Hartford Business Journal

28 Hartford Business Journal • July 20, 2015 www.HartfordBusiness.com 40 Under Forty 2015 40 Under Forty 2015 Alex Koenigsberg S erving as the executive director for Creative Living Community of CT (CLCC), Alex Koenigsberg is looking to address some of the problems facing the state. CLCC is working toward establishing Connecticut's first farmstead community for people with and without developmental disabilities. Through this nonprofit com- munity, they will provide housing for people with disabilities by also utilizing multiple revenue streams such as farm sales, events, micro businesses and rents. The hope is to give their community a level of financial independence from the state budget that is not currently realized by housing providers in Connecticut. They are able to showcase this vision through a greenhouse in Vernon where volunteers grow micro greens. Koenigsberg has also served for three years on the board of directors for Hart- ford Food System, an organization work- ing toward taking an entire food system approach toward addressing proper nutri- tion for Hartford residents. Koenigsberg has also operated one of the country's largest dart tournaments for several years. Q&A What three factors contributed to your success today? My family (both blood and marriage related) has supported me so that I am able to chase my dreams and pursue a career that I truly enjoy. I owe them everything because without their help there is no way that I would be as happy with my life as I am today. My optimism and enthusiasm have helped me to chase wild dreams that others may have doubted. My motto has always been do everything you can to grasp an opportunity when it is presented because the right atti- tude can make the impossible possible. Lastly is my passion. I've worked with many different people and it's always easy to tell those who are passionate about what they are doing. They are more cheerful, excited and have a desire to accomplish great things. I am lucky enough to combine my passion with my career, which changed something I once thought impossible. All of a sudden, Mondays aren't so bad. The most important journey I have ever taken is….. My path from adolescence to adulthood. I never would have expected the numerous changes not only in my daily life but in my way of thinking. My priorities have realigned to better things. My (upcom- ing) marriage, family, close friends and community hold a special place in my heart. This journey is filled with surprises I never would have predicted. Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passionate about…. Organic agriculture Favorite foreign food? Pho, a Vietnamese soup What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Yellowstone National Park Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Galapagos Islands Favorite Connecticut destination: Coventry Farmer's Market Koenigsberg at Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Age: 28 Title: Executive Director Company: Creative Living Community of CT Location: Manchester Hometown: Coventry College: Eastern CT State University Koenigsberg won Startup Weekend New Haven in 2012. Melissa Lambright D r. Melissa Lambright was inspired to structure her practice around patient education and preventative care following her mother's experience with an episode of blindness, which led to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Lambright founded SIGHT, a multispe- cialty eye care center, to ensure personal- ized patient care and to provide the preven- tative visits that are critical in the diagnosis of various systemic conditions. Lambright consistently incorporates the latest technology and treatments in eye care, and her team's clinical expertise is structured around ocular disease, specialty contact lenses, pediatrics, visual rehabilita- tion, and vision and learning. Lambright received her bachelors of science from the University of Michigan, her Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, and completed a residency at the New England College of Optometry. She is a diplomat of the American Board of Optometry and has held positions on the board of the Connecticut Optometric Association. Outside of her practice, she works with the Junior League of Hartford on behalf of underprivileged women and children. She lives in West Hartford with her hus- band and her daughters, Kate and Charlotte. Q&A At what age did you decide what you wanted to do with your career? In my late teens, my mother suddenly lost her vision from optic neuritis. Years later, doctors determined that her loss of vision was the result of multiple sclerosis. I was fascinated by the intercon- nections of the body and the role that the eyes play in systemic health, vision and function. Which destination has most shaped who you are in business and life today? My home. My mother's loss of vision ignited my interest in the connection between the eyes and system- ic diseases. Her experience of misdiagnoses, lack of patient education, and not evaluating the body as a whole helped me become a better doctor and advocate for my patients. I learned that it is essential to listen to patients, utilize the best technology for detection, understand the whole body and its function, and take the time to educate patients on their treatment. My interest in visual rehabilita- tion, vision and learning and the plasticity of the human brain began as I watched my daughters' visual systems naturally develop over time. Everyone assumes that children are born with visual function, but it doesn't develop until after birth. If you could place one item in a time capsule to be opened 500 years from now, what would it be? A piece of paper with the words, 'In the end, only kindness matters.' Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passionate about…. My family What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Banff, Alberta Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Africa on safari Favorite Connecticut destination: Lake Waramaug Lambright with her children at the Fort Wayne Zoo in Indiana. Age: 38 Title: Founder Company: SIGHT Eye Health|Eye Wear Location: West Hartford Hometown: West Hartford College: University of Michigan, Illinois College of Optometry Lambright's favorite airport is Chicago O'Hare because she is addicted to Garrett's Popcorn.

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