Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1505758
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 21, 2023 A19 2023 | 40 UNDER FORTY Berta Zack is an experience strategy principal at Slalom, leading a consultant team for major clients and national brands. Renowned as our versatile Swiss Army knife, Zack fosters client collaboration and co-designs strategic solutions. Zack received the Slalom "Mogul" award, and also leads the Slalom Military Resource Group, supporting local veterans. She helps lead internal training, guiding consultants on holistic growth and personal development. She is also a Military Intelligence Staff Sergeant in the Connecticut Army National Guard. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Becoming a formal people leader and mentor is my greatest accomplishment. I thrive on coaching others and helping them reach their full potential. Additionally, in 2022, as a technical program lead, I played a pivotal role in expanding our presence in Hartford for our largest West Coast client, resulting in an extended partnership, numerous sales opportunities and project roles for our local team. How are you involved in the community? I've proudly served my country and community in the Connecticut Army National Guard for 11 years and counting. Additionally, I am an active volunteer and donate to numerous local non- profits and PTO events. I've also coached youth soccer and co-founded a local running club, supporting individuals on their fitness journey. What do you like to do outside of work? I love to go on adventures with my wife and daughter and spend time with our family and friends. I am also obsessed with fitness and being outdoors. In addition to working out with a trainer at a local crossfit gym, I love to run. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Recognized as an award-winning consul- tant and esteemed servant leader. • Demonstrates pride and commitment in serving in the Connecticut Army National Guard, earning multiple awards and recognition. • Exhibits steadfast resilience by viewing challenges as valuable personal and professional growth opportunities. • Engages actively in the local community as a volunteer and coach. Roberta "Berta" Zack Age: 39 Company: Slalom Title: Principal, Experience Strategy No. of years with current company: 5 Town where I live: Enfield Town where I work: Hartford College: University of St. Joseph Highest degree: Master's degree in business management Lawrence Wooten is the vice president, supplier diversity, at Citizens where he focuses on the use of diverse-owned busi- nesses as suppliers, and encourages such use within Citizens' supply chain. He is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in procurement and supplier diversity within Raytheon Technologies. Throughout his career, Wooten has held various roles across multiple Raytheon entities, developing an understanding of the industry and fostering strong relationships with suppliers. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest accomplishments thus far have been increasing diverse supplier spend by 320%, and increasing diverse suppliers by 50%. Based on those accomplishments, Citizens was awarded 2022 National Corporation of the Year by the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council and the Silver Distinction by the US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce. How are you involved in the community? My involvement includes serving as a com- missioner for Human Rights & Opportunity for the city of New Britain where we work with legislators in raising awareness and protecting human rights, dignity and respect for all people. I also coach youth and high school basketball in the surrounding area. What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of just spending time with my wife and son, I enjoy all the social activities that the Greater Hartford area has to offer including live music, breweries, festivals and fairs. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • A social justice change agent influencing diversity, equity and inclusion strategies within procurement processes. • Appointed to the Human Rights & Opportunity Commission. • Led a project that awarded a wom- an-owned fleet management company a multi-year, multimillion-dollar contract. • Dedicated mentor devoted to developing and growing youth athletes, scholars and beyond. Lawrence Wooten Age: 33 Company: Citizens Title: Vice President, Supplier Diversity No. of years with current company: 2 Town where I live: New Britain Town where I work: Stamford College: Central Connecticut State University Highest degree: Master's degree in business administration CONGRATULATIONS BERTA! Your commitment to our company's success and growth is immeasurable. You are a true inspiration to your colleagues and the community you serve in all of your endeavors. 185 ASYLUM ST #3201, HARTFORD SLALOM.COM JOIN US ON SEPTEMBER 28 AS WE CELEBRATE THE 2023 HONOREES! TICKETS & TABLES HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM GO TO EVENTS PRESENTING SPONSOR MAJOR SPONSOR EVENT PARTNER SUPPORTING SPONSORS thank you to all organizations who help HBJ make the awards special