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April 1, 2024 / 2024 Top 25 Women In Business

Jennifer Mathieu, 2024 Women in Business Honoree

Executive Director Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, UConn Check out the rest of the 2024 Women in Business Honorees
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Jennifer Mathieu supports economic development by fostering initiatives for startups and small businesses at UConn and across Connecticut.

In her role, she has supported the launch and growth of hundreds of startups and small businesses as well as many new initiatives to support entrepreneurs. Mathieu is an entrepreneurship educator and teaches courses designed to support founders as they bring a new product or service to market.

She is a mentor within community organizations, serves on advisory boards, and works as a consultant for businesses.

In addition, she helped to launch UConn Brewing Innovation, a multidisciplinary hub that connects the craft beer industry with UConn’s research enterprise all while providing transformative experiences for UConn students.

Mathieu was selected to Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2021, and Connecticut Magazine’s 40 Under 40 in 2023. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UConn, an M.Ed. in higher education administration from Springfield College, and an executive MBA from UConn.

What have been your biggest professional accomplishments?

My biggest accomplishments include the support of over 1,500 entrepreneurs spanning across more than 700 startups and small businesses. Many of these ventures have created innovative solutions to significant health and global challenges.

Additionally, I’ve facilitated the raising of $4 million in grant and donor funding over the last few years, which directly empowers entrepreneurship initiatives that are crucial for the success of these aspiring entrepreneurs.

What’s the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally?

The next big goal I would like to accomplish is to take my passion for entrepreneurship and expand the platforms for which I am able to support new venture development and growth.

I plan to focus some of my efforts on leadership training and development for new founders.

What’s one of the biggest professional challenges you’ve overcome?

My greatest challenge is staying true to my personal measure of success, and not allowing the noise around me dictate it. This is particularly important when assessing where I am in any present moment to the goals for where I want to be in the future.

Our time is not infinite but I believe our impact, if aligned with what is truly right for us, can be.

How are you involved in the community?

I am passionate about entrepreneurship, and I always say that it is the way we take our wildest dreams and make them a reality.

It is through this passion that I support many entrepreneurship organizations in Connecticut and beyond so that I can help entrepreneurs as they are taking the leap.

I work one-on-one in a mentorship capacity, serve on panels, and facilitate workshops.

What legacy do you want to leave after your career is over?

My number one core value is inspiration. I am also fueled by the desire to create things that didn’t exist before.

My greatest legacy would be to create a life where I am endlessly inspired, to have my influence transcend the specific moment for which I inspired others, and to leave an impact that lasts beyond my time.

Check out the rest of the 2024 Women in Business Honorees

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