Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/848827
www.HartfordBusiness.com July 17, 2017 • Hartford Business Journal 29 Jennifer Widness Q&A: What do you do in your current job? CCIC is an associa- tion that represents the 15 private, nonprofit institu- tions of higher education in Connecticut. As presi- dent, I serve as a liaison between the state and these institutions, working to influence and support public policy as well as to foster cooperation among higher- education institutions in the state. What are your goals in your current job? My primary focus is to work diligently on behalf of our member institutions to make sure state leaders, policymakers and others view our schools as partners in eco- nomic development and to understand all that they do to educate our citizenry and contribute to their communities. What's your biggest passion? My family is No .1. I love getting my kids out on the weekends and enjoying together all that this region has to offer — whether it's visiting a local farm, the Wadsworth on Second Satur- days, the Historical Society, Bushnell Park and more recently, the Yard Goats. I'm also really passionate about my job. I spend a lot of time reading and talking about the value of higher education. What are your future professional aspirations? To be honest, I have never spent a lot of time thinking about my career ambitions. Instead, I give my current job my all and I make a point of always exploring new opportunities when they present themselves; even if the timing is not perfect (e.g., I was offered this job 38 weeks pregnant). This approach has served me well. How are you involved in the community? I've been a member of the Junior League of Hartford for almost 10 years including two years on the board of directors. It is a fantastic organization that provides leader- ship and community service opportunities as well as access to a great network of women. What do you hope Greater Hartford will be like in 10 years? I love living in Greater Hartford. It provides for an incredible work/life balance with so much to do and see so close by. The professional opportunities are great considering the size of the city. There are so many exciting new things underway. I hope that the region, and the state, will successfully navigate through these really trying economic times without undoing all this good and come out on the other side intact and maybe even stronger than it is now. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: Successful advocate at the state and federal level on behalf of independent colleges in Connecti- cut. Member of the board and chair of the Connecti- cut delegation to the New England Board of Higher Education. Member of the Student Aid Policy Commit- tee and Legal Services Review Panel of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). Report to a board of directors comprised of 15 college presidents. My husband nominated me for this award, unbeknownst to me! I could not do this job without his support. Age: 39 Company: Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges (CCIC) Title: President Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: Farmington College: University of Virginia, American University's Washington College of Law FUN FACT 40 Under Forty 2017 CONGRATULATIONS TO RICK LAWRENCE ON BEING NAMED TO THIS YEAR'S 40 UNDER 40 CLASS. Ricardo P. Lawrence Director of National Partners – Small Commercial Sales Business Insurance Employee Benefits Auto Home Prepare. Protect. Prevail. With The Hartford.® As Director of National Partners for our Small Commercial Sales team, Rick engages with our agency partners across the country, driving successes along the way. His passion for people and for helping others are at the heart of everything he does. These are just a few of the many reasons why we're proud to have him as part of The Hartford family. The Hartford® is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Hartford Fire Insurance Company. Its headquarters is in Hartford, CT. 17-0719 © June 2017 The Hartford 17_0719_SC_Rick_Lawrence_40Under40_Ad_FINAL.indd 1 6/23/17 3:27 PM