Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/706404
28 Hartford Business Journal • July 25, 2016 www.HartfordBusiness.com Q&A: What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I oversee admissions and student life at Miss Porter's School, and I seek to ensure the consistency and quality of the student experience from entry through graduation. In my work, I focus on leader- ship, culture and community, and inspiring a shared vision for the school's success. What are your goals for your community involvement? By further developing Porter's Leads, my aim is to inspire girls to become comfortable with their own personal power. We offer various workshops to girls in grades five through nine, providing them with the leadership competencies and confidence nec - essary to shape their worlds — and our world. What's your biggest passion? Education. I believe schools have the power to shape the lives of students. I also believe, as Parker Palmer wrote, 'Good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.' Good schools come from the identity and integrity of their educators. What are your future aspirations? Elizabeth Gil- bert wrote, 'At some point, you gotta let go, and sit still, and allow contentment to come to you.' For now, I am practicing contentment. I derive great joy and challenge from my work, and I am investing in my new family — my husband, two step-daughters, and a labradoodle. What needs to happen for Hartford to become a more vibrant city where people work, live and play? Vibrant cities have vibrant edu- cational systems — from public schools to charter and magnet schools to independent schools. To achieve the vitality it seeks, Hartford must invest in its schools and its educators. Paired with a jobs program and parent workshops, high-quality schooling (especially in early childhood) has the potential to break the cycle of poverty. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1) Founded Porter's Leads, a leadership program for middle-school girls. 2) Champion girls' education as a member of the board of trustees of the National Coali- tion of Girls' Schools. 3) Serve as a member of the board of direc- tors of the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals. 4) Advocate for boarding schools as a member of the executive committee for an outreach and marketing initiative with The Association of Boarding Schools. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? I have two rings — one was my grandmother's and the other was my great- grandmother's, which my mother also wore. The rings remind me of the lives lived and lost and the legacy of strong women I am proud to be a part of. What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? I love to read, to lose myself in stories, to reflect on the pure poetry of others. 20 years ago, what did you envision as your fu- ture profession? I dreamed of joining the Peace Corps, working in corporate America and everything in between. Who do you consider your mentor? Kate Windsor, Head of School, Miss Porter's School I am obsessed with the Walking Dead and am counting down the days until the Season 7 premiere! Schmitt pictured with her father and siblings, who she said have taught her the most important lesson in life: to thrive and flourish requires endurance, agility, resilience, strength, optimism, the ability to find meaning, and more than anything, connection to one another. Schmitt and her husband and step- daughters (Brendon, Natalia, and Isabella Welker) served as a host family for an international student from Mexico who was studying at Porter's for the year. Age: 38 Company: Miss Porter's School Title: Chief Enrollment and Student Affairs Officer Town where I live: Farmington Town where I work: Farmington College: Union College (Bachelor's), University of Pennsylvania (Master's) Liz Schmitt Ashley Stone Q&A What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I am an entrepreneur. My goals are to grow my company and bring more structure and stability to the free- lance beauty industry. What are your goals for your community involvement? As I grow as a businesswoman and advocate for women in business and technology I would love to mentor other women in the community as well as give back to the local women's shelters. What's your biggest passion? My biggest passion is helping others build confidence in themselves. Whether that is through support with education on a personal or professional level, or in their appearance with how they think about themselves. What are your future aspirations? I want to change the landscape of how we do busi- ness in the beauty industry and expand my company nationally. I also want to create more jobs and opportunity in creative fields of interest as well as inspire more women to embrace technology and think using a more innovative approach. What needs to happen for Hartford to become a more vibrant city where people work, live and play? I think it is critical to create more incentives for tech businesses. Technology is a growing industry and appeals to a younger demographic that can bring a fresh approach and efficiency. Hartford is in between two major cities and that would make it extremely appealing for tech businesses and startups. Affordable housing, great family environment, nightlife and business culture with forward thinking would be an incred - ible appeal and asset to the community. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1) Founded a company that has been profitable for 10 consecutive years. 2) Awarded by American Salon Magazine and recognized in my industry for my business practices, growth, and overall commitment to the beauty industry. 3) I am an ambassador for the nonprofit Wigs for Kids and I have raised over $40,000 for the organization. I also volunteer at the local women's shelter and American Cancer Society. 4) I recently merged my beauty business and created innovative platform technology that has been recognized by the SBA and Microsoft store, and won an award in CT InnovateHER challenge. Time Tested: What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? My husband, we've been married for 15 years and have two kids. What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Writing poetry 20 years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Fashion designer Who do you consider your mentor? My Mom, Torri Schwentke Age: 32 Company: Beauty Entourage LLC Title: Founder Town where I live: Wethersfield Town where I work: Farmington College: None Stone balances her own business with family life, including her husband and children. I can create anything out of hair. In the past I have created an elephant, a carousel, a butterfly habitat and more. This skillset landed me second place in a reality show competition that aired on the Oxygen Network. 40 Under Forty 2016 40 Under Forty 2016