Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com • August 5, 2019 • Hartford Business Journal 39 40 UNDER FORTY 2019 A s vice president of programs and communications at the World Affairs Council, Amanda Jolly delivers over 25 public events annu- ally, hosting world leaders, experts and changemakers to engage the diverse Hartford-area community on global is- sues. Jolly has developed over 60 public events as well as led communications, marketing, and technology infrastruc- ture efforts. Previously, Jolly worked with nonprofits around the globe, from Ghana to the Philippines, and in the U.S. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I'm most proud of expanding the space for non-partisan, fact-based, productive discourse. When such spaces seem to be shrinking national- ly, the Council has expanded its reach to over 10,000 community members annually, bringing together different opinions, perspectives and solutions in a way that strengthens, rather than frays, our civil society. How are you involved in the community? I'm lucky to live and work in the Hartford area. In particular, I'm in- terested in advancing leadership and engagement opportunities in Hartford — through working with Leader- ship Greater Hartford on the Alumni Engagement Committee, serving as a mentor, and participating in groups like Finest Hours, a community forum creating volunteer opportunities. What do you like to do outside of work? Concerts at Infinity Hall, Yard Goats games at Dunkin' Donuts Park, "Ham- ilton" at The Bushnell, attempting to train for the Hartford Marathon, then posting up at Capital Ice Cream — it's never boring in Hartford. (And, of course, World Affairs Council events!) Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: • As part of the Council team, helped expand our reach to over 10,000 individuals annually — fostering an informed, engaged, and empow- ered civil society. • Facilitated the appearances of am- bassadors, generals, world leaders, policy experts, dignitaries, journal- ists, and more to Hartford. • Led the implementation of two new Council events that have grown to become annual stand- outs: Global Security Forum and Diplomat Reception. • Selected to be an advisor with Tech2Empower, spending 10 days in Rwanda consulting with NGOs, social enterprise leaders, entrepreneurs, and students to scale their work. FUN FACT Spent eight weeks traveling around southeast Asia, including a 10-day stop for silent meditation. Amanda Jolly Vice President, Programs and Communications, World Affairs Council of Connecticut Age: 28 No. of years with current company: 4 Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: American University Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in international service Who is your favorite superhero? My Mom and Dad T h r o u g h c o m m u n i t y e n g a g e m e n t a n d c o l l a b o r a t i o n , t h e W o r l d A f f a i r s C o u n c i l o f C o n n e c t i c u t c r e a t e s e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t e x p l o r e c r i t i c a l g l o b a l i s s u e s a n d p r o m o t e a g r e a t e r u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e w o r l d . W O R L D A F F A I R S C O U N C I L O F C O N N E C T I C U T Y o u r t e a m + c o m m u n i t y c o u l d n ' t b e p r o u d e r . Congratulations, Amanda Jolly! 40 Under Forty, Class of 2019 c t w a c . o r g | ( 8 6 0 ) 2 4 1 - 6 1 1 8

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