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September 2, 2024 / 2024 Lifetime Achievement & C-Suite Honorees

2024 C-Suite Honoree: Steven Havira

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As chief creative officer at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (HIU), Steven Havira is responsible for creating branding and marketing strategies that amplify the university’s mission globally. He ensures consistent brand messaging across all platforms, designs print publications and marketing materials, and works across university departments to develop cohesive communication strategies.

His efforts enhance engagement with students, alumni and stakeholders, fostering a strong and unified brand presence that reflects HIU’s core values and mission.

What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? I developed and led a new university-wide marketing initiative, “1834,” at HIU. Named after our founding year, this campaign tells the compelling stories of HIU’s people and programs through video, print and digital design, and podcasting.

By leveraging engaging storytelling, we now effectively communicate the university’s values, achievements and global impact to potential students, alumni, donors and supporters worldwide.

A key feature of this initiative was a 16-minute documentary called “A Chaplain’s Journey,” which I produced and directed. It chronicles the inspiring path of HIU alum and current Yale chaplain, Imam Omer Bajwa ‘10. This work has garnered nine national awards and was accepted for screening at the 2024 Ridgefield, CT Film Festival.

In what ways are you involved in the community? I provide brand consulting to Fresh Start, a local nonprofit dedicated to employment and skill development through furniture production and contract work. Additionally, I assist HIU international students with resume design and graduate project guidance.

I have also helped Hartford’s Grace Lutheran Church transition services online to meet the demand for digital outreach and worship. Making a positive impact within my community is incredibly rewarding and allows me to contribute to society through my talents.

On the job

Guiding business principle: Delivering creative quality that consistently exceeds expectations and delights audiences.

Best way to keep your competitive edge: Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning. Engaging in continual self-education and staying current on culture, art, science, technology and news.

Best business decision: A singular focus on producing multimedia content that delivers inspiring and compelling narratives designed to resonate with and relate to intended audiences.

Goal yet to be achieved: Creating a work that reaches millions worldwide that transcends cultural boundaries, impacts diverse audiences and sparks conversation.

Personal touch in your office: Low lighting and a Himalayan salt lamp.

Personal side:

Place of residence: Wallingford

Favorite way to relax: Transcendental Meditation, daily exercise, and watching movies and TV series with my wife.

Hobbies: Experiencing new restaurants, learning design and media skills, traveling, cooking, writing

Last vacation: San Jose and San Francisco, California

Favorite movie: “Star Wars” (1977)

Currently reading: “The Psychology of Money,” by Morgan Housel

Favorite cause: Animal rescue services

Second choice career: Home designer

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Steven Havira

Chief Creative Officer

Hartford International University for Religion and Peace

Size of organization: $6M budget

Number of employees: 45

Education: Master’s Degree in Communications, University of Hartford; Bachelor’s in Fine Arts, University of Cincinnati

 

 

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