Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com July 20, 2015 • Hartford Business Journal 31 40 Under Forty 2015 40 Under Forty 2015 Quentin Phipps Q uentin "Q" Phipps is a lifelong resi- dent of Middletown. Phipps serves Charter Schools for Excellence in their inaugural year in Connecticut as its community relations manager. In this role, Phipps works at the State Capitol as a lobby- ist, recruits students for the new Connecticut school, and empowers CSE families through advocacy and partnering. Previously, Phipps was executive direc- tor of the Middletown Downtown Business District, where he secured Middletown as a Come Home to Downtown pilot community. Phipps serves on the boards of directors for Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater, Middlesex United Way, and Middlesex Substance Abuse Action Council, and is an active member in Cross Street Zion A.M.E.Church, Middletown Young Demo- crats, The Community Foundation of Middlesex County Live Local Give Local 365 Fund, and the Middlesex Chamber of Com- merce Young Professionals Alliance. In 2007, Phipps was elected to the Middle- town Planning & Zoning commission and served until he was elected as city treasurer in 2011. Phipps attended Bryant University and he is a student at Central Connecticut State University in its inaugural MBA program. Q&A If there is one person whose life and career you want to imitate, who would it be? Queen E. Williams is my lifelong inspiration. She has always humbly served her family as an amazing sister, aunt and mother. If she's not off traveling to an exotic locale, you can find her serving the church as a missionary and event planner. She retired from the state of Connecticut where she served some of our state's most vulnerable as they battled various men- tal illnesses. She was known for treating clients with the utmost dignity, which is an extension of her core belief that everyone deserves respect. Too many believe that respect is earned, but Ms. Queen illustrates respect should be given. She has always exhibited service leader- ship. Even while working 16-hour days, her service was with a smile and from a place of love. This reminds me of the honor I have had to benefit from her tireless, selfless hard work. Most others call her "Bea" or "Ms. Queen," I have the honor to (still) call her "Mommy." The most important journey I have ever taken is….. My spiritual journey has been the most important journey on which I have embarked. I associate my spiritual journey with a commitment to continual improve- ment, self-reflection, education, laughter and healing. Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passionate about…. Geek culture Favorite foreign food? Jerk pork What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Acapulco, Mexico Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Greece Favorite Connecticut destinations: Krust Phipps on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Age: 31 Title: Community Relations Manager/ City Treasurer Company: Charter Schools for Excellence Locations: Hartford/Middletown/ Stamford Hometown: Middletown College: Bryant University Phipps launched the first Middletown Restaurant Week. Karraine V. Moody A s the executive director of Hartford Area for Humanity, Karraine Moody is passionate about making a major difference in her community. She believes that through adequate housing, other accomplishments can be made including education attainment, career growth, civic engagement and family stability. Within one year of being appointed, Moody executed the grand opening of the first Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Hartford County, launched Habitat's neighborhood revital- ization initiative to include a multi-tiered renovation program and a financial freedom center to serve families within Greater Hartford. Throughout the years, Moody has con- sulted with several Hartford neighborhoods to assist with community and economic development projects. The goal is always to leave a measur- able impact in the community by teaching, imparting and implementing. In her spare time, Moody volunteers with local shelters and supports other community empowering organizations. She lives in East Windsor with her hus- band of 15 years and has two sons. Q&A What three factors contributed to your success today? Faith, love and charity are the three factors that contributed to my success. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that God is always in control. Love is the beginning and end of every milestone in our life. Finally char- ity because I've had so much support by individuals that were willing to give of their time, talent and treasure to support my aspirations. In 30 years, why should Hartford Business Journal give you a Lifetime Achievement award? If I was selected for a Lifetime Achievement award in 30 years, it would be based on resolving a major social ill that hinders individuals/families from reaching the American Dream. If you could climb Mount Everest, win a Nobel prize, or have a star on the Holly- wood Walk of Fame, which would you pick? I would prefer a Nobel prize because it symbolizes a change in society that affects the entire human race. For instance, Martin Luther King, Jr. made such an impact on the world that it changed generations in his day. His legacy continues to reap and sow. Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passionate about...Spending quality time with my family What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Caribbean Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Israel Favorite Connecticut destination: Essex Steam Train Moody with her family aboard a cruise ship at Willemstad, Curacao in the southern Caribbean. Age: 36 Title: Executive Director Company: Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity Location: Hartford Hometown: East Windsor College: Trinity College, University of Phoenix Moody used to work for United Technologies Corp. and Hartford Public Schools.

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