2012 40 Under Forty: Alicia Williams

Owner: Aliste Inc.

Company location: Boylston

Residence: Northborough

Favorite movie: “Fools Rush In”

Career highlights: The first would be receiving recognition as a featured entrepreneur for three Massachusetts colleges and speaking with the students about following your passion. The next highlight was when my company became an international Internet marketing firm working with clients in Europe to develop their business marketing. This year, I was the keynote speaker for the annual Women Empowered By Business conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Community involvement: I always believe that empowering other entrepreneurs is the most powerful gift you can give someone. As a result, I remain an active member of the Center for Women & Enterprise, along with mentoring college students and teaching marketing and public speaking courses. For several years I have sponsored and raised critical funds for The Breast Cancer Fund and Susan G. Komen For the Cure by organizing events.

Biggest success: Fresh out of college, I felt empowered to start a business during a recession by providing a quality service that businesses needed to succeed. Adapting to the constantly changing market and economy has allowed me to overcome the effects of a recession and build a business I’m passionate about sharing.

Biggest challenge: The ability to prepare the business for the next growth level. Every amazing opportunity happens when you push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Mentors: My best mentors have been all around me, from the initial idea of a business. My family is the magic behind Aliste for their constant belief in my ideas and passion. Others have always provided me ideas and motivational conversation: Kirk Hazlett and Alyssa Samuels, both from Curry College.

Hidden talent: I have a very comedic side that comes out when I tell stories of everyday activities. I can make going grocery shopping the most eventful story you hear on the 11 p.m. news.

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