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www.HartfordBusiness.com July 25, 2016 • Hartford Business Journal 27 Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I am currently working as the CEO and webmaster for the MD TECH TEAM. My goal is for us to be recognized as an author- ity in Joomla development as well as increas- ing our company sales to $15 million by 2018. What are your goals for your community involvement? I will continue to mentor young people in the community who are graduating out of high school or college. I like to share with them my experiences as a business owner, but more importantly my journey of personal growth. What's your biggest passion? I am a big believer in growing yourself. It has been a passion of mine since I was in my early 20's and it has allowed me to change the way I think, treat people and solve challenges. What are your future aspirations? I aspire to continue to grow my company and my personal brand as well as be the best influ- ence to my children as I can be. I will also share my stories of growth and travel to help future entrepreneurs. Hopefully it will help them avoid the same mistakes I have made. What role can young leaders play in shap- ing Hartford's future? As John C. Maxwell says, 'True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only from influence, and that cannot be mandated. It must be earned.' Our young leaders need to recognize, understand and practice the laws of leadership. If we want to see Hartford grow, our young leaders must also personally grow and participate in the areas that they want to influence. I will continue to do my best in learning, teaching and practicing busi- ness leadership as I hope other leaders will lend their influence. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty. 1) I founded the MD Tech Team with my wife in 2007 and we have learned how to become profitable since 2012. 2) I have advised numerous nonprofits on how to create or strengthen their online pres- ence. 3) I participate in my high school's TTAC committee, educating students on what's currently happening in the field of technology. 4) I have served as webmaster for the Hispanic American Veterans of CT and other Hartford organizations. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has with- stood the test of time? My uncle gave me a wallet when I was a senior in high school that I still own. I even have the note he wrote to me inside. What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Computing. When I was 12, I was given a computer (486 Packard Bell) and I haven't been able to put them down since. 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? I knew it would involve computing. Who do you consider your mentor? In high school my technology teachers were my mentors: Mr. Knoeckel, Mr. Skinner and Mr. Bugbee. At the age of 16, I was the youngest individual to earn their Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer in the state of Connecticut. Rivera founded his company in 2007 with his wife Diana Rivera. He visits "The Dinosaur Place" in Montville with his sons Mason and Michael (standing in blue and red shirt). Age: 32 Company: MD Tech Team LTD Title: CEO/Webmaster Town where I live: Marlborough Town where I work: Manchester College: N/A Manny Rivera III Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? As the director of youth programs, this role requires me to develop curriculum, recruit and coordinate volun- teers, teach high school and college students and report on the program's success. In addition, I provide consulting and training services and serve as the organizational rep- resentative for Hartford Decide$, the states' first participatory budgeting initiative. What are your goals for your community involvement? I want to continue to stay connected to the Hartford community by serving on additional boards of directors and continuing to create collaborations and partnerships among organizations and enti- ties pertaining to education and youth. What's your biggest passion? While my professional passions have always centered around music and leadership, my personal passion lies with my two beautiful nieces. My job as an uncle is to provide them with all of the opportunities and experiences that life can offer and to ensure they are healthy and happy. What are your future aspirations? I strive to develop and expand my knowledge and skills in education and youth development. I see myself serving as an executive direc- tor for a nonprofit organization or teaching leadership at a collegiate level. What role can young leaders play in shaping Hartford's future? Combining my love of music and leadership, a quote from the song "Greatest Love of All": 'We believe the chil- dren are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way.' I believe that the youth of this region have the passion, enthusiasm and talent to make effective change. I plan to continue to help guide students as they face challenges head on and serve as a resource to youth who look to implement change. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1) Youngest program direc- tor in the history of Leadership Greater Hartford. 2) Provided leadership training for over 500 youth in the region. 3) Cre- ated, developed and taught the region's first inter-collegiate leadership program. 4) Co-chair of Hartford Decide$, a city-wide participatory budgeting initiative. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has with- stood the test of time? My CD collection What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Music 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Lawyer Who do you consider your mentor? Ted Carroll, President of Leadership Greater Hartford and Doe Hentschel, Leadership Greater Hartford's Vice President While I enjoy music and performing, I do not enjoy singing solo! I prefer a small group or ensemble opportunities. Santiago said he'd be "nowhere without the love, kindness and support" of his mother, shown above. Santiago at Camp Jewell for a weekend of team-building experiences with the Common Ground program. Age: 30 Company: Leadership Greater Hartford Title: Director of Youth Programs Town where I live: Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: University of Connecticut (Bachelor's), Central CT State University (Graduate) Andre Santiago 40 Under Forty 2016 40 Under Forty 2016