Molly Devanney

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Age: 36

Title at work: Vice president in charge of public relations at Highland Park Market. Highland Park Market has been our family business since 1953 when my grandfather bought the flagship store. We are now the third family and third generation who have run Highland Park Markets. I am so fortunate to work with my dad, two brothers, and two of my sisters. My role is public relations. I spend most of my time out in the communities in the towns we have stores supporting community events and functions. Four years ago, we started fundraising for our Highland Park Families Foundation. To date, we have been able to give back over $150,000 to our host communities

Town where I work: Manchester

Town where I live: Manchester

College I attended: Bryant University (undergrad); St. Joseph's University (master's degree)

My passion, hobby or special talent: Enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking and eating out

Twitter handle: @mollyd78

No. of LinkedIn connections: 500+

Favorite place to network: Charity events – golf tournaments, community volunteer activities

Favorite drink at a networking event: Captain Morgan and Diet Coke

How do I create connections in my professional life?

Volunteering! Most of my connections are made outside of the office. I have been a part of amazing organizations in this area including: the Manchester Road Race, Purple Heart Homes, Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut Inc., The Manchester Scholarship Foundation, The Mayors Program for Manchester Children, Town of Manchester Fireworks, Lutz Children's Museum, Eastern Connecticut Health Network, MARC Inc. of Manchester, Rebuilding Together. These groups have helped me connect with so many wonderful and generous people throughout the Hartford community.

What's been my biggest challenge professionally?

My biggest challenge is keeping up with the current trends in technology. Being able to adapt and utilize the latest technology and stand behind it in a positive way for your employees is not always easy. From online grocery shopping, to new time clocks, registers, scales, Facebook, Twitter, and how people interact and approach a business has changed drastically.

What is the best advice I received?

My father has always taught all of his children and his employees that there are two words to live by and if you can take those two words and live by them it simplifies life. “Be Nice” is the motto my mother and father have pushed onto all of us. If you're nice to your family, employees, children, and customers, the rest will take care of itself. It sounds so simple but trying to live it every day is challenging.

What do I want my legacy to be?

I want to be remembered as someone who gave it her all and did the best she could every day. I want to be remembered as a good daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, coworker, and friend.

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