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T H E 2 0 2 5 WOMEN IN BUSINESS H O N O R E E S HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 10, 2025 B3 K elly Fortin, a licensed professional counselor, is the founder and clinical director of The Center for Emotional Healing LLC, which she founded in 2017 after over 20 years in social services. With extensive experience in treating anxiety, depression, trauma and life challenges, she now focuses on leading her team. The center offers telehealth and in-person services across Connecticut, with offices in Burlington, a pediatric space in New Britain, and within the Ellington public school system. Under Fortin's leadership, the practice has expanded to 20 therapists and advanced practice nurses, all working together to create an impact on mental health. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments? When COVID-19 hit, The Center for Emotional Healing had just a handful of part-time employees. With mental health needs skyrocketing, I focused on keeping my team employed, clients connected and services safe. As a result, the practice tripled in size in both staff and clients during an incredibly challenging time. Kelly Fortin Founder & Clinical Director The Center for Emotional Healing, LLC What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My next big goal is to expand our services to offer more outside-the-box options for those who need non-tradi- tional care. While the stigma around mental health is decreasing, many still need different types of support. I'm committed to growing services that meet the unique needs of every individual. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? One of my biggest challenges has been managing the complexities of owning a mental health business — navigating insurance hurdles and regulations and ensuring quality care. Overcoming these challenges while staying true to our mission has been crucial to our success. How are you involved in the community? I attend networking events in the communities we serve to connect with other providers and share our services. I also collaborate with local businesses to build partnerships. My goal is to ensure others know they don't have to navigate challenges alone. We're here to support and strengthen the communities we serve. M elissa Ferrucci, a CPA, has over 20 years of experi- ence in public accounting, servicing clients in the real estate and government sectors. In April 2022, her client service and leadership capabilities were recognized through her elevation to office managing partner of CohnReznick's Connecticut offices. Ferrucci currently manages a team of approximately 200 employees in the Hartford and Stamford offices. In addition to leading the firm's offices in Connecticut, she continues to serve clients in commercial real estate and affordable housing, and provides auditing services and guidance on critical industry issues to a range of stakeholders. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? My most significant professional accomplishments include leading CohnReznick's two incredible Connecti- cut offices as part of a billion-dollar firm that continues to grow exponentially. I've also held leadership roles as presi- dent of the Real Estate Finance Asso- ciation (2025) and CREW CT (2020), working with amazing professionals in Melissa l. Ferrucci Office Managing Partner – Connecticut Offices CohnReznick LLP an industry I'm passionate about. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My next big goals are to double the size of our Connecticut practice revenues and provide our team with continuous opportunities for development and growth. In addition, I continuously look for new challenges within and outside the firm to invest in myself and continue learning. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? There isn't one specific challenge that I can pinpoint in my career. There are daily challenges and situations to overcome, and those challenges drive me forward. I enjoy the victory of conquering the daily obstacles and learning from every experience, positive or negative, that I encounter. How are you involved in the community? In addition to various board positions, I serve on the planning committee for the Building Foundations Commercial Real Estate Breakfast, which is in partnership with the United Way. In 2023, I joined United Way's Women of Tocqueville membership. I am also on the CohnRez- nick Foundation's board of directors. M arilyn Alverio is the founder and CEO of Latinas & Power, and executive director of the Latinas in Leadership Institute (LiLi). Latinas & Power hosts an annual sympo- sium, which started in 2004 with over 100 attendees at Capital Community College and has grown to attract nearly 700 Latina professionals at the CT Convention Center. LiLi is a research-based leadership program supported by UConn's Puerto Rican Research Institute. It launched its first cohort of 16 Latinas in September 2023, and is currently running its fourth cohort while recruiting for the fifth, set to begin in September. Alverio is a UConn graduate and received her MBA from the University of Phoenix. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? Drawing on my 35 years of experience as a marketing professional, I have succeeded in building an end-to-end institute. This program will impact the lives of hundreds of Latinas who remain underrepresented in all sectors across the U.S. Enhancing their lives will foster a more inclusive future. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? To continue adding programs to our Lati- nas in Leadership Institute. In discussion Marilyn alverio CEO Latinas & Power Corp is a college-to-workplace curriculum using the current curriculum as the core. We have created a Donor CRM to help us raise funds for our expansion. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? My top three are unconscious bias, stereotypes and microaggressions. Being overlooked for promotional opportunities into the c-suite are challenges once you reach a leadership position in a Fortune 100 corporation. I have created a success- ful communication style for my top three, which is professional and teachable. How are you involved in the community? I participate in and support several commu- nity organizations, serve on two boards, and attend numerous cultural fundraisers. I have also been invited to several of the at-risk high schools to speak to the students over the past 10 years. What legacy do you want to leave after your career is over? I retired from my corporate career three years ago. During my third act, I am living my legacy. I leave behind my current educational platform that is intended to address the Latina leadership gap in the U.S., and create a culturally relevant space where Latinas have a sense of belonging. JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THESE INCREDIBLE WOMEN! APRIL 30 | 5-8PM | AQUA TURF CLUB SCAN HERE SUPPORTING SPONSORS: EVENT PARTNER: MAJOR SPONSOR: