UPCOMING EVENT
Shaping CT's Future: Entrepreneurship & Leadership
Leading the Charge: Entrepreneurship in Connecticut
August 21, 2025 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Entrepreneurship is more than building a business—it’s about forging a path, solving real problems, and leading others through uncertainty. This Shaping CT’s Future event explores the mindset, momentum, and mechanics behind entrepreneurship and leadership in Connecticut.
We’ll dive into the inspiration, vision, and strategies that fueled some of the state’s most impactful founders and leaders:
- Insight reveals the personal journeys—the influences, setbacks, and hidden drivers that shape vision and purpose.
- Intel uncovers the sources of wisdom—mentorship, guidance, and the critical thinking that helped eliminate blind spots and build strong foundations.
- Ignite explores the inflection points—the moments leaders chose to scale, delegate, and sustain their mission with clarity and conviction.
This high-impact event features panel conversations, expert-led breakout sessions, and innovative networking opportunities designed to spark new ideas, partnerships, and pathways for growth.
Whether you’re launching your first venture, scaling a company, or mentoring the next generation, join us to gain an actionable perspective—and help shape what’s next for Connecticut.
Reserve your spot
Become Informed. Get Engaged. Shape the Future.
Check back soon for registration details, speakers, and more.
Avelo Giveaway
We invite you to register for the opportunity to participate in our giveaway of two Avelo Airline tickets.
Moderators
Stay tuned for bold founders, game-changing innovators, and entrepreneurial leaders taking the stage.
We’re not just exploring today’s business landscape—we’re spotlighting the bold ideas shaping tomorrow. Step into the future. Make your mark.
BJ Kito
Chief Strategy Officer, Rebellion Group, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Owner, Virtuoso
Sam Barrett
SVP Client Services, Rebellion Group & Executive Producer, Shaping CT's Future
Featured Speakers, Panelists, Attendees
Jeff Hoffman
Chairman of the Board, Global Entrepreneurship Network
Greg Buckley
CEO, Alzheimer's Treatment Centers of America
Rhona Free
President, University of Saint Joseph
Bert Wachtelhausen
Founder and Former President, WellSpark Health
Lorraine George-Harik
Co-Founder, Zesty Z
Jennifer Mathieu
Executive Director, Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UCONN
Helaine Knapp
Founder & CEO, CITYROW
Bob Ruffolo
CEO, IMPACT
Dan O'Keefe
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
Andy Greenawalt
Co-Founder & CEO, Storyhub
Michelle Cote
Director, Launc[H]artford
Jim Wharton
Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Harrison Macris
Co-Founder & CEO, Princeton CarbonWorks
Eric Lopez
Founder, Arrowhead Leadership Consulting
Mohan Sachdev
CEO, Sachdev Real Estate
Fran Pastore
Founder & CEO, Women's Business Development Council
Paddi LeShane
CEO & Co-Founder, Sullivan & LeShane, Inc.
Rachel Mele
CEO, Metropolitan Interactive
Stephanie Abrams
President & CEO, New England Air Museum
James LaFond
Founder, Grey Matter Technologies
Scott Dolch
President & CEO, CT Restaurant Association
Matthew Wallace
CEO & President, VRSim
Doug Roth
Managing Director, CT Innovations
Amy Roman
Founder & CEO, AmplifyGTM
Chris Allen
CEO, iCleanse
Amanda Meier
President, Reality Interactive
Adam von Gootkin
Co-Founder & CEO, Highclere Castle Spirits
Mike Astrachan
Owner, XVIVO
Shyam Kulkarni
CEO, Fruitful Mixology LLC
David DeRemer
Founder & CEO, Very Good Ventures
John Bourdeaux
President & CEO, AdvanceCT
Richard Taub
Chief Financial Officer & Co-Founder, BIGtoken
Steve Wasik
CEO, VKTRY Gear
Chris DiPentima
CEO & President, CBIA
Jon Ewert
CEO, CapZone Analytics
Jeffrey Mard
Founder & CEO, Channel M
Paolo Volpati-Kedra
CEO, BC Gourmet USA, Inc.
Jodie Gillon
President & CEO, BioCT
Justin Kuntz
Chief Operating Officer, RIPE Bar Juice
Justin Lutz
Founder & CTO, Cause Connect
Jill Mayer
CEO, Bead Industries, Inc.
David Joosten
Co-Founder & President, GrowthLoop
Jill Turlo
CEO, Hartford Parking Authority
Tommy Febbraio
Principal & Managing Partner, Gray Goose Tavern
Kevin Klipstein
President & CEO, US Squash
Innovation Showcase
Connect with the businesses that are driving change and advances in Connecticut.
Take a look at our sponsors
Our current sponsors have been instrumental in making our events possible, providing the support needed to bring together influential leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers. Their commitment not only enhances our gatherings but also underscores their dedication to fostering progress and driving Connecticut forward.
Watch to see what is in store for Shaping CT’s Future 2025
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