Hartford Business Journal

40 Hartford Business Journal • August 5, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com 40 UNDER FORTY 2019 S tephen Schirra is the founder of Around the Worlds Inc., a 501(c) (3) charity dedicated to using soccer as a platform to better the lives of underserved children worldwide. Since the organization's first Peru- based program in 2015, it has directly taught soccer to over 4,780 children in 44 countries spanning five continents. Going beyond organized instruc- tion, the nonprofit's equipment dona- tions (including 1,778 hand-delivered soccer balls) have indirectly impacted over 53,000 young athletes. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? In this field, it's important to celebrate victories, no matter how great or small. Our biggest triumph came in 2016, when a formerly rebel- lious young orphan in the Dominican Republic participated in one of our programs and redirected his own life to receive a scholarship at a presti- gious new school. How are you involved in the commu- nity? I spend off-days between international programs doing speaking engagements at elementary classes, school clubs and college summits, hoping our story might inspire a new generation of differ- ence-makers and change-seekers. We also have a permanent scholarship fund that recognizes a high school student using sports to impact the community. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Given the nature of our programs and the weight of circum- stances our attendees have been through, I've especially had to lean on these support circles for strength and understanding. They aren't easy conversations to have, but they've certainly helped me keep going. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Has secured grants and strategic partnerships from large-scale corporations such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens, PlayStation, New Balance, and more. • Work has been seen domestically on ESPN, as well as national news networks ABS-CBN (Philippines) and CNC3 (Trinidad & Tobago). • Has brought professional and national-team caliber athletes into programs, while also working alongside Nobel Peace Prize laure- ates during international collabora- tions. • Humanitarian work has garnered recognition from the New Eng- land Patriots and Revolution, Bos- ton Celtics, Robert Kraft, Major League Soccer, and more. FUN FACT I enjoy eating exotic food — turtle, eel, frog, balut (bird embryo), soup #5 (bull's testes). Stephen Schirra Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Around the Worlds, Around the World Inc. Age: 26 No. of years with current company: 3.5 Town where I live: Ellington Town where I work: Worldwide College: University of Connecticut Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in actuarial science Who is your favorite superhero? My mother B enjamin Jensen is a partner in Robinson + Cole's business litigation group. In addition to handling complex business disputes and intellectual property litigation, his legal practice is on the cutting edge of technology, data privacy and cybersecurity. He has taken on lead- ership roles with the firm's initia- tives focused on both international data privacy regulations and emerg- ing technologies. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I was named partner at Robinson + Cole last year, which was great. The handshake and look of pride from my father was even better. He's the one who made so many things possible for me and who inspired me with his unparalleled work ethic and commit- ment to his family. How are you involved in the commu- nity? I served as the second chair of Hart- ford Young Professional & Entrepre- neurs (HYPE), helping to significantly expand the organization. I also served on the board of directors for the American School for the Deaf and am currently on the board of the Connecticut Forum. What do you like to do outside of work? When the kids are asleep and I get to have dinner with my wife (40 Under 40 well before me) and discuss her mar- keting business. Spending the week- ends trekking with my son to every farm, park and museum in the state. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • Named partner at Robinson + Cole. • Leading firm's initiatives on inter- national data privacy regulation and emerging technologies. • Organized and serve as co-chair of the firm's Litigation Academy, pro- viding litigation and trial training for junior associates. • Recognized as a New Leader of the Law by the Connecticut Law Tribune. FUN FACT Two-time waterslide race champion while on vacation in Florida this year. Benjamin C. Jensen Partner, Robinson & Cole LLP Age: 39 No. of years with current company: 10 Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: Indiana University/UConn Law Highest degree: Law degree Who is your favorite superhero? Frank Ocean PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED

• Cover