UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL STORIES ABOUT THIS YEAR’S 40 UNDER FORTY WINNERS

February 19, 2025

Sadie, whose owner Lyndsey Wadsworth (right) is a 40 Under Forty winner, is pawsitively excited to share in the moment with fellow winners Mystie Ford (left) and Luke Fitzgerald

By Gabrielle Chisolm, Communications Intern, junior majoring in English at the University of Maryland

Three DLE members and active volunteers in program planning have been honored with 2025 Berkshire County 40 Under Forty Awards for their dedication to leadership and community service. Each shares their story of what connected them to the DLE, how they share their talents with others, and why this recognition is personally important.

Meet the DLE’s Shining Stars:

Mystie Ford, Fraud and Loss Prevention Officer at Greylock Federal Credit Union; Volunteer DLE Program Planner and Moderator

Mystie became involved with the DLE through the 2022 Leadership Immersion Conference. Wanting to grow in her leadership skills, Mystie became a member soon after and has stepped up to actively plan and moderate many DLE programs, in particular the bimonthly in-person DLE Meetups.

Receiving the 40 Under Forty award is more than a great addition to her resume. This is the ultimate career advancement for Mystie, as she plans to use this special recognition to continue her excellent work in fraud prevention and community betterment. “It is a great addition to my professional foundation in my role at Greylock and beyond,” she states. In addition to her volunteer work with the DLE, Mystie’s spirit of giving has led her to help many during her time as a volunteer tutor with the Petey Greene Program, where she provides skills coaching to incarcerated men and women in Western Massachusetts.

What waits beyond for Mystie is her associate’s degree in criminal justice, which she expects to receive in May, as well as her Certified Fraud Examiner credential. She credits her DLE connection with helping her set and achieve both goals. “The DLE believed in me even when I didn’t and helped me grow. This has meant so much to me. So much of my recent growth and accomplishments are due to the supportive DLE community,” she exclaims.

Lyndsey Wadsworth, Integrated Projects Team Lead at General Dynamics Mission Systems; Volunteer DLE Program Planner and Moderator

After moving to the Berkshires in 2020, Lyndsey was looking for ways to meet other professionals and learn more about her new surroundings. She was introduced to the DLE by former 40 Under Forty winner Josh Brilliant, and she quickly became immersed in attending and leading programs.

She credits her involvement with the DLE with helping her collaborate and communicate more effectively on the job. “I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned with the DLE every single day. Being a part of the DLE, you learn how to be more confident and hold yourself accountable,” she states.

Lyndsey’s selection as a 40 Under Forty winner is motivation to step up her volunteer roles as a youth basketball coach in the Berkshires. “The young athletes on my teams are very open to learning–working with them has really helped me be a better person. While working with them, I’ve learned how to better present myself, and I have really learned how to communicate well with them,” she says.

The award has given Lyndsey the impetus to go the extra mile to increase her connections in the workplace and community.

Luke Fitzgerald, Case Coordinator at the MA Department of Mental Health and Founder of The Love of T Foundation; Volunteer DLE Program Planner and Moderator

Luke was introduced to the DLE through a close friend and member, AJ Bowman. After a welcome conversation with Founder and President Linda Dulye, he quickly became immersed in planning and leading the popular in-person Meetups, held at the DLE office in downtown Pittsfield.

“I’ve been able to connect with people of various career backgrounds–people who I would not typically interact with in my day-to-day life,” Luke beams.

His commitment to giving back is mirrored in his tireless work in leading the non-profit organization, Love of T, which he established in 2021 after the passing of his mother. Dedicated to providing suicide prevention services and outreach, Love of T has helped hundreds of Berkshire County residents find strength and focus to move forward with their lives. (To read the HUB’s features on the organization, click here and here.)

This year’s 40 Under Forty recognition signals to Luke that his organization has made meaningful change. “It has shown me that the greater community is appreciating the work that I’m doing in peer suicide prevention,” he states.

For Luke, the future for his organization shines bright as he prepares for a major fund-raising gala, Dance the Blues Away, on March 1. The event quickly sold out and attracted a record number of sponsors. Among them is Dulye & Co., which underwrites DLE operations and programs.