Cooper-Atkins’ CEO Carol P. Wallace is one of eight women recognized as making a difference within their organization and community throughout Central Connecticut.
The winners, part of the Hartford Business Journal’s 13th annual Women in Business awards, were nominated by readers and chosen by a panel of independent judges.
The main theme was identifying how each honoree was helped along the way by a mentor who instilled both personal and professional advice.
Wallace had the opportunity to work with her father, Floyd Wallace, Jr., for more than a decade after returning home in 1991 to oversee manufacturing of the family business.
As a successful and talented leader, Wallace cites him as the person that guided her. “He instilled in me the clear, guiding principle and fundamental rule that one should always treat people as you wanted to be treated,” Wallace says.
On being recognized as a mentor, Wallace says, “The most important thing to do is share what you have learned to allow people to “skip the potholes” you’ve found. This will make the learning curves smoother and help them get further in their careers faster.”
This latest award for Wallace follows on the heels of the President’s “E” Award for Exports, given to her in May 2014 by the U.S. Department of Commerce. It is awarded in recognition of those businesses that have significantly helped to increase American exports. The 13th annual Women in Business awards will take place at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 14.