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A18 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 21, 2023 40 UNDER FORTY | 2023 Abby M. Warren Age: 38 Company: Robinson & Cole LLP Title: Partner, Labor and Employment Group No. of years with current company: 8-plus Town where I live: Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: Southern Connecticut State University Highest degree: Juris Doctor from Penn State University Abby Warren is a partner in the labor and employment group at Robinson & Cole LLP, a law firm founded in Hartford in 1845. Warren is admitted to practice law in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. She focuses her practice on counseling employers, including multinational corporations, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and manufacturers. She also defends employers in court and before administra- tive agencies. Warren also provides workplace training and conducts workplace investigations. What's been your biggest professional/ work accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest professional accomplishment was making partner at Robinson & Cole. How are you involved in the community? I am vice-chair of the board of trustees for the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame and serve as co-chair of the organization's governance and nominating committee. I am also a member of the Connecticut Bar examining committee. I regularly volun- teer as part of a food security program in downtown Hartford. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy hiking, reading, attending theater and supporting the performing arts. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? Serve on the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame board of trustees. Judicially appointed to the Connecticut Bar examining committee. Recognized for commitment to mentorship of both law students and lawyers through the presentation of Robinson & Cole's Mentor of the Year Award. Regularly engage in volunteer and commu- nity activity, providing support. Fun Fact For more than 25 years, I've hosted an annual holiday baking party. Emily R. Wood Age: 32 Company: Connecticut Wealth Management LLC Title: Partner & Chief Client Officer No. of years with current company: 5 Town where I live: New Hartford Town where I work: Farmington College: Hollins University Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in gender and women's studies and international studies Emily Wood is partner and chief client officer for Connecticut Wealth Management, a wealth management and financial planning firm. Wood oversees existing and emerging client services, ensuring that clients have an excep- tional experience throughout every aspect of their financial lives. She oversees the advisory team, helping to remove barriers so that they can focus their attention on advising clients while bridging the gap between leader- ship and the broader team. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? The transformational impact of focusing on people and their success is my greatest pas- sion. As a partner, I guide the overall strategic vision, and execute on the firm's mission to 'turn life's aspirations into reality for clients and team' through creativity and innovation. How are you involved in the community? I serve on the board of Advancing Connecticut Together and Simsbury Meadow Performing Arts Center. I am president of the Connecticut Association of Human Services and I volunteer with the organization's Connecticut Money School, providing free financial coaching to those in need. I'm also involved with our compa- ny's charitable efforts. What do you like to do outside of work? In my free time, you can find me enjoying the outdoors and the arts, learning to play golf and spending time with loved ones. I take pride in noticing and appreciating the simple pleasures of life, like a great conver- sation, a delicious meal and a good laugh. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Was named the youngest partner in Connecticut Wealth Management's history. • Helped to double the size of the firm to 61-plus teammates over the last two years. • Led the charge of a recent merger, suc- cessfully onboarding 150 new clients. • Conceptualized and launched a new firm offering for business owners, Momentum for Business Owners. Elizabeth Walden is the director of public relations for Comcast's Western New England Region, headquartered in Berlin. She serves as a company spokesperson with the press and on social media, and is responsible for shaping the company's image in Connecticut, Vermont, western Massachusetts, western New Hampshire and the Carmel, New York area. Prior to joining Comcast, Walden was vice president of Quinn, a lifestyle public relations firm with offices in LA, Miami and New York City. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Since I joined Comcast six years ago, I received two promotions, first to senior manager and then to director. This accelerated growth is a direct result of my dedicated work ethic, agile mind-set, keen public relations skills and of my willingness to take on added responsibilities. How are you involved in the community? I serve as president for The Greater Connecticut Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, one of Connecticut's only professional groups for communicators. I am also on the board of directors for the New England chapter of Women In Cable and Telecommunications, which empowers women leaders in media, entertainment and technology. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy getting together with family and friends, traveling as often as possible, participating in Spartan races, painting and spending time outdoors with my dog, Duke. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • An authentic, trusted leader who made a positive impact on the PR department with her can-do attitude, new ideas and drive for excellence. • In 2019, honored with the Women in Cable Television Emerging Leader award, and in 2020 Comcast received the Best in Show award under her leadership from PRSA CT. • Leader of Comcast's Young Professional Network employee resource group and communications pillar lead for DE&I Council. • President of the Greater Connecticut Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Elizabeth Walden Age: 34 Company: Comcast Title: Director of Public Relations No. of years with current company: 6-plus Town where I live: Hamden Town where I work: Berlin College: Clark University Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in communications