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14 Hartford Business Journal • July 25, 2016 www.HartfordBusiness.com Laura Dinan Haber is shown with her identical twin, Cat Dinan (right). Young inventors engage with speakers at Connecticut Invention Convention Day at the State Capitol, which Haber helped produce. Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I produce opportunities for community and business leaders to convene over progressive programming and network- ing opportunities. As director of investor events it is my goal to create the environ- ment for MetroHartford Alliance investors to establish partnerships that strengthen the economic vitality of the region as a whole. What are your goals for your community involvement? I believe it is important for everyone to learn about the connection between environmental resources and the impact sustainability and preservation have on personal health and the economy. It is my goal to become involved in place-based agricultural education to empower and strengthen communities. What's your biggest passion? Enriching the world around me. A sense of adventure and a penchant for challenging limits enables me to see new possibilities. I strive to continu- ally evolve and leverage my experiences to elevate my work and inspire those around me to celebrate their strengths. What are your future aspirations? To be a force of positive change to open doors, shat- ter ceilings and empower others to define their own success. What will Hartford be like in 10 years? Hart- ford will be an internationally recognized destination for its favorable business cli- mate, entrepreneurial community, thriving institutions and vibrant cultural assets. The livability of the city will help set the stage as a place for all people to live, work, play, start and grow a business and raise a family. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1) Has produced over 450 events and pro- grams to date. 2) Launched an engraving company, Reclaimed Engraving, specializing in natu- ral and reclaimed materials. 3) Is a member of the University of Hartford alumni board of directors. 4) Past Area Governor and Division Gover- nor, District 53, Toastmasters International. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has with- stood the test of time? My sense of adventure What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Fishing 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Pastry chef Who do you consider your mentor? Susan Winkler, Executive Director, Connecticut Insurance & Financial Services My husband and I have an urban micro-farm and an engraving company, Reclaimed Engraving, that specializes in natural and reclaimed materials. Age: 31 Company: MetroHartford Alliance Title: Director of Investor Events Town where I live: New Britain Town where I work: Hartford College: University of Hartford Laura Dinan Haber David S. Daye Age: 36 Company: Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) Title: Managing Director of Hartford Region Open Choice Program Town where I live: Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: University of Hartford From banging on walls, to playing professional instruments, including the drums, music is important in Daye's life. (Above) Daye points out a mural in Hartford featuring Mark Twain. Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I oversee the daily operations for the Hartford Region Open Choice program, which includes maintaining strategic partner- ships with 28 school districts, increasing com- munity and corporate partnerships, designing and enhancing program offerings to address opportunities within the pre-K-12 arena, and leading a team of professionals. What are your goals for your commu- nity involvement? My goals for community involvement include diversifying the leader- ship of local organizations by providing a voice of the global majority and connecting education to community, while supporting populations to celebrate their culture, expe- riences, similarities and differences. What's your biggest passion? My biggest passion is education. Education goes beyond the walls of academic institutions, as life's experiences are a form of education, which make us stronger individuals. In the tradi- tional sense, my family moved to the United States from Jamaica for a brighter future, but we understood the importance of education. What are your future aspirations? My future aspirations include being a key decision maker and leader who serves with con- viction, perseverance, courage, passion, humility and accountability. While these characteristics may lead to a C-suite in an organization, the ultimate aspiration is to be CEO, Chosen to Elevate Others. What needs to happen for Hartford to become a more vibrant city where people work, live and play? There needs to be a clear and sustainable vision that includes accountability and con- necting the local neighborhoods and surround- ing towns. Hartford will need to be viewed as the epicenter of the state, filled with opportuni- ties and unique experiences. To accomplish the desired outcome, it will require strategic planning, cost-sharing practices, collabora- tion, community dialogues and frequent activi- ties that expose and encourage private- and public-sector employees to explore the city. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:1) I was named to Capitol Region Education Council's senior-management team within 18 months. 2) I am the youngest member of the board of directors for the CT Forum. 3) I was one of the original architects of Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment), now the Trav- elers Insurance Cos. Inc.'s signature educa- tion program. 4) I was the first recipient of the Travelers Breaking Down Barriers award. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? My father's Bible What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Listening to music 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Businessman Who do you consider your mentor? Joelle Murchison, Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, UConn While in Las Vegas, I did indoor skydiving, jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet and then jumped off the tallest building in Vegas within six hours. 40 Under Forty 2016 40 Under Forty 2016