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July 25, 2016 40 Under Forty 2016

Elizabeth F. Ahlstrand

Elizabeth F. Ahlstrand Elizabeth F. Ahlstrand
Elizabeth F. Ahlstrand at her firm's first volunteer outing, Habitat for Humanity, Hartford, 2012
Elizabeth F. Ahlstrand with her two daughters.

Age: 37

Company: Seiger Gfeller Laurie LLP

Title: Equity Partner

Town where I live: West Hartford

Town where I work: West Hartford

College: Colby College, UConn School of Law

Q&A:

What do you do and what are your goals in your current job? I'm an equity partner of Seiger Gfeller Laurie LLP (SGL), with a primary focus on insurance coverage and bad-faith litigation. My goals are to continue to expand SGL's client base and increase the depth of our of attorney base, all while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What are your goals for your community involvement? Personally, I strive to contribute at least 10 hours per month, through hands-on volunteering, board participation and/or attendance at community events/fundraisers.

What's your biggest passion? Planning Pinterest-worthy birthday parties for my daughters. In our house, weekdays are often hectic and meals are ad hoc, but when it comes to birthday parties I love to slow down, get creative and break out the craft supplies.

What are your future aspirations? Big picture, to be a good role model for my daughters. In terms of more tangible aspirations, to run a half-marathon. It's an unmet goal that I want to meet before turning 40.

If you had one wish to brighten Hartford's economic future what would it be? Address food insecurity faced by so many Hartford residents, in particular children. The statistics regarding hunger and food insecurity are staggering and heartbreaking.

Without this most basic need being met, it is impossible to expect adults to be productive members of society or for children to learn. There are many complicated factors impacting Hartford's economics, but consistent and reliable access to nourishing food is a fundamental building block to a bright future.

List four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty:

  1. First female partner and equity partner in my firm.
  2. Established SGL's mentoring and community impact programs.
  3. A longtime and varied commitment to volunteerism in Hartford.
  4. My younger female clients repeatedly tell me that as they are considering having children they are encouraged by my ability to work full time, raise two daughters, and entertain clients (mostly in New York City), without giving-up my own interests (book club, volunteering, girls nights out, vacations with just my husband).

Time Tested:

What personal possession in your life has withstood the test of time? High school English class copy of “Pride and Prejudice”

What hobby did you develop at a young age that you still enjoy today? Skiing

Twenty years ago, what did you envision as your future profession? Lawyer

Who do you consider your mentor? Lucille Festa, my own working mom and business owner extraordinaire, American Country Rugs LLC

See the complete list of Forty Under 40 Winners for 2016! 

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