Updated: August 5, 2019
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2019 40 Under Forty Awards Honorees
Amanda Jolly
Photo | J. Fiereck Photography
Amanda Jolly
Vice President, Programs and Communications, World Affairs Council of Connecticut
Age: 28
No. of years with current company: 4
Town where I live: West Hartford
Town where I work: Hartford
College: American University
Highest degree: Bachelor’s degree in international service
Who is your favorite superhero? My Mom and Dad
As vice president of programs and communications at the World Affairs Council, Amanda Jolly delivers over 25 public events annually, hosting world leaders, experts and changemakers to engage the diverse Hartford-area community on global issues. Jolly has developed over 60 public events as well as led communications, marketing, and technology infrastructure efforts. Previously, Jolly worked with nonprofits around the globe, from Ghana to the Philippines, and in the U.S.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
I’m most proud of expanding the space for non-partisan, fact-based, productive discourse. When such spaces seem to be shrinking nationally, the Council has expanded its reach to over 10,000 community members annually, bringing together different opinions, perspectives and solutions in a way that strengthens, rather than frays, our civil society.
How are you involved in the community?
I’m lucky to live and work in the Hartford area. In particular, I’m interested in advancing leadership and engagement opportunities in Hartford — through working with Leadership Greater Hartford on the Alumni Engagement Committee, serving as a mentor, and participating in groups like Finest Hours, a community forum creating volunteer opportunities.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Concerts at Infinity Hall, Yard Goats games at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, “Hamilton” at The Bushnell, attempting to train for the Hartford Marathon, then posting up at Capital Ice Cream — it’s never boring in Hartford. (And, of course, World Affairs Council events!)
Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:
• As part of the Council team, helped expand our reach to over 10,000 individuals annually — fostering an informed, engaged, and empowered civil society.
• Facilitated the appearances of ambassadors, generals, world leaders, policy experts, dignitaries, journalists, and more to Hartford.
• Led the implementation of two new Council events that have grown to become annual standouts: Global Security Forum and Diplomat Reception.
• Selected to be an advisor with Tech2Empower, spending 10 days in Rwanda consulting with NGOs, social enterprise leaders, entrepreneurs, and students to scale their work.
Fun Fact
Spent eight weeks traveling around southeast Asia, including a 10-day stop for silent meditation.
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