated neighborhood policing and patrol-initiated interactions that have resulted in a drop in homicides, shootings, and robberies. I am immensely grateful to be a small part of the dedicated folks of this city that strives to make our community safer for all.” What 2026 will bring: “I believe that I will always be working on getting more folks involved in government. Municipal government has the most direct impact on our daily lives yet is often overlooked. Our last city election shows the dedication of our Elections division and the vital roles that our poll workers and volunteers play in our democracy. They handled a historic city-wide recount and displayed their professionalism. However, we saw only a 23% voter turnout. Allowing less than a quarter of the population to decide the future of the 2nd biggest city in New England is not a path forward. I would really like to see voter turnout increase dramatically and have Worcester residents more involved in the process.“
Tara Huard was born in Worcester, and after some moving around the country, grew up here from 6th grade forward. “I started at the YWCA as a Community-Based Advocate and am now the Director of Domestic Violence Services. I’ve been working in this community for the past 14 years, 11 of those at the YWCA Central MA, supporting survivors and families in navigating complex challenges and rebuilding their lives.” On how her values weave into her work: “This work is truly a calling for me. I am a survivor of domestic violence and know firsthand the barriers, fear, and isolation that can come with it. My own experiences inspired me to share resources, knowledge, and hope with others. I believe deeply in people’s resilience. I am [also] a certified life coach, and I integrate mindset, empowerment, and strength-based practices into the work I do with survivors. I bring these approaches into how I mentor and support my team of Advocates — nurturing their professional growth, well-being, and belief in their own capacity to create meaningful change.” Proud moment: “One of the projects I’m most proud of is the extensive training programs I’ve developed for both community partners and our internal team of Advocates. I am also proud of my work with the local task force TRAC, particularly around the adding the language of Coercive Control under MA General Laws Chapter 209A, which was signed into law in June of 2024. Additionally, I took the initiative to bring to Senator Kennedy’s attention the language in Massachusetts law around strangulation, highlighting loopholes and barriers survivors faced with the limited language. Through this advocacy, she filed a bill to redefine strangulation under the law, and I testified at the bill’s hearing, a shared effort that will directly improve protections for survivors.” What 2026 will bring: “I am currently pursuing a certification in Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching, with graduation slated for April 2026, followed by the Board Certification exam. I am excited to bring this knowledge into my work, incorporating a whole-person approach that includes mental health, nutrition, movement, stress management, and trauma-informed wellness. I am [also] launching my own Integrative Health and Wellness Coaching business in January 2026, called Kudos 2 You, to expand this vision of empowerment and holistic healing.” You would not think it looking at her but she’s a proud mother of two amazing young men. “I love live music and dancing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking and yoga.”
After graduating from Oberlin College, Alexis Dill moved to Massachusetts on a whim, and jumped right into graduate school at Emerson College, where she earned an MA in Public Relations. “My favorite professor was Worcester Red Sox President Dr. Charles Steinberg, who hired me toward the end of the WooSox’ Inaugural Season in 2021 to assist with business PR. WooSox ’26 will be my fifth full season with the club. I am loving my home away from home and my job as Director of Public Relations & Community Relations.” On how her values weave into her work: “I grew up playing team sports and was a two-time captain of the Oberlin College softball team. I cherish being a part of a team, especially when each member commits to the same principles and values while pursuing common goals. Thanks to the brilliant leadership of Dr. Charles and EVP/GM Brooke Cooper, we have something special developing in the WooSox Front Office.” On what 2026 will bring: “I want to work authentically within and for our community, promoting and creating equitable and just policies, initiatives, and programs. I hope to do so both on a macro scale with policy and on a micro scale with direct support work.” Proud Moment: “I am proud to have championed the establishment of Heart Health Awareness Day at Polar Park during our 2025 season––a cause that hits home as the daughter of a survivor of sudden cardiac arrest. What we are most proud of, however, is the workplace camaraderie we’ve fostered; my colleagues and I genuinely respect and care for each other, which makes it easier to work 12-hour days several days in a row and to sacrifice our summer weekends.” You might not know it by just looking at her but: “While I have loved my five (and counting) years in New England, I remain fiercely loyal to where I am from––my heart is in the shape of Ohio! I have been an unabashed Browns, Buckeyes, Cavaliers, and Guardians fan my whole life, and I’ve had the same friends for 20+ years. ”
Michelangelo Manugal was born and raised in Worcester. His family comes from Manati and Caugas regions of Puerto Rico, and immigrated to the United States, each side slowly making its way to Worcester. “Great Brook Valley Worcester is where my parents Milagros Rivera and Victor Mangual Sr. would fall in love and birth me.” On how his values weave into his work: “I am owner and operator of Michaelangelo Barbershop and Que Rico Catering and I have 4 children with my fiance Raymitza Caban. [Anyone who walks into my barbershop] from all walks of life and religions sit in my chair daily, weekly, monthly, yearly … and for that moment I am able not only to hear life from the clients in my chair but to also speak life into them every chance I get! When I have the youth in my chair I try to give them the best advice on how to maneuver as a young man in life the right way. As a business owner, and a Puerto Rican I believe food and music bring people and community together. We are always prioritizing donating or discounting food for anyone who supports our restaurant and whenever we don’t sell out make it a point to drive through Worcester feed those in need.” Proud moment: “My proudest moment of late would be being the director/coordinator of Friendly House Youth Basketball Program! I’ve been very passionate about getting these kids off the street and into youth sports but particularly in the gym at Friendly House. Coaching has let me have access to them and imprint on them in a way I can’t even explain. We have gone from having 38 kids to 160 boys and girls for fall and spring sessions.” On where to find him in 2026: “I would say I am looking forward to continuing my free haircuts for the youth who attend schools that are located in Worcester. We perform all services for kids at these schools in a gym or classroom setting for free. Any barber or stylist or nail tech, make up artist, etc want to donate some services and time please reach out to me so we can connect and start impacting our community together.” You might not know it looking at him but “I’ve been told twice in my life I’ve had 2 weeks to live …both times were before I had heart surgery. Once in 1990 at 5 months old and then again in 2001 at 11 years old. I had surgery at Boston Children’s Hospital and I’m still alive.”
