Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/848827
26 Hartford Business Journal • July 17, 2017 www.HartfordBusiness.com Anthony Cherolis Q&A: What do you do in your current job? At the Center for Latino Progress, I develop, find funding for, and man- age programs that provide opportunities, education and asset building in Hartford and our neighbor- hoods. Most of my time is spent on youth and young adult enriching internships, college prep, and the BiCi Co. community bicycle workshop. What are your goals in your current job? My overarch- ing goal is to listen to our community and follow their lead to provide useful supports and access to systems that give them agency, power and a path to their goals. The historical systems of power and influence in our city have removed power from many in our community. What's your biggest passion? Others guess that my passion is the humble bicycle. That is partially cor- rect. What is exciting is putting powerful tools in the hands and minds of those who have been short- changed by a world that is working against them. A bicycle is one of those tools. Education, critical think- ing and the confidence to speak truth to power are other tools that we need more of in our community. What are your future professional aspirations? To have positive impacts around me, stay interested in life, and go on terrific adventures. How are you involved in the community? In 2015 I left Pratt & Whitney after 14 years as an aerospace engineer to spend more time working in Hartford, the city I live in. Outside of work, I volunteer widely and promote the awesomeness around us. If you were governor of Connecticut for a day what is one policy you'd push to improve the state's future? There is not one policy. The dysfunction is at all levels — federal, state, and municipal — and can feel over- whelming. I prefer to focus attention hyper-locally. We can all have real and satisfying impacts on our neighborhoods and community, and even our region. I would like to see all towns and cities in Hartford metro adopt Complete Streets transportation policies and municipal sustainability plans that improve our quality of life while respecting the world that we are handing down to future generations. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: Left engineering career in 2015 to focus on youth and young adult programs that support our future leaders at the Center for Latino Progress on Park Street in Hartford. Started and developed the community bicycle workshop and storefront of BiCi Co. at the Cen- ter for Latino Progress. Enthusiastic board member of Night Fall, a magical free outdoor community perfor- mance celebrating seasonal change through art, music, dance, and spoken word. Founding board member of Bike Walk Connecticut, back when it was called the Central Connecticut Bicycle Alliance. I built and sledded on creations in all five Hartford Art Sled Derbies, and last year broke my collar bone. Age: 38 Company: Center for Latino Progress Title: Program Manager Town where I live: Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: Florida State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute FUN FACT Rebecca Gentile Q&A: What do you do in your current job? In my current role I lead our Manchester main office at KeyBank. I help clients become financially well by understanding their financial picture and helping them achieve their goals. Another honor I have is to help my staff and peers con- tinue to grow their skills and advance in their careers. What are your goals in your current job? My goal is to continue to grow personally and professionally by managing an area of branches and continue to help mentor and coach the associates of KeyBank while supporting the philanthropy of KeyBank's mission. What's your biggest passion? I have many but my biggest is helping foster environments in which the future leaders of our world feel safe, have endless resources and the proper mentorship to make great decisions with the support of their community. What are your future professional aspirations? I con- tinue to look at every opportunity as a way for me to grow professionally and personally. I certainly aspire to continue to take on more responsibility and be the leader that inspires people to be the best version of themselves on a daily basis. How are you involved in the community? I currently volunteer at many events and fundraisers and am the vice president of my son's elementary school PTA, vice president for the Manchester Sentinels Football and Cheer league, in-house director for the Manches- ter Soccer Club, as well as contribute to the Down- town Manchester Special Services District as a board commissioner. What do you hope Greater Hartford will be like in 10 years? I hope that Greater Hartford is a safe, inviting community for its youth, residents, businesses and visitors to thrive. I hope that as a community we con- tinue to look at ways to accomplish all of those things by coming together and focusing on our strengths as a diverse and inclusive community. List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1. Recognized for my leadership by the Con- necticut Bankers Association with the New Leaders in Banking Award. 2. Recognized by KeyBank for my contribution to the community I received the 2016 Neighbor of the Year Award. 3. I have my professional career in banking, in addition own and operate a small photography business. 4. I consistently involve myself in the community through other opportunities such as Big Brother Big Sister, Junior Achievement or United Way to continue to help our communities flour- ish. I co-chair our key young professionals network- ing group dedicated to diversity and inclusion in our workforce. My husband and I manage a small company that actively helps families battle addiction and support their road to recovery. Age: 32 Company: KeyBank Title: Vice President, Branch Manager Town where I live: Manchester Town where I work: Manchester College: New England College of Business & Finance FUN FACT 40 Under Forty 2017