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A16 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 21, 2023 40 UNDER FORTY | 2023 Kate Stefanowicz is a project manager at Olsen Construction Services. She started her career in the construction industry volunteering in eastern Kentucky rebuilding homes for low-income families. She now uses her skills to continue to teach and train new superintendents and project engineers. Since being hired at Olsen Construction, Stefanowicz has assisted with the steady growth of the company from $20 million in yearly rev- enue to over $45 million. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I entered the commercial construction industry with no experience and continued to work my way up from administrative assistant to project manager on the execu- tive team. How are you involved in the community? Since my junior year in college, I've vol- unteered a week or more a year with the Christian Appalachian Project in eastern Kentucky. While there, I teach college stu- dents on their spring breaks how to rehab homes for low-income families in the area. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy playing softball and golf. I'm an avid UConn women's basketball fan and attend all the home games. I enjoy traveling to new places and seeing live music. I also love spending time with family and friends, especially my two nephews. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Lead and trained volunteers with the Christian Appalachian Project for over 15 years. • Youngest member of the executive team at Olsen Construction. • Completed a successful $10 million project as first assignment. • Served as an AmeriCorps member after college for two years. Fun Fact I am the first college graduate of my family. Kate Stefanowicz Age: 35 Company: Olsen Construction Services Title: Project Manager No. of years with current company: 2.5 Town where I live: Manchester Town where I work: Berlin College: UConn Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in psychology A Nigerian-American, Oyeronke "Ronke" Stallings is the first African-American chief of staff for Connecticut's largest technical high school and career system. In this role, Stallings is responsible for providing strategic leadership and support as the senior advisor to the executive director and advisory board. She works across sectors and industries to ensure system success. She is dedicated to ensuring Connecticut's youth have access to quality education, training and direct pipelines to employment. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? As chief of staff, one of my key roles is the facilitation of the successful transition of CTECS into an independent, executive branch agency. The transition enhances our ability to focus on our mission, increases capacity to partner with business and industry, while continuing to provide quality education to students statewide. How are you involved in the community? I am actively involved in communities state- wide through my work. I am an alumnus of the Parent Leadership Association, a leadership academy that empowers civic engagement and advocacy for parents. I also founded Melanated Moms, a group of suffocated women who share a common interest in supporting families and children. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my family. I am incredibly blessed to be married to the love of my life, my husband. I am humbled daily by our three magnificent children, and was recently promoted to auntie. The kids' curiosity and creativity keep us immersed in love and highly entertained. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Serves as a public servant and edu- cational advocate for the state of Connecticut for over 15 years. • Works with the state's administrators, instructors, staff, industry leaders, legis- lators, and students to provide trade and academic programming for high school students and adult learners. • Active mentor and speaker about the impor- tance of education and moving with purpose. • Brings visibility to leadership roles women play that sends a message to young girls and women that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Oyeronke "Ronke" Stallings Age: 37 Company: Connecticut Technical Education and Career System Title: Chief of Staff No. of years with current company: 5 Town where I work: Hartford College: University of Connecticut Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in political science, minor in urban community studies Amy Serrano joined Barker Specialty in 2016. Initially an account manager, Serrano assumed the director of marketing position, spearheading a company rebrand and leading a showroom remodel. Alongside managing sales accounts and mentoring staff, Serrano handles vendor relations and holds a seat on an industry board. Her array of management responsi- bilities contributes to her recent promotion to chief revenue officer. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? One of my greatest successes at Barker Specialty has been achieving 50% revenue growth since joining. I played a pivotal role in developing an onboarding program that streamlined client acquisition and implemented effective marketing and sales tactics, all contributing to the company's success and growth. How are you involved in the community? I lead my company's donation and sponsor- ship initiatives, supporting organizations associated with our clients. I actively seek opportunities to donate merchandise to local communities in need, making a posi- tive impact and fostering a spirit of giving back within the company. What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of work, I prioritize spending quality time with my husband, family and friends. Witnessing the growth and learning process of my young children brings me immense joy. Additionally, my family cherishes outdoor adven- tures, whether hiking, camping or boating. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Successfully built and led a marketing team, driving sales growth and strategic initiatives to achieve positive results and national recognition such as Family Business of the Year and Technology Distributor of the Year. • Established an effective employee recog- nition program, fostering a positive work culture and motivating team members toward success. • Quickly advanced to C-suite executive in less than eight years. • Nationally recognized within the promo- tional products industry as a Rising Star as well as a Woman in Print and Promo. Amy Serrano Age: 36 Company: Barker Specialty Title: Chief Revenue Officer No. of years with current company: 7 Town where I live: Plainville Town where I work: Cheshire College: Central Connecticut State University Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in business management