Chadd LaFond is originally from Western Massachusetts. “I began my career with Norton Company, now Saint-Gobain Abrasives, a business proudly rooted in Worcester since 1885. I spent 9 years in Dallas, Texas, in the first of many roles with the company before having the opportunity to return to Worcester in 2018 to work out of our Abrasives Headquarters. Since then, I’m proud to call Worcester my home.” On how his values weave into his work: “My father was a truck driver who worked long hours, and from a young age I saw firsthand what true work ethic looks like. Approaching work with integrity and respect for others remains equally important to me because how I carry myself and treat people matters more than the results we deliver. When you lead with hard work and respect, teamwork and collaboration naturally follow. We’re fortunate to have an incredible culture at Saint-Gobain, these values both guide how we work but also continue to strengthen the culture that makes this organization such a great place to contribute and grow. Proud moment: “What I truly value is staying involved in the community in whatever ways I can. Whether it’s participating in United Way initiatives, supporting local foundations across Worcester, or showing up to something as simple as a meat raffle for a local school district, I try to remain present and engaged, even when life gets busy.I believe that the small things matter and have an impact. Eating at a local family-owned restaurant, attending neighborhood events, or supporting local causes all contribute to the fabric of this community. These actions are important to me, and they’re part of what makes Worcester such a special place to call home.” On what 2026 has in store: “Six years goes by fast, and I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to engaging with the Worcester community. I’m excited to challenge myself to become more active and participate in meaningful initiatives that make an impact.” You might not know it just by looking at him but: “A fun fact about me is that I have a year-and-a-half-old French Bulldog named Rigatoni, though we call her Toni. She’s as wide as she is tall, which makes her quite the character. On a personal milestone, I’m thrilled to be marrying my amazing and incredibly supportive fiancée, Taylor, in August of 2026.”
Paul O’Leary grew up in nearby Millbury. He has long roots in Worcester, with his mother having taught in the Worcester Public School system for many years. Though he left for Franklin Pierce to pursue his education, O’Leary was eager to get back home. On how his values weave into his work: “I always knew I wanted to work in hockey. I grew up playing, and many of my family members, aunts and uncles all played hockey too. It’s not even a sport for me. It’s a part of my life. One of my aunts played for team USA in the 90s. My uncle is a broadcaster for the Chicago Blackhawks. Being able to grow the game in a place I grew up in for an organization that invests so much back into the community is just a dream come true” Proud moment: “We host a charity hockey game every year called ‘Guns and Hoses,’ where the Worcester Fire hockey team plays the Worcester Police hockey team. In 2025, this event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Worcester 6. We held a specialty jersey auction after the Railers game and raised $20,000.00 for the Worcester 6K Foundation. I also organized an alumni game pregame before a Railers game for my former high school hockey coach, Glen Bombard, to recognize more than 30 years of coaching hockey and to wish him well in his retirement. These are two standout moments that bring me a lot of pride.” What to look for in 2026: “In 2026, I’m looking forward to growing and retaining the Worcester Railers partnerships and coming up with more creative partnerships, more fun things to really help the community” You might not know it just by looking at him but: “I cook a pretty good Chicken Picatta. I am self-taught too, just from trial and error.”
