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T H E 2 0 2 5 WOMEN IN BUSINESS H O N O R E E S B8 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MARCH 10, 2025 consecutive years, and maintained Charity Navigator's four-star charity rating since 2014. • Advancing sustainability: Pioneered Connecticut's first zero-energy Habitat homes, setting a new industry benchmark. • Driving financial growth: Doubled the organization's budget to $5 million, ensuring long-term sustainability. • Championing community change: Passionate about creating lasting, transformative impact in underserved communities. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? As I transition from Habitat for Humanity, my goal is to expand my leadership influ- ence. I seek opportunities in corporate and nonprofit sectors where I can drive strategic growth, foster innovation and create lasting impact on a broader scale. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? One of my biggest challenges has been maintaining a healthy work-life balance while fostering the same culture within my organiza- tion. By prioritizing efficiency, delegation and well-being, I've built a supportive workplace that empowers teams, enhances productivity and sustains our mission-driven impact. Karraine Moody Chief Executive Officer Habitat for Humanity North Central Connecticut, Inc. K arraine Moody is the CEO for Habitat for Humanity North Central Connecticut, a nonprofit developer that creates and sustains homeownership opportunities for moderate-income families. Moody provides oversight on all construc- tion projects and ReStores in Bloomfield and Connecticut. As CEO, she works closely with elected officials, corporate leaders and local communities to ensure that affordable homeownership programs serve 40 to 50 families annually. She strategically leads this over 4,000-volunteer organization specializing in new construction, mortgage under- writing and retail management under the umbrella of a nonprofit. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? As CEO, I have led efforts to expand our impact and drive innovation. My key accomplishments include: • Expanding homeownership access: Increased the number of families served annually from 10 to 50 through innova- tive programs. • Earning recognition: Secured multiple Department of Energy Awards, "Best Place to Work" recognition for 10 For 2025, it is important to continue to be the voice for our businesses in the legislature and speak out against bills that will hurt our members. We are celebrating the 50th anniversary of our largest community event this October, which will be a huge undertaking! What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? One of the biggest professional chal- lenges I've overcome is implementing changes within the chamber while respecting long-standing traditions. Balancing innovation with the estab- lished ways of doing things required careful collaboration, thoughtful commu- nication, and a deep appreciation for the chamber's history, ensuring progress without losing the values that built our foundation. How are you involved in the community? Our chamber represents four pillar towns, and I strive to attend town meetings and visit businesses, both current and future members. I maintain collaborative, working relationships with business partners such as the CBIA, other chambers, and I serve on schol- arship committees, boards and various workforce councils. Jessica olander President CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce J essica Olander is the president of the CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce, representing over 550 members. Olander is leading efforts to support business growth, advocacy and commu- nity connections. With a strong back- ground in business development, she has expanded membership, enhanced networking programs and introduced innovative events that empower local businesses. Passionate about collaboration, she works closely with business owners, government and community organiza- tions to educate, advocate and connect. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? My biggest accomplishment was working with the town of East Hartford and our membership officer to distrib- ute $4.5 million to small businesses. We also have added a town to our pillar communities, and increased member benefits. Important advocacy efforts were put into place as well. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?