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36 n e w h a v e n B I Z | N o v e m b e r 2 0 2 2 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m W o m e n i n B u s i n e s s Cathy Velez Employer: Webster Bank Title: Senior Managing Director, New England Private Client, Market President College: Cambridge College, Boston, MA Highest degree: Associate's in science business administration C athy Velez is currently a senior managing director, New England Private Client, market president for Webster Bank. She is an empowering leader and senior bilingual banking executive with 30 years of experience in driving positive and impactful business results. Velez has a proven track record in developing, problem solving and executing programs in banking sales and consumer confidence. In her current role, she is responsible for developing and expanding the Private Client Program for Webster Bank in New England. She resides in North Branford with her husband and two daughters. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? What have been your major accomplishments in the last year? One of my biggest accomplishments was the support my team and I were able to provide the business community through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) during the pandemic. We quickly shied priorities and helped train 60+ bankers within the organization in processing applications. Under my management, the team inputted loans and contacted clients Samantha Williams, M.S. Employer: 628 Digital Design Title: President & CEO College: University of New Haven Highest degree: Master's in healthcare administration S amantha (Sammi) Williams is an astute businesswoman and serial entrepreneur, launching several companies: Sam's Word, 628 Digital Design, Melanated Business Coaching, the Collaboration of Minority Women Professionals and CMWP Foundation. Her experience includes 20+ years of craing executive-level content. As a community leader, she remains dedicated to supporting the Black business community, its individuals and its families. A Queens, New York native, Sammi earned her Bachelor's degree from York College (CUNY), and her Master's in healthcare administration from UNH. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? What have been your major accomplishments in the last year? My biggest professional accomplishment was winning my first federal contract with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Ironically, I was awarded that contract on June 28 of this year. June 28th is also my son's birthday and the reason for the name of the company, 628 Digital Design. Being certified as a woman-owned small business (WOSB) with the Small Business Nancy Ragozzino Employer: Ragozzino Foods, Inc. Title: President College: Some Highest degree: High School N ancy Ragozzino is the president of Ragozzino Foods Inc. in Meriden, a family-owned custom food manufacturer founded by her father in 1952. Ragozzino has been involved in her family business for almost 40 years. Growing up in the family business prepared her for the many facets of the company. Her passion for food coupled with her vivacious personality have guided her to her main role in sales. Her duties also include research and development (R&D) and quality assurance. She is the youngest of her generation, and she attributes the company's success to her siblings and her employees, "it's a team effort." What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? What have been your major accomplishments in the last year? My biggest professional, as well as personal, accomplishment is continuing to operate our family's business and leading it to be one of the most respected and recognized names in the custom food manufacturing industry. I am proud to have had the good fortune to continue operating through some of the most challenging, worldwide business obstacles in our history. COVID was overwhelming at times, but our dedicated staff worked tirelessly to continue operating Brianna Régine Walston Employer: Brianna Régine Visionary Consulting Title: Founder & CEO College: University of Connecticut Highest degree: Bachelor's in communications B rianna Régine Walston is the founder & CEO o f Brianna Régine Visionary Consulting, a strategic communications and marketing agency specializing in brand growth for entrepreneurs and decision-makers, both nationally and internationally. Brianna is not only a successful entrepreneur, she is also a public speaker, as well as an advocate for wellness at work, DEI and mentorship. She launched UConn's first Affinity Collaborative & Community Center in 2021 and she has been featured on several platforms such as Circle Around. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? What have been your major accomplishments in the last year? My biggest professional accomplishment so far is turning an idea into a successful agency from the ground up, in a way that remains authentic to me. When you start a business, you can get in your head. Is the market oversaturated? Can I actually do this? Going into our sixth year of business, it's a blessing to not only have clients but also team members who want to work with you because, ultimately, they believe you add to ensure they were able to get the help they needed during this difficult time. One of my major accomplishments in the last year has been to assist with the merger of Webster Bank and Sterling National Bank. I served as a member of the task force that was created to ensure readiness for the coming together of these two organizations, specifically the Consumer Bankline of business. I continue to work on the integration of the two organizations which includes system conversion while developing the Private Client Program for expansion in New England. My ability to pivot and support other areas of the organization is something of which I'm very proud. What are your keys to maintaining business success? I believe that one of the keys to maintaining business success is to focus on people. Ensuring that my approach is collaborative and considers others' perspectives is important to me in all that I do. Administration (SBA) was instrumental in my company being awarded this contract because it helps the government fulfill its set-aside goals of doing business with women-owned businesses. What are your keys to maintaining business success? My keys to maintaining business success are to continue learning and growing, pushing myself and surrounding myself with people who celebrate and pour into me. Set goals that scare you and work hard to achieve them because even if you fall short, you are further than you would've been with smaller goals. Fun Fact: Tell us something most people don't know about you. As a child, I wanted to be a traveling missionary, milking cows in Papua New Guinea. to get product to our customers. Supply chain shortages and transportation obstacles were challenging, but proud to say we didn't miss a beat. Last year, I was inducted into one of our long-time customers' Hall of Fame. at was quite an honor. What are your keys to maintaining business success? Customer service is top priority for me along with keeping our employees engaged. I am very active in the daily operations and on the plant floor daily. I am constantly engaging with our employees both on a personal and professional level. My customers know I will do just about anything for them and know that I am available 24/7. Fun Fact: Tell us something most people don't know about you. Favorite Food: Hot and Salty French Fries. Loves Karaoke and Cooking. value to their professional journey. It's a wild and rewarding feeling, and it's something I don't take lightly. What are your keys to maintaining business success? Operate in your zone of genius. Trust and delegate. Embrace the evolution of your brand. How you operated on day one, may not be efficient on day 2,347. Knowing what to keep and what to change in your "secret sauce" for the sake of your larger goals is key. Fun Fact: Tell us something most people don't know about you. Growing up I wanted to be a teacher or an artist (think Beyonce). My parents supported me and put me in classes. Turns out being an artist is very hard. I do much better creatively strategizing and running behind the scenes so my clients can shine. So, it's kind of teaching and artistry, right?

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