Bryan McDavitt was born in Worcester and lived here until he was 10 years old. At that point, his family moved to nearby Holden, where he currently resides with his wife and two kids. On how his work weaves into his values: “After some years in the nonprofit sector, I felt the pull of our family business and moved back to expand on the work that my father had done for many years. I learned firsthand the importance of saving and planning and it’s very important to help people be on a better financial foot.” Proud moment: “For the past 5 years, my wife and I have been working with the UMass Memorial NICU to put on a ‘Tiny Footprints’ 5K. Proceeds from the event go toward memorial services for the families that have experienced a loss. In 2018 we had our first son, who is the surviving twin, whose brother lived only for an hour or two. Our son Chuck spent 100 days in the NICU before he was able to come home. So the cause is very personal to us.” On where to look for him in 2026: “I want to continue to expand this event, help it thrive. I want to become a pillar of fundraising for the UMass NICU. I would love to be involved in some Boards in the community.” You might not know it just by looking at him but: “I don’t like to run. I like the organization aspect of it, that’s a big passion of mine, but I’m a golfer. I love playing golf.”
Shaun Murphy came to Worcester in 2021 when his wife, Dr. Hamblin joined UMass as a physician. “As a veteran of the U.S. Army, I spent years moving to a new place every two or three years—learning how to build community quickly and leave every city better than I found it. That rhythm taught me adaptability, humility, and the responsibility to create impact wherever my boots land. When we arrived in Worcester, something clicked. The blue-collar grit, the cultural diversity, the hunger for possibility — it reminded me of the communities I’ve always poured into. Worcester already has a strong foundation of culture and leadership, and with the Worcester Majors, as the new CEO I saw an opportunity to contribute to that energy — to bring another platform that celebrates the city’s resilience, creativity, and pride while deepening our community impact. Worcester adopted us, and in return, I’m committed to serving with intention, building with purpose, and creating a lasting impact that honors the spirit of this community.” On how values weave into his work: Everything I do is rooted in the values the Army instilled in me—especially selfless service. That value has carried into every chapter of my life, from serving as a middle school and high school educator to now teaching at Quinsigamond Community College. Education shaped my belief that our youth are the heartbeat of a city, and I’ve always felt called to help young people unearth their gifts so they can become the strongest versions of themselves. Whether I’m leading the Worcester Majors as CEO, building frameworks as Mister Motivation, or creating access through my non profit, Wake the Beast, my mission stays the same: to empower people who are stuck, stalled, or starting over to unlock their potential and build unbreakable resilience.” Proud moment: “One passion project I’m incredibly proud to re-ignite here in Central Massachusetts is Kut the Stigma, a men’s wellness initiative I created to give men—especially Black men—a safe space to talk openly about mental health, healing, and the pressures we often carry in silence. Before moving to Worcester, Kut the Stigma created transformational rooms where men could be vulnerable, supported, and seen. Relaunching it in this region matters deeply to me, because when men heal, households and communities heal with them.” On what 2026 has in store: “I’m excited to expand the Worcester Majors’ presence as a true community connector—bringing together sports, culture, education, and economic opportunity in ways that strengthen our city. Beyond the wins on the court, I want the Majors to be a gateway for youth internships, school partnerships, men’s wellness programming, and city-wide activities that create pride and possibility in Worcester. At the same time, I’m looking forward to growing my work as Mister Motivation and taking the Resilience Revolution movement across Worcester County and the region. For me, it’s about creating measurable impact—helping students believe they matter, they belong, and they can bounce back stronger. Whether through the Worcester Majors or Mister Motivation Productions, I’m dedicated to joining the collective effort to build a Worcester that’s resilient, empowered, and positioned for the future.” You might not know it just by looking at him but: “I’m a motivational speaker and CEO, but my favorite job is being the full time Chief Operating Officer of my kids. They keep me on my toes more than any boardroom ever could.”
Rachael Drinker hails from southern Vermont and moved to Massachusetts to study Environmental Science & Policy at Smith College. “After graduation, I moved around MA a bit until I landed in Worcester with my partner, Alice, who grew up in this area (and who was in the People to Watch cohort in 2022!). This is my third year living in Worcester, and I’ve loved learning about and getting to be a part of different parts of the community here.”
On how her values weave into her work: “I primarily work as a teacher at Turn Back Time, a nature-based school in Paxton,
and when I have time I also work a little bit at the NEBG at Tower Hill as a Teacher Naturalist and Visitor Services Associate. Working in, with, and for nature and the environment has been essential to me my entire life, and now I get to do that work as my job. As a nature-based educator, I get to facilitate youth engagement in subjects across the board, all with the context of things that grow, change, and move with the cycles of nature.” Proud Moment: “I grew food on the porch of my triple decker apartment, as well as indoors near our windows, and I even had the chance to be a part of the first season of the Indian Lake Community Association (ICLA) Community Teaching Garden Literacy Project (CTGLP) as they opened their garden beds to the
community.” On what 2026 will bring: ”I am certainly looking forward to more urban gardening in my future, and my next goals are to learn more about pollinator-friendly urban spaces and community food waste solutions! I am looking forward to continuing to build connections with people throughout the city (and I’m not just saying that to be cheesy!). I love how in the city I can feel anonymous one minute, but the next run into someone I know from a job, an organization, or a social group. Worcester feels really special that way.” You might not know it just by looking at her but: “In addition to gardening, I also enjoy other outdoor sports and activities. Running, hiking, and walking are some of the ways that I have explored Worcester over the last few years. Learning about the city by traversing it on foot is such a special way to get to know the area. I’ve hiked the East-West trail from start to finish twice,
and I would highly recommend checking it out – Worcester has an amazing amount of green space to explore if you know where to go!”
