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T H E 2 0 2 5 WOMEN IN BUSINESS H O N O R E E S B6 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 10, 2025 and had more than half-a-million regis- trations and replay views. I co-host these live conversations for audiences of over 2,000. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? Promoting wellness and mental well-be- ing at work. As part of a new public policy initiative on workforce dynamics, I've had the opportunity to help business leaders learn more about these topics, and I've been absolutely blown away by the response. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Some of the most rewarding parts of my career have come when I went for a role or project that I wasn't completely sure I was ready for. I'm so grateful to have had mentors who encouraged me to go for big opportunities, even initially when I thought, 'Who, me?' How are you involved in the community? Over the years, I have been an active member of my graduate school commu- nity on UConn's Hartford campus. I've served on the School of Public Policy's alumni council and participated as a guest speaker for graduate courses on project management. Jessica Kearney Vice President, Public Policy, Travelers Institute Travelers J essica Kearney is vice president for public policy at the Travelers Institute, the public policy division of Travelers. In this role, she leads corporate thought leadership initiatives on public policy issues of interest to the property casualty insur- ance sector and financial services industry. Kearney leads operations and initiatives, presents at client and industry conferences, and was named to Insurance Business America's annual "Hot 100" list for 2022. Before joining Travelers, Kearney held positions at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City and earned a master's of public administration degree from the University of Connecticut. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I led the creation of a public-fac- ing webinar series at Travelers called "Wednesdays with Woodward," featuring Travelers Institute President Joan Wood- ward as the host. Our goal was to continue to bring dynamic and relevant program- ming to our agents, brokers and business community during a challenging time. Since the inception of the program, we have produced more than 130 episodes, earned extensive national press coverage, through challenging and complicated employment matters leading to favorable outcomes that avoided litigation. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? I would like to work with the next gener- ation of lawyers to build their knowledge base and achieve professional success. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Particularly early in my career, overcoming preconceived and erroneous judgment based on age and gender. How are you involved in the community? I regularly work pro bono, providing employ- ment counseling advice for several nonprofit organizations. I was a board member at the Center for Family Justice for several years, and served on the executive committee of the Connecticut Bar Association's Labor and Employment Section. What are your keys to maintaining busi- ness success? Build a foundation of credibility and transparency. Become someone that people from all parts of your industry (e.g., colleagues, clients, even competitors) can count on. Learn from both wins and losses. Treat everyone with respect. rachel v. Kushel Partner and Chair of the Labor, Employment, Benefits, Immigration + Tax group Robinson+Cole R achel V. Kushel is a partner and chair of Robinson+Cole's Labor, Employment, Benefits, Immigra- tion + Tax Group. She counsels clients on all employment law and workplace human resource issues. She defends management in state and federal court litigation matters and administrative agency claims. Kushel's practice focuses on a wide range of employment law matters, includ- ing employment litigation and adminis- trative advocacy; counseling, compliance and training; handling sensitive, high-risk personnel issues and workplace investi- gations; and pro bono work. She is a trained workplace investigator who regularly conducts, manages and provides advice regarding workplace investigations involving all types of employment-related issues. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? While I have obtained favorable trial verdicts multiple times and secured summary judgment (e.g., dismissal of a case prior to trial) on more than 15 occasions throughout the course of my career, I am most proud of the myriad of occasions where I have guided clients institute.travelers.com The Travelers Indemnity Company and its property casualty affiliates. One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183 © 2025 The Travelers Indemnity Company. All rights reserved. Travelers and the Travelers Umbrella logo are registered trademarks of The Travelers Indemnity Company in the U.S. and other countries. M-18629 Rev. 3-25 Honoring outstanding leadership. Congratulations to Jessica Kearney for being a 2025 Top 25 Women in Business honoree. As Founding Executive Director, Jessica has grown the Travelers Institute ® from an idea into an industry-leading think tank driving critical public policy dialogue. Thank you, Jessica. Your vision, dedication, energy and leadership inspire us all.