Hartford Business Journal

Women In Business | March 22, 2021 | Hartford Business Journal 11 R avitz leads all marketing efforts for Access Health CT (AHCT). She joined the exchange in 2013 as the multicultural marketing manager, where she led efforts to reach minority communities. In 2015, she was promoted to the role of director. She has 20+ years of experience in marketing and a strong insurance background. Prior to AHCT, she held diverse positions with Aetna, including chief of staff for the Head of Consumer Segments, and in 2012, she managed marketing strategies for the Latin America and Caribbean segment. Born in Costa Rica, has a bachelor's in advertising, and an MB&A licentiate in marketing. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? Access Health CT's mission is what inspired me to join in 2013. I'm fortunate to lead a team that is passionate about making a difference in people's lives. As of January 2021, that passion resulted in nearly 1 million Connecticut residents enrolled in healthcare coverage through the marketplace. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? Change the story. I want to do everything in my power to help people live a better, healthier, happier life – especially in communities of color. Being Hispanic, this is personal to me. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Like many working parents, trying to balance work and home responsibilities in the time of COVID-19 has been challenging. I have two young children and a demanding job. This past year really put things into perspective, and I've learned a lot about myself as a woman, mom, wife and leader. How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader? As a business leader, I have found clear and frequent touchpoints to be more critical than ever, especially one-on- one discussions with my team. These conversations can't be all business. I try to start my meetings with a "How are you?" and finish with "How can I help you?" Who has been your most important mentor and why? One connection I made early in my career has become a lifelong mentor and friend. He helped me build a professional foundation by teaching me things you can't learn in a classroom. He's a hard- working, successful businessman who believed and empowered me every step of the way. Thank you, Dalton. Andrea Ravitz Employer: Access Health CT Title: Director, Marketing & Communications A s chief operating officer for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England, New York & Westchester Properties, Kathryn Redican spearheads network-wide financial and performance growth initiatives, oversees enhanced corporate strategy and implements important communications directives for the brokerage's more than 1,800 real estate associates throughout the Northeast. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? Being in a leadership role where I can contribute immediately. As the COO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, I can be a thought leader and continue to find innovative solutions to support and develop sales executives who will contribute to the growth of the company. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? Enhancing communication is a never- ending process in work and life. Constant awareness and willingness to change is critical in growth. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Leaving the security and relationships of a nine-year career in New York City for a new company in a new location was challenging. This disruption was one of the most rewarding transitions in my life and it has made me more confident in my ability to thrive, no matter what life has in store. How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader? Learning to anticipate without typical inputs or in-person collaboration has introduced new skillsets, resulting in more streamlined operations and services. Who has been your most important mentor and why? I have worked alongside many outstanding women who remain my accountability checkpoints, cheerleaders and dear friends, the most recent being Candace Adams. Working with rockstar women who understand the demands of family and career has empowered me to take risks with confidence. WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS 2021 Kathryn Redican Employer: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties Title: Chief Operating Officer M elissa Sheffy is president of commercial construction companies Network Interiors Inc. (NI), Network Framing Solutions (NFS) and NDC Corp. Sheffy founded NI in 1991. After 27 years of award-winning success, she established NFS as a producer of pre-fabricated metal components and assemblies. Sheffy is a fierce advocate for career opportunities in the trades and a pacesetter for advancing innovation in construction. A longtime resident of Southington, Sheffy actively contributes her time and professional talents to support local community organizations in volunteer and leadership roles. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? My greatest pride is assembling and developing the Network team over three decades. It is an honor to be surrounded by people who share my passion for building and deeply held core values. Network is an industry leader that is advancing construction by taking projects from plans to lasting structures faster. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My focus is always on the future. With the construction industry facing a labor shortage, succession planning and in- house training are essential to developing next-generation leaders. Network is preparing dynamic and intelligent young professionals in the office and the field to move into management positions when the time comes. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? From the beginning, finding people who fit our team has been a critical focus. As a woman-owned merit shop, our culture is unique. I value a good work ethic and integrity over everything else. It has taken me years, but I'm exceptionally proud of what we're able to accomplish together. How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader? I've navigated many down economies over the years, but COVID took adaptation to an entirely new level. We were challenged to balance employee safety and customer service to meet project schedules while maintaining morale and managing disrupted supply chains. I'm very thankful for the vaccine. What do you like to do outside of work? I actively volunteer in my local community and with construction-industry organizations. The value of giving back is a lesson I learned from my parents and I have passed it down to my children. It is part of who I am in all aspects of my life, personally and professionally. Melissa Sheffy Employer: Network Interiors, Network Framing Solutions and NDC Commercial Construction Title: President Government Relations Group Susan Halpin | Brooks Campion Hilary Felton-Reid | Melanie Flaherty Evan Dantos | Tyler Anderson (860) 275-8385 Member Companies: Aetna | Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut Cigna | ConnectiCare | Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare United Healthcare Connecticut Association of Health Plans Congratulations to Christine Cappiello Women In Business Honoree

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