DJ Mara was born and raised in Worcester. “I began working for the Worcester Red Sox in the Team Store in Spring 2022. In April 2024, I was offered a summer internship in government and community relations. That position eventually evolved into my current role, where I serve as Special Assistant to our team President, Dr. Charles Steinberg.” On how his values weave into his work: “In my current role, I am able to combine my love of politics and civic engagement with my passion for local sports. Alongside Dr. Charles and our community relations team, I maintain relationships with local government officials and their respective offices. My main responsibility is to let them know that Polar Park is their ballpark, and everyone’s ballpark, and that they are always welcome.” Proud moment: “One of my proudest moments with the WooSox thus far was coordinating the WooSox Foundation’s first Art in the Park event on March 21 of this year, World Down Syndrome Day. The event showcased the art of WooSox Photographer Tucker Collins and Framingham native Jordan Caira, both of whom live with Down Syndrome. Due to the event’s success, we were proud to present a $1,000 check on the field to the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress to support their ongoing efforts to make Massachusetts a more inclusive Commonwealth.” On what 2026 will bring: “Looking to next season, I am eager to begin planning our 2026 Art in the Park event. In addition, I look forward to reinforcing the ballpark’s role as a civic space to bring people together. One example in 2026 will be Endometriosis Awareness Day, where state legislators, survivors, and advocates will enjoy a day at the ballpark and be honored on the field for their ongoing contributions to making Massachusetts an even better Commonwealth in which to live.You might not know it just by looking at him but “A bucket list item of mine is to visit the islands in Greece where Mamma Mia was filmed!”
Papee Paye is a proud Worcester native and the Co-Ceo of the Worcester Majors, a semi-professional team in the American Basketball Association. After playing professional basketball overseas, Papee returned home and is dedicated to lifting up the community and creating hope for the next generation. “I went to almost every Worcester school, but the ones I graduated from were Goddard Elementary School, then Sullivan Middle, and South High School. I played basketball for South High School, I played basketball overseas in Portugal and I played for the team that I currently own before I purchased it, actually here in Worcester. I’m 26 right now, but I was the youngest ABA owner in history to ever purchase a basketball team. I ended up purchasing the team with a good price from the previous owner. He just loved my attitude, and he wanted to keep it in Worcester. So that’s how I ended up getting it.”
On how his values weave into his work: “I was the March for our Lives, Hometown Hero in 2018. I was the emcee for the (anti gun violence) march downtown in Worcester, and I’ve just been really involved. Through that, my passion has always to give back to my peers. My work as owner of the Worcester Majors, the only reason I got it, was for the community. I wanted a local basketball team to be affordable and make it entertaining for our community and for the youth. So I’m mainly focused on youth. Kids needed places to go and hang out. So I wanted it to be like a hangout where kids could look forward to going, hang out and just be themselves.”
Proud Moment: “The Majors are just another gateway to save youth, because there’s a lot of violence that’s happened in our community. I had one of my closest friends die from gang violence, and he wasn’t in the gang, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I think I’m passionate about saving other youth that are just like me, that are in the same circumstances as me, growing up being around all the gang members, but not having the right mentor to guide them. All our players are like mentors to the youth, we do some free trainings and we make sure we speak positivity into them. We did a back to school drive this year called Major Moves. We’re going to do it next year also, but we gave back free backpacks, free haircuts, free food, all types of stuff, and we highlighted different local businesses there as well. Taco Mexico was a part of it. That’s something I’m really proud of that we did this year. That’s a big one.
On what 2026 will bring: “We took this year off to rebuild, and we’re trying to do more community activities. So we want to partner up with other businesses. This year we’re partnered up with East Coast Auto for Christmas to give gifts back, like towards your thoughts, all types of stuff and but next year, we really want to just keep doing the same thing, just trying to give back as much as we can and be able to provide what we could provide and bring entertainment back to Worcester. So our goal is to bring entertainment to the community and give people something to do.”
You might not know it just by looking at him but: “I love country music, like Toby Keith and Montgomery Gentry. I picked it up when I went mudding with my buddy in North Dakota.”