Age: 31
Title at work/what I do: Director of development at Hartford’s Camp Courant, the oldest and largest free summer day camp in the country. I provide strategic leadership in the development of philanthropic relationships throughout Greater Hartford. In addition to my role with Hartford’s Camp Courant, I serve as the chair for Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) and sit on the boards for the Hartford Preservation Alliance and Leadership Greater Hartford. I am heading up the public relations committee for the Junior League Showhouse committee.
Town where I work: Hartford
Town where I live: Avon
College I attended: University of Pittsburgh (undergrad); Central Connecticut State University (master’s degree)
My passion, hobby or special talent: Traveling and trying LOTS of different kinds of foods
Twitter handle: @hautehistorian
No. of LinkedIn connections: 500+
Favorite place to network: HYPE and Metro Hartford Alliance events
Favorite drink at networking event: Wine
How do I create connections in my professional life?
Being a transplant to this region was initially very difficult for me, as I only knew one person (excluding my husband) when I came here from Pennsylvania. However, I knew that Hartford was full of great people, and all I needed to do was put myself out there, whether it was to attend a networking event or support a special event hosted by one of this regions amazing nonprofits. I joined organizations such as HYPE and Leadership Greater Hartford, and I was able to meet so many influential individuals that encouraged me to get further engaged in the Greater Hartford community. By becoming more involved, I have not only made some really fantastic friends, but I have met many people who have had a profound impact on my professional growth. I truly feel that this region wants its young people to succeed, and I am so grateful to everyone who has made Hartford feel like home to me.
What’s been my biggest challenge professionally?
I moved to Connecticut with ZERO network, and I began my first development job in 2009… right during the economic meltdown. Not knowing what the heck I was doing, coupled with the worst economy in decades, certainly did not make me confident as I began navigating the development waters. Five years ago, I looked closer to 16 rather than 26, so sometimes it was hard to get people to talk to me since the reaction I would get was, ‘Are you a student?’ Oh, what I would not give for someone to mistake me for a student now.
What is the best advice I received?
Don’t be afraid to fail. You will fail…LOTS! And if you think you won’t, you are just setting yourself up for disappointment.
What do I want my legacy to be?
I’m not quite sure I will leave behind any kind of legacy, but I hope that when people meet me and talk to me about this region and my work, they walk away saying, “Wow…she must really love what she does.”
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