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20 Hartford Business Journal • June 11, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com By Andy Thibault Special to the Hartford Business Journal S enior citizen Edna Vinters, a lifelong Hartford resident, was tired — more tired from renting apartments than just about anything else. However, with the help of the Urban League of Greater Hartford and her pastor, Vinters improved her credit score and navigated the mortgage process. "It's a wonder … these are happy tears," she said of the Urban League's program for first-time homebuy- ers. "I encourage everybody that wants to have their own home, join that program." An Urban League video shows a proud Vinters standing on her porch and surveying the neighbor- hood. Excited, she exclaims, "I even learned how to sign my name online!" Vinters is among the many thousands whose lives have been touched by Urban League pro- grams and services, which also include health and workforce develop- ment. "We help [individuals] move closer to self-suf- ficiency by utilizing our programs and services," said Adrienne Cochrane, the Urban League's former longtime CEO. "Empowering the community and changing lives is not just a tagline. It's something we do every day." Cochrane, who served the Urban League of Great- er Hartford for eight years, was appointed CEO of ON THE JOB Guiding business principle: My father taught me to respect my personal brand and to maintain a standard higher than anyone could impose. Best way to keep your competitive edge: I am constantly competing with myself to do better, be better. I cannot ask of others what I do not require of myself. Proudest accomplishment: My two sons Goal yet to be achieved: Striking the right balance between work life and home life. I tend to get too consumed in the former. Favorite part of the job: Positively impacting the lives of people by empowering them to take control of their own destiny. Least favorite part of the job: Losses of any kind. JUDGMENT CALLS Best business decision: Learning to trust myself. Worst business decision: Allowing fear to overtake judgment early in my career thus torpedoing a great opportunity. Biggest missed opportunity: There is a difference between 'an' opportunity and 'my' opportunity. When something is my opportunity it will not be missed. I don't believe in coincidence in the context of opportunities. Best way to spot trends: Stay well-informed and well-versed. You will not become a subject-matter expert on everything, but you will learn enough to keep yourself current and relevant. Next big move: That chapter of my life is still under construction. Your pet peeve: Rude, distracted driving. How red does the light need to be before you stop? PERSONAL SIDE City of residence: Bloomfield Favorite way to relax: Chilling with friends and family Hobbies: Reading, traveling, theatre, movies and I love to dance! Last vacation: Hawaii Favorite movie: "Scent of a Woman." The car you drive: BMW 5 Series Currently reading: Anything I get my hands on. Favorite cause: Any cause that uplifts and empowers. Second choice career: Selling snow cones on a beach, any beach! Cochrane's career devoted to emp Adrienne W. Cochrane Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Hartford Region Size of organization: $6.8 million in revenue; 125 employees Highest Education: St. Louis University School of Law, law degree Previous job: Urban League of Greater Hartford, President and Chief Executive Officer "There's no better time to … seize the moment and uplift and empower our girls and women so they know they can be successful." HBJ PHOTO | STEVE LASCHEVER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2018