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T H E 2 0 2 4 WOMEN IN BUSINESS H O N O R E E S HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 1, 2024 B15 Jennifer Mathieu Executive Director Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, UConn J ennifer Mathieu supports economic development by fostering initiatives for startups and small businesses at UConn and across Connecticut. In her role, she has supported the launch and growth of hundreds of startups and small businesses as well as many new initiatives to support entrepreneurs. Mathieu is an entre- preneurship educator and teaches courses designed to support founders as they bring a new product or service to market. She is a mentor within community organiza- tions, serves on advisory boards, and works as a consultant for businesses. In addition, she helped to launch UConn Brew- ing Innovation, a multidisciplinary hub that connects the craft beer industry with UConn's research enterprise all while providing trans- formative experiences for UConn students. Mathieu was selected to Hartford Business Journal's 40 Under 40 in 2021, and Connecticut Magazine's 40 Under 40 in 2023. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from UConn, an M.Ed. in higher education administration from Springfield College, and an executive MBA from UConn. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments? My biggest accomplishments include the support of over 1,500 entrepreneurs spanning across more than 700 startups and small businesses. Many of these ventures have created innovative solutions to significant health and global challenges. Additionally, I've facilitated the raising of $4 million in grant and donor funding over the last few years, which directly empowers entre- preneurship initiatives that are crucial for the success of these aspiring entrepreneurs. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? The next big goal I would like to accomplish is to take my passion for entrepreneurship and expand the platforms for which I am able to support new venture development and growth. I plan to focus some of my efforts on leadership training and development for new founders. Kimberly Napp Partner-in-Charge of Assurance Whittlesey K imberly Napp, CPA, is a partner at Whittlesey, the largest Connecti- cut-based CPA firm. Napp began her accounting journey in 2004, joining Whittlesey as an associate accountant and was named partner at age 37. She has devoted the majority of her career to servic- ing nonprofits and credit unions. Napp is co-founder and co-leader of the Women of Whittlesey group. In 2024, she was named the first woman partner-in-charge of assurance, the firm's largest department, where she directs the overall operations of the audit team. Napp was named a 2019 40 under Forty honoree by the Hartford Business Journal. She also won the 2023 Women's Distinguished Service award from the Connecticut Society of CPAs. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments? My most significant professional achievement was being named partner at Whittlesey, and more recently, becoming the first woman to be appointed partner-in-charge of assurance. This milestone signifies my personal and professional growth, leadership ability, and underscores my commitment to breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity within the organization. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My next goal is to improve my department by implementing processes, procedures and additional technology to enhance efficiencies and deliver added value to our clients, as well as growing the department and providing career growth opportunities for my team. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Having a career in public accounting, partic- ularly during the demanding hours of busy season, presented a significant challenge, especially as a single mom prioritizing my son's well-being. Through careful planning and effective time management, although not always easy, I managed to ensure that both my work and home life received the attention they deserved. ccei.uconn.edu Jennifer Mathieu Executive Director Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation UConn School of Business 2024 Honoree — HBJ Women in Business Award Jennifer Mathieu has been honored as one of this year's HBJ Top 25 Women in Business and is acknowledged for her outstanding contributions to the entrepreneurship and business community in Connecticut. At the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI), Jennifer inspires a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation throughout UConn and across the state. She has created transformative experiences for startups to build successful businesses while simultaneously supporting leadership development for founders. Explore opportunities to engage with CCEI: Entrepreneurship Leadership Program CCEI Mentor Network Timely Topics Podcast Accelerate UConn: NSF I-Corps Program INSPIRING THE Next Wave OF ENTREPRENEURS