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A4 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 21, 2023 40 UNDER FORTY | 2023 Amanda Call is vice president of marketing and operations for Lumi Hospitality. Call helped Lumi through a rebranding and restructuring process, created operating systems and structures for growth and expansion, hired and trained a team that annually doubles in size, and drives revenue that also doubles year over year. She is responsible for implementing company procedures and processes, allowing the team to scale operations and produce work for hospi- tality, travel and real estate brands worldwide. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Amanda Call Age: 35 Company: Lumi Hospitality Title: Vice President of Marketing & Operations No. of years with current company: 6 Town where I live: Simsbury Town where I work: Hartford College: Birmingham-Southern College Highest degree: Bachelor of science degree in business administration Melissa Braun is a tax manager at Whittlesey, a regional accounting firm in Hartford. Braun started with the firm after graduating from Bryant University in 2012. She serves various industries, from commer- cial, residential and affordable housing real estate to financial institutions, construction and high-net-worth individuals. Braun is co-founder and now the leader of the real estate thought leadership niche and is a coach and mentor to staff. In 2023, Braun was named one of CTCPA's Women to Watch. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest professional accomplishment so far is mentoring staff and fostering an environment for them to learn and grow. As a leader in the firm, you're only as strong as your team. I find great joy in encouraging my team to take on new challenges as they advance in their career. How are you involved in the community? I am a member of CREW Network, which is transforming the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally. I participate in women's leadership and professional groups, like the Connecticut Community Bankers Association. I am a past executive committee member of Community Accounting Services, a non- profit that provides free tax and financial counseling to eligible residents. What do you like to do outside of work? I like to travel with friends, read and knit/ crochet. I am in three book clubs. I also participate in "block of the month clubs" that mail you yarn once a month and instructions on how to make different patterns that turn into a blanket. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Co-Founded and now lead the real estate thought leadership niche at Whittlesey. • Mentored and coached numerous team members to advance in their career. • Assist in creating processes and proce- dures to improve the tax department. • Organizes department events to promote employee engagement. Melissa Braun Age: 34 Company: Whittlesey Title: Tax Manager No. of years with current company: 11 Town where I live: Rocky Hill Town where I work: Hartford College: Sacred Heart University Highest degree: Master's degree in accounting, Bryant University Whittlesey congratulates our own Melissa Braun and all the Hartford Business Journal 40 Under Forty Class of 2023 recipients. Melissa's commitment to our clients has helped them successfully implement strategies to navigate complex tax issues and economic and technological challenges to see a better future. ASSURANCE | ADVISORY | TAX | TECHNOLOGY 280 Trumbull St, 24th Floor, Hartford, CT 06103 860.522.3111 | www.WAdvising.com When we pivoted to focus on the industries we specialized in, I was entrusted to create the systems, processes and infrastructure to get us there. I am really proud of the growth of Lumi, and how radically we improved the efficiency of our operations, while main- taining the team and work culture we value. How are you involved in the community? I am a huge animal lover. I have been fostering dogs for local rescue organizations for several years, until a recent "foster fail" became the newest addition to our household. Six years ago, I also started "All of the Things CT," to showcase and support Connecticut restaurants and businesses. What do you like to do outside of work? I love hosting, traveling, gardening — making our home and lifestyle as sustainable as pos- sible has become a big focus of mine. I enjoy taking trips with friends all over New England, going on date nights with my partner, Joe, and spending time with our two dogs and cat. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Created and implemented company policies to help work/life balance for all employees, and lead team training initia- tives for employee growth and education. • Led 100% growth in both team size and com- pany revenue year over year from 2021-2022. • Designed and implemented a new workflow management system department-wide. • Created strategies to market and promote Hartford, from digital to experiential, through campaigns and work for Pratt Street Historic District Marketing and Events, Experience Hartford, DominGO, The Goodwin Hotel and North Crossing.