McKinley Albert

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Age: 31

Title at work/what I do: Director of development at Hartford's Camp Courant, the oldest and largest free summer day camp in the country. I provide strategic leadership in the development of philanthropic relationships throughout Greater Hartford. In addition to my role with Hartford's Camp Courant, I serve as the chair for Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE) and sit on the boards for the Hartford Preservation Alliance and Leadership Greater Hartford. I am heading up the public relations committee for the Junior League Showhouse committee.

Town where I work: Hartford

Town where I live: Avon

College I attended: University of Pittsburgh (undergrad); Central Connecticut State University (master's degree)

My passion, hobby or special talent: Traveling and trying LOTS of different kinds of foods

Twitter handle: @hautehistorian

No. of LinkedIn connections: 500+

Favorite place to network: HYPE and Metro Hartford Alliance events

Favorite drink at networking event: Wine

How do I create connections in my professional life?

Being a transplant to this region was initially very difficult for me, as I only knew one person (excluding my husband) when I came here from Pennsylvania. However, I knew that Hartford was full of great people, and all I needed to do was put myself out there, whether it was to attend a networking event or support a special event hosted by one of this regions amazing nonprofits. I joined organizations such as HYPE and Leadership Greater Hartford, and I was able to meet so many influential individuals that encouraged me to get further engaged in the Greater Hartford community. By becoming more involved, I have not only made some really fantastic friends, but I have met many people who have had a profound impact on my professional growth. I truly feel that this region wants its young people to succeed, and I am so grateful to everyone who has made Hartford feel like home to me.

What's been my biggest challenge professionally?

I moved to Connecticut with ZERO network, and I began my first development job in 2009… right during the economic meltdown. Not knowing what the heck I was doing, coupled with the worst economy in decades, certainly did not make me confident as I began navigating the development waters. Five years ago, I looked closer to 16 rather than 26, so sometimes it was hard to get people to talk to me since the reaction I would get was, 'Are you a student?' Oh, what I would not give for someone to mistake me for a student now.

What is the best advice I received?

Don't be afraid to fail. You will fail…LOTS! And if you think you won't, you are just setting yourself up for disappointment.

What do I want my legacy to be?

I'm not quite sure I will leave behind any kind of legacy, but I hope that when people meet me and talk to me about this region and my work, they walk away saying, “Wow…she must really love what she does.”

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