2012 40 Under Forty: Victoria Twumasi Chavis

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT, Alternative Unlimited

Company location: Whitinsville

Residence: Northborough

Favorite movie: “The Kind and I”

Career highlights: I was hired as a program supervisor (assistant manager) at the Sage Place residential program in Shrewsbury. Within two years, I was promoted to program manager. A year into my new role, my responsibilities were expanded to include a second residential program in the West Boylston area. In 2009, I was promoted to the director of program development for Worcester Mental Health Services.

Community involvement: I completed Worcester Civic Academy in 2011. I am a member of the First Assembly of God church in Worcester, and volunteer during the vacation bible school. I volunteer on the parent-teacher organizations at my children’s schools in Northborough. During the holidays, my staff and I cook and serve dinner to approximately 200.

Biggest success: Becoming a mother; my son (Brian), who is 8 years old, and daughter (Elyssa), who is 5 years old, have been my biggest successes.

Biggest challenge: Finding the time to accomplish everything that I would love to accomplish. Lately, my biggest challenge has been to advance my education further by completing an MBA with a concentration in global management.

Mentors: My mother Agnes A. Twumasi taught me how to become a strong, independent woman who is grounded by my faith as a Christian. My very good friends, Pastor Neil and Ruth Theilke, encouraged and guided me through the word of God. They taught what it meant to be compassionate, generous, and caring to others. My boss, Kristen Pepin, taught me hard work, good leadership skills, perseverance, and resiliency.

Hidden talents: I am a certified race car driver through the Skip Barber racing school in Lakeville, Conn. I am artistic and occasionally do interior decorating for friends and family.

Read more

Meet The 2012 40 Under Forty Judges

2012 40 Under Forty: Daniel Wright

2012 40 Under Forty: Alicia Williams

2012 40 Under Forty: Nina Walsh

2012 40 Under Forty: Luke M. Vaillancourt

2012 40 Under Forty: Bryan Trainor

2012 40 Under Forty: Elizabeth Tatro

2012 40 Under Forty: John T. Peculis

2012 40 Under Forty: Lynette Paczkowski

2012 40 Under Forty: Michael P. Murphy

2012 40 Under Forty: Jill Motyka