Do you want to learn more about AI and how it can help your business today? Join Wachusett Business Incubator for our FREE AI Symposium on October 3rd from 9-12 PM at the MWCC South Cafeteria! We will cover topics from AI applications for business operations and AI prompt engineering to ethical considerations in AI adoption.

Please register for the event here: https://tinyurl.com/4ykzh75s

Award recognizes the 100 most influential Latino/Hispanic leaders across Massachusetts

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson has been named one of the 2024 ALX100 recipients by Amplify LatinX.

Started in 2023, this award annually recognizes 100 of the most influential Latin-American leaders across Massachusetts.

“I’m truly honored to have been named one of this year’s ALX100,” said Mayor Nicholson. “I’m truly proud of my heritage and thankful for the sacrifices the members of my family made in coming to this country that allowed me to have all of the opportunities I’ve been given. I cannot thank my mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all my family members enough for all that they have sacrificed for me to be where I am today”

In Gardner, and across Massachusetts, Latinos are the youngest, largest, and fastest-growing minority demographic in Massachusetts, making up 14.4% of the population statewide. According to the 2020 Census, the Hispanic/Latino population make up approximately 11% of the City’s residents. Additionally, data collected by Gardner Public Schools show that over 32% of students identify as Hispanic/Latino.

“I’m proud to be the first Latin-American elected official in Gardner’s history and of the work we’ve been able to accomplish over the last four years,” continued Mayor Nicholson. “Gardner is a growing and diversifying community. As we continue our work to build a stronger, more lively City, it’s important to ensure that all voices, perspectives, and backgrounds are heard. I look forward to seeing how we can continue those advancements in the future.”

Amplify LatinX is a non-partisan, collaborative non-profit with the mission of advancing Latino prosperity and leadership representation. Every year, Amplify LatinX honors 100 Latino leaders from across Massachusetts. The ALX100 includes some of the brightest Latino leaders — risk-takers, quiet disruptors, and outspoken advocates from all industry sectors who are impacting the future — today.

The ALX100 recognizes exceptional Latino leaders who have demonstrated excellence and have made significant contributions in their respective fields and communities. From unsung heroes to civic leaders to business trailblazers, we celebrate 100 of the brightest Latino changemakers from across the commonwealth.

Throughout the six-month ALX100 campaign, Amplify LatinX convenes and celebrates the ALX100 through events, a traveling museum exhibition featuring information on the 100 honorees, media partnerships, and a limited- edition keepsake book.

The full listing of this year’s ALX100 honorees is available on the Boston Globe website and will be printed in the Sept 15, 2024 issue of the Globe Magazine.

Additionally, over the next six months, additional events will be held as the traveling museum exhibit about the 100 honorees moves around the Commonwealth. A full listing of this year’s honorees can be found here: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/09/12/magazine/top-100-list-of-latino-and-hispanic-leaders/