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B 10 WOMEN IN BUSINESS | HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 3, 2023 Stacy R. Farber Managing Director, Audit & Assurance Practice in CT UHY LLP S tacy Farber leads UHY's Connecticut audit practice and is the head of the Northeast region's employee benefit plan practice. Working in public accounting for more than 15 years and seven years in private industry, mostly as a chief financial officer, Farber realized early that she was meant for public accounting — more specifically, auditing. She joined UHY in 2020 as a senior manager and the only auditor. The office had one audit client when she started, and in just two years, Farber has grown the practice to 70 audits and has been promoted twice to reach the highest level of audit partner. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? First, becoming the first female chief financial officer at a large manufacturing company. Second, on January 1, 2023, I attained the highest level in public accounting as a partner (managing director). Third, I was appointed to the State Board of Accountancy as a board member in late 2022. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My next big goal is to become the office managing partner for the UHY Connecticut office. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Finding a place where my vision and values align with those of the firm and I can use my skill set to not only be part of, but also lead a team of like-minded individuals to reach shared success. What are your keys to maintaining business success? Past mentors helped show me the ability to have both a successful career and a family and taught me the importance of having long-lasting, valued relationships with clients, former clients and colleagues. These lessons have helped propel my success and I work to model them for the next generation. Mia Hawlk Executive Director, MBA Programs University of Connecticut M ia Hawlk is the executive director of MBA programs at the University of Connecticut where she oversees the online, FLEX, and executive MBA degree programs. In this role, Hawlk led the team in the creation of the online MBA two years ago and this past year, she was at the forefront of redesign for the new UConn FLEX MBA, which will allow students to create a highly customized MBA experience. Hawlk is actively engaged in the national MBA community and was appointed to the national PMBA/OMBA advisory board in 2020. Hawlk holds a doctorate in educational leadership. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? My greatest professional accomplishment has been the redesign of the UConn MBA. In an organization that is inherently traditional, bringing about meaningful change is difficult. Not only have we created a more sustainable MBA, but it is more accessible than ever before. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? I would like to create an MBA scholarship that supports women entrepreneurs. It would help attract talented students who might not otherwise consider an MBA. MBA students not only increase their own earning potential, but women entrepreneurs are known to create opportunity for others – so the trickle- down impact would be profound. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? The biggest challenge I have overcome professionally is finding a balance between family and work that feels authentic and sustainable. If things are not going well at home, it's difficult to concentrate at work. Admitting and addressing that, especially as a woman, sometimes leaves you vulnerable. Embracing that reality has been one of my greatest challenges, but has had the highest ROI. Mia Hawlk Executive Director of MBA Programs UConn School of Business 2023 Honoree — HBJ Women in Business Award CONGRATULATIONS MIA! 2023 HBJ WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARD HONOREE Mia Hawlk is the Executive Director of MBA Programs at UConn, where she oversees the Online, FLEX, and Executive MBA degree programs and has led a team to create a more flexible and customizable MBA program. (mba.uconn.edu) "It's an honor to serve this community of rising business leaders,'' Mia said. "What makes me particularly proud is the expanded access to MBA programs. We engage and support people who might otherwise struggle to pursue an advanced degree, such as busy parents and people who work in the evenings. Whether they work in large companies or as entrepreneurs, we're not only helping our students discover their own potential, but creating a ripple effect of success within the community." Mia earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership, is active in the national MBA community, and was appointed to the national PMBA/OMBA Advisory Board in 2020. "Mia's dedication to her students and unwavering work ethic make her deserving of this recognition,'' said Jose Cruz, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs at the UConn School of Business. "We are proud of Mia and this exceptional accomplishment." mba.uconn.edu THE 2023 WOMEN IN BUSINESS HONOREES