Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/706404
10 Hartford Business Journal • July 25, 2016 www.HartfordBusiness.com Kimberly Chamberlain Age: 34 Company: Wells Fargo & Co. Title: Vice-President, District Manager Town where I live: Trumbull Town where I work: Meriden, Cheshire College: Hofstra University Isabel Cristina Ceballos Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I am the director of a nonprofit that empowers underserved students who attend Hartford Public Schools. Our goal is to create the condi- tions, connections and community that enable every girl to gain the skills, con- fidence and motivation to overcome the opportunity gap and realize her potential. What are your goals for your community involvement? Our students' long-term suc- cess depends on community engagement. Our Horizons community primarily refers to Simsbury, where our program is based, and Hartford, which is home to our students. Our goal is to deepen relationships between and within Simsbury and Hartford, providing stu- dents with resources and opportunities that may already exist within their community. What's your biggest passion? Education. There is no greater feeling than to empower and guide a student on their journey to dis- covery, whether it's in the classroom, on the court or in life. What are your future aspirations? I aspire to one day lead an educational institution that will stand on the values of integrity, intellec- tual curiosity, academic freedom and civic engagement, and allow all students to reach their potential. What needs to happen for Hartford to become a more vibrant city where people work, live and play? There needs to be significant investment in Hartford's education system. Effective use of resources would involve a more deliberate intervention strategy in early childhood education and stronger sup- port to lower-performing and disadvantaged schools. By providing equitable education in every school, Hartford will attract and retain strong school leaders and high-quality teachers. An improved education system will help to drive the city's economy. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1) I am the founding executive director of Horizons at The Ethel Walker School, the first Horizons program in the Greater Hartford area and first all-girls Hori- zons program in the country. 2) I was the recipient of the 2016 Thelma Ellis Dickerson Jumoke Academy Bridge Builder Award, for my leadership and collaborative contribu- tions in preparing students to succeed in the global marketplace. 3) I helped Latina students at The Ethel Walker School found the Latin American Student Organization on campus. 4) I co-founded a winter-term course that allows Walker students to be a teacher's aide in a Hartford Public School. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? I have a necklace with a Smurf pendant that was given to me by my uncle when I was born, and I still wear it. What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Volleyball 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? At the age of 7, I envisioned myself being a rock star, specifically a member of the Spice Girls. Who do you consider your mentor? Renee Alexan- der, judicial assistant/courtroom deputy, U.S. District Court Age: 27 Company: Horizons at The Ethel Walker School Title: Executive Director Town where I live: Simsbury Town where I work: Simsbury, Hartford College: Central Connecticut State University I grew up as an undocumented resident until I was 15 years old. Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I oversee 10 retail banking centers and am responsible for the growth, customer experience and revenue of each location. My goal is to develop and retain engaged and motivated teams, and through coaching and mentorship I help team mem- bers connect with customers to help them to achieve their financial goals. What are your goals for your community involvement? I enjoy working with non- profits whose missions focus on building stronger, more resilient communities. I am passionate about financial literacy, knowing education lays the foundation for financial success. What's your biggest passion? I grew up in a large, loving family, and as a mom, I am passionate about both enjoying and investing time and love in my family and my son. I am also passionate about positively impacting my customers, partners and team members. What are your future aspirations? My biggest professional aspiration is to achieve a senior leadership role at my company, where I can impact as many customers and mentor as many team members as possible. What role can young leaders play in shaping Hartford's future? I've always believed that the key to shaping any community's future lies with empowering our youth. Over the last few years I've had the pleasure to teach so many children in the Hartford area and beyond about how to plan for the future they want. The sooner kids talk about identifying needs versus wants, budgeting and saving, the better prepared they will be as adults to achieve financial success. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1) During the Wachovia-Wells Fargo merger, I emerged as a leader — I used my strategic thinking skills to build morale and incite passion in others. I manage a team of 95 team members and actively mentor several as they prepare for leadership roles. 2) I teach financial education lessons to children of all ages through the company's Hands on Banking program. 3) I volunteer with the nonprofits Habitat for Humanity and Neighborhood Housing Services. 4) I am the co-chair of Wells Fargo's PRIDE Team Member Network Connecticut chapter, which fosters inclusion and acceptance for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) team members, customers and allies. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has with- stood the test of time? My softball glove has been with me since high school. What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Softball 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? I wanted to do something in business and travel the world, learn different languages and help people. Who do you consider your mentor? My manager, Area President Kent McClun, and longtime colleague, District Manager Lucy Harriman Chamberlain with her husband John in the middle of a 13-mile bike ride on Martha's Vineyard. Chamberlain scales down the State House Square office tower in Hartford to raise money for Special Olympics. Ceballos has taken numerous trips to Colombia since she was 15, including with her daughter, Mia Bella. Ceballos visits students at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Hartford to let them know they had been accepted into the Horizons at The Ethel Walker School enrichment program. My great grandfather was the chief carver of Mount Rushmore, and this year, the national parks are recognizing his key role in this monument through a ceremony and some other events. 40 Under Forty 2016 40 Under Forty 2016