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www.HartfordBusiness.com April6,2015•Hartford Business Journal 19 Women In Business 2015 COM P L ET E T H AT D EG R E E ! William Barnett, Ph.D. Dean of Graduate Studies Trinity College gradstudy@trincoll.edu http://gradstudy.trincoll.edu Degree completion rates in higher education have garnered much attention lately, with good reason. According to the most recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse, graduation rates are slowly climbing. Here are U.S. and Connecticut figures for all student types from 2014: Type of Institution U.S. Completion CT Completion 4-year public (starting + other) 60% 69% 4-year private (starting + other) 61% 80% 2-year public 40% 32% Further, a multitude of other studies confirm that income and employment prospects correlate very highly with degree completion regardless of field and for all degree levels. This is why we work very hard at Trinity College to help students finish their baccalaureate and master's degrees. In general, students who complete their degrees will enjoy a sense of accomplishment, greater confidence, and enhanced opportunities. THREE-YEAR FLAT TUITION RATE FOR M.A. STUDENTS Women leaders serve as mentors F ew powerful people get to leadership positions without the help of a mentor. In fact, organizations often encourage or even mandate mentorship programs so that experienced leaders impart their knowl- edge onto the next generation. That's how great companies are built to last. As part of our 13th annual Women in Busi- ness awards, we've chosen mentorship as the theme. In the pages that follow we recognize eight remarkable women who are making a difference within their organization and the community. We also highlight the people who have helped our winners achieve success along the way. This year's winners are diverse, both in personality and in the industries and orga- nizations they represent. We've got two high- powered women in education, the head of the state's economic development agency, and top Pratt & Whitney and Comcast officials. Our winners also include an entrepreneur who started her own firm from scratch, a CEO of a well-known Connecticut manufac- turer, and a consultant. As you read about Hartford Business Jour- nal's eight remarkable women honorees, you will discover that each of them was helped along the way by a mentor who installed both personal and professional advice and perspec- tive. Our women leaders also work hard to enrich the careers and lives of their employees. They also make it a priority to be active in the community, stressing the importance of giv- ing back as a way to achieve greater fulfillment. In each of the past 13 years, Hartford Busi- ness Journal has honored eight of the region's most talented women in leadership roles throughout Central Connecticut. The winners are nominated by readers and chosen by a panel of independent judges (read more about the judges on Page 33). The honorees demon- strate a business savvy, confidence in them- selves and their organizations, and a strong track record of success in the business world. We hope you enjoy this issue and attend the celebration to be held from 11 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. The event will include a special conversation with Caro- lyn Kuan, the music director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. – Greg Bordonaro Editor Meet this year's winners! Carolyn Bligh ................. 20 Susan Herbst ................. 21 Mary Ellen Jones ............ 22 Kristen Roberts............... 25 Lisa Schwartz ................ 26 Catherine Smith ............. 28 Nivea Torres ................... 29 Carol Wallace ................. 30 The List Largest women-owned businesses in the Hartford region .............. 32 About the Judges .......33 Your So Skills Ma er, Big Time. from ™ Success in business isn't all about IQ, college degrees and technical skills. It's also about EQ, common sense and so skills. Let us introduce you to a refreshing, proprietary new Group Coaching service that accelerates the development of so skills that can set your business free to soar in greater produc vity, higher morale, stronger sales and improved ROI. For a Spring 2015 Course Catalog and presenta on, please contact Drew Crandall today at 860.871.6500, dcrandall@KeepTouch.com or visit us at KeepTouch.com. Photos by Steve Laschever