Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1495902
APRIL 3, 2023 | HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | WOMEN IN BUSINESS B 7 Mary Kay Curtiss Principal CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) A s a principal in CLA's West Hartford office, Mary Kay Curtiss provides audit services to a wide range of nonprofit organizations. As a member of the Connecticut executive leadership team, she works closely with the managing principal of office in executing overall operations from office management and personnel to finances. In her role as the New England nonprofit growth network industry leader, Curtiss builds and leads her team with client service, industry involvement and networking activities. She also participates in CLA's national nonprofit mentor- ing program and is deeply involved with the CLA Foundation as a board member and treasurer. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? My involvement with the blumshapiro and CLA foundations has been my most meaningful accomplishment. As a board member and treasurer of the CLA Foundation, I'm honored to be part of an initiative that has raised and donated more than $8 million to create career opportunities through education, employment and entrepreneurship. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? Professionally, I am living my best life. I work with amazing colleagues in our New England offices, the national nonprofit team and the CLA Foundation. I'm continually humbled and inspired by the incredible work my clients do in their communities. I'm open to the next adventure on this journey! What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Leading during the pandemic — earning a new level of trust from clients and my team, keeping everyone engaged and motivated while navi- gating a remote environment in an otherwise forward-facing environment — was a challenge. What are your keys to maintaining business success? Gratitude. I'm grateful for my colleagues, the nonprofit team and my family. Their support has allowed me to do the work I love. I'm grateful for the nonprofits I've had the honor of working with during my career. The remark- able services these organizations provide to their communities continually inspires me. Dr. Juanita Collier Founder and Behavioral Optometrist 4D Vision Gym D r. Juanita D. Collier is the founder of 4D Vision Gym, an optometric vision therapy (VT) practice specializing in treating and empowering patients to overcome vision-related academic, athletic and occupational challenges. Collier has also introduced new pathways to treatment by creating and launching three digital in-home vision therapy programs. As the founder and CEO of 4D Vision Gym, the largest vision therapy-only practice in Connecticut, Collier is trailblazing a path for other female entrepreneurs to grow and flourish. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? My biggest accomplishment has been transforming how people see the world and bringing positive change to thousands of families around the U.S. 4D Vision Gym began as a small one-room operation and now has two locations, three digital platforms and a podcast called 'It Could Be Your Eyes.' What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My next goal is to promote nationwide recog- nition of the 4D Built to Read digital course. The program equips parents to become 'junior vision therapists' for their children, helping improve reading, athletic and social skills from the comfort of their own home at their own pace. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? The biggest challenge women in STEM face is the proverbial glass ceiling. As a Black and Hispanic woman, being good is not enough; I must be great. This pressure propels me to inspire young girls to achieve whatever they set their minds to. Who has been your most important mentor and why? The mentors who have had the greatest impact on me are those who pushed me beyond my perceived limits. Those mentors recognized my untapped potential and spurred me to become who I am. I now challenge my patients to exceed their own expectations. "We have seen so much improvement in a short amount of time and for the first time, our son willingly picks up a book and reads front to back." -Stacy, Walter's mom 4D Built to Read is a 12-week at- home Vision Therapy program designed to accelerate the development of a child's visual system so they can excel academically. THE 2023 WOMEN IN BUSINESS HONOREES