Age: 36Company: Capitol Region Education Council (CREC)Title: Managing Director of Hartford Region Open Choice ProgramTown where I live: HartfordTown where I work: HartfordCollege: University of HartfordQ&A:What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I oversee the daily operations for the Hartford Region Open Choice program, which includes maintaining strategic partnerships […]
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Age: 36
Company: Capitol Region Education Council (CREC)
Title: Managing Director of Hartford Region Open Choice Program
Town where I live: Hartford
Town where I work: Hartford
College: University of Hartford
Q&A:
What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I oversee the daily operations for the Hartford Region Open Choice program, which includes maintaining strategic partnerships with 28 school districts, increasing community and corporate partnerships, designing and enhancing program offerings to address opportunities within the pre-K-12 arena, and leading a team of professionals.
What are your goals for your community involvement? My goals for community involvement include diversifying the leadership of local organizations by providing a voice of the global majority and connecting education to community, while supporting populations to celebrate their culture, experiences, similarities and differences.
What's your biggest passion? My biggest passion is education. Education goes beyond the walls of academic institutions, as life's experiences are a form of education, which make us stronger individuals. In the traditional sense, my family moved to the United States from Jamaica for a brighter future, but we understood the importance of education.
What are your future aspirations? My future aspirations include being a key decision maker and leader who serves with conviction, perseverance, courage, passion, humility and accountability. While these characteristics may lead to a C-suite in an organization, the ultimate aspiration is to be CEO, Chosen to Elevate Others.
What needs to happen for Hartford to become a more vibrant city where people work, live and play? There needs to be a clear and sustainable vision that includes accountability and connecting the local neighborhoods and surrounding towns. Hartford will need to be viewed as the epicenter of the state, filled with opportunities and unique experiences. To accomplish the desired outcome, it will require strategic planning, cost-sharing practices, collaboration, community dialogues and frequent activities that expose and encourage private- and public-sector employees to explore the city.
List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:
- I was named to Capitol Region Education Council's senior-management team within 18 months.
- I am the youngest member of the board of directors for the CT Forum.
- I was one of the original architects of Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment), now the Travelers Insurance Cos. Inc.'s signature education program.
- I was the first recipient of the Travelers Breaking Down Barriers award.
Time Tested:
What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? My father's Bible
What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Listening to music
Twenty years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Businessman
Who do you consider your mentor? Joelle Murchison, Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, UConn
