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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 6, 2026 27 POWE R 50 | NONPROFITS WBDC proudly congratulates our CEO on being named to the Hartford Business Journal Power 50. Her visionary leadership doesn't just shape our organization— it strengthens the economic fabric of Connecticut by empowering thousands of women to launch and scale their businesses. Leading the Way for Women Entrepreneurs in Connecticut Congratulations, Fran, on this well-deserved honor! info@ctwbdc.org | 203-353-1750 Previously, Williams served as U.S. assis- tant secretary of commerce for economic development, where he led the federal eco- nomic development agenda. He also held senior roles in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and led the feder- al Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers. Earlier in his career, Williams was mayor of Youngstown, Ohio, where he focused on regional economic development and global competitiveness. Over the past year, Williams said the foun- dation marked its centennial with a yearlong slate of community-centered activities while continuing to support nonprofit partners amid political and economic uncertainty. The foundation recently announced plans to build a new $35 million headquarters in Hart- ford in the city's Clay Arsenal neighborhood. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? Self-awareness, a moral compass and humility, to name a few. What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? The people that I work with and the people that I meet. What is one change that would make Con- necticut more competitive economically? Getting serious about the affordable hous- ing shortage and the high cost of energy. Go-to news media outlets: Hartford Courant, Washington Post, New York Times, Cleveland Plain Dealer and Connecticut Public (WNPR) aged its Stamford headquarters. Pastore said the organization continued delivering services without interruption despite those setbacks. She has served in advisory roles at the federal, state and local levels, including on the National Women's Business Coun- cil, and currently chairs the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority Board of Directors. Pastore also serves on several nonprofit and corporate advisory boards. Looking ahead, she cited continued unpre- dictability in federal funding as WBDC's most significant challenge. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? Resilience and authenticity. What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? Connecticut is progressive and entre- preneurial — it is a place where ideas move quickly and turn into real, state- wide impact. We are close to New York, Boston and Rhode Island, yet grounded by our beaches and rolling hills. There is great pizza, world-class health care and communities rich in history, architecture and culture. In the Land of Steady Habits, Connecticut is a state where leadership is accessible, small businesses truly matter, and values drive policy — advancing support for women, children and families even when national consensus falls short. Jay Williams President & CEO Greater Hartford Gives Foundation Industry: Philanthropy & Nonprofit Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration (finance), Youngstown State University Birthplace: Youngstown, Ohio Fran Pastore Founder & CEO Women's Business Development Council Industry: Not-for-profit No. of employees: 40 Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, Pace University Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York J ay Williams has served as president and CEO of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation since July 2017. He leads the foundation's work to address structural racism, advance equity and improve social and economic mobility in the region in partnership with nonprofit and community stakeholders. Williams serves on the boards of Metro- Hartford Alliance and AdvanceCT and is a member of the Governor's Workforce Council. Nationally, he is board chair of the Council on Foundations and vice chair of the Center for Community Progress. F ran Pastore founded the Women's Business Development Council in 1997 and has led it for nearly three decades as a statewide resource for women entrepreneurs. The organization provides training, advising and capital ac- cess support to small businesses across Connecticut. Over the past year, WBDC navigated a shifting federal funding landscape that threatened long-standing sources of support. In addition, a fire last March dam- SUPPORTING SPONSOR NOMINATE TODAY! MAJOR SPONSOR SCAN HERE FOR NOMINATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION OR VISIT: HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM/HBJ-EVENTS WHO WILL LEAD THE WAY IN 2026? NOMINATE A STANDOUT EXECUTIVE FOR THE 2026 C-SUITE AND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS! THIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD RECOGNIZES CONNECTICUT'S TOP C-SUITE LEADERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEIR ORGANIZATIONS AND THE COMMUNITY. DON'T MISS THE CHANCE TO ELEVATE A DESERVING LEADER! NOMINATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 7, 2026