A Recap of Our 2025-2026 Executive Track Program

Last week, the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development (BV Hub) welcomed students and their supporters for the final session of our inaugural Executive Track Program entitled, "Reflect, Connect, and Celebrate." Led by BV Hub Executive Director, Ashley Bregman, this event was the culmination of our year-long program aimed to prepare students (grades 7-11) to be 'Executives of Tomorrow.'

When the participants were asked to share something helpful they learned throughout the program, one student volunteered, "being comfortable with being uncomfortable." This followed a light reflection with one of our program facilitators, Lynn Turner of CoreXP Business Solutions, who participated in several sessions during the year, notably guiding our introduction to Agile Brain-an interactive tool that helps you understand your emotions, motivations, and leadership style. Parents who attended our final session shared some of their own professional insights and collectively agreed with the phrase Lynn summarized, "Your comfort zone is a lovely place to visit, but nothing new grows there."

As I personally reflect on the program, I can attest to the new growth I witnessed within these aspiring executives. From our "Meet, Greet, and Lead" kick-off event where participants got their first taste at professional networking, to our gingerbread team-building workshop focused on increasing resiliency, these students honed several soft-skills that they rarely have a controlled environment to practice. Additional program highlights included, an AI-Tech focused virtual class, a session outlining the nuances of mentorship culminating in another professional networking event with special guests, and my personal favorite, a field trip to Millbury Federal Credit Union guided by a discussion centered on financial literacy for leaders.

Our initial flyer advertisement stated, "The Executive Track empowers students to imagine and shape their futures-while building lasting relationships with inspiring women in business and leadership." We couldn't be prouder of our inaugural cohort and all that we collectively accomplished.

Comprised of students from Douglas Middle School, Grafton High School, Milford High School, Millbury Junior High School, Nipmuc High School, Sutton High School, and Blackstone Valley Tech, this program connected students from a wide range of ages with expertise from a wide range of leaders. A special thank you to some of those professionals who joined us along the way including, but not limited to: Jeannie Hebert of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Alise Breton and Danielle Elliott of Millbury Federal Credit Union, Jennie Allen of Allen Creative, Jemal Clarke of Milford Federal Credit Union, Lynn Shibley of Unibank, Erin Reid - Erickson of Littler, Terasha Hedman of GLC, Caitlin Lubelczyk of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce, Kayleigh Poudrier of Waters Corporation, Jaden Marc of Sneaker Sapphire, and our own Joscelyn Young, President of BV Hub.

To join the list for our next Executive Track program, contact Lauren Barrett at barrett.lauren@bvhub.org. Follow our website for additional details.