UPCOMING EVENT
Shaping CT's Future: Entrepreneurship & Leadership
Leading the Charge: Entrepreneurship in Connecticut
August 21, 2025 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Entrepreneurship is more than building a business—it’s about forging a path, solving real problems, and leading others through uncertainty. This Shaping CT’s Future event explores the mindset, momentum, and mechanics behind entrepreneurship and leadership in Connecticut.
We’ll dive into the inspiration, vision, and strategies that fueled some of the state’s most impactful founders and leaders:
- Insight reveals the personal journeys—the influences, setbacks, and hidden drivers that shape vision and purpose.
- Intel uncovers the sources of wisdom—mentorship, guidance, and the critical thinking that helped eliminate blind spots and build strong foundations.
- Ignite explores the inflection points—the moments leaders chose to scale, delegate, and sustain their mission with clarity and conviction.
This high-impact event features panel conversations, expert-led breakout sessions, and innovative networking opportunities designed to spark new ideas, partnerships, and pathways for growth.
Whether you’re launching your first venture, scaling a company, or mentoring the next generation, join us to gain an actionable perspective—and help shape what’s next for Connecticut.
Reserve your spot
Become Informed. Get Engaged. Shape the Future.
Check back soon for registration details, speakers, and more.
"*" indicates required fields

Avelo Giveaway
We invite you to register for the opportunity to participate in our giveaway of two Avelo Airline tickets.
Moderators and MC
Stay tuned for bold founders, game-changing innovators, and entrepreneurial leaders taking the stage.
We’re not just exploring today’s business landscape—we’re spotlighting the bold ideas shaping tomorrow. Step into the future. Make your mark.

BJ Kito
Chief Strategy Officer, Rebellion Group, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Owner, Virtuoso

Sam Barrett
SVP Client Services, Rebellion Group & Executive Producer, Shaping CT's Future

Jim Altman
Television Journalist, FOX61
Featured Speakers, Panelists, Attendees

Jeff Hoffman
Chairman of the Board, Global Entrepreneurship Network

Greg Buckley
CEO, Alzheimer's Treatment Centers of America

Rhona Free
President, University of Saint Joseph

Bert Wachtelhausen
Founder and Former President, WellSpark Health

Lorraine George-Harik
Co-Founder, Zesty Z

Jennifer Mathieu
Executive Director, Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UCONN

Jay Norris
Co-Founder, Guesst Software

Bob Ruffolo
CEO, IMPACT

Dan O'Keefe
Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development

Andy Greenawalt
Co-Founder & CEO, Storyhub

Michelle Cote
Director, Launc[H]artford

Jim Wharton
Chief Executive Officer, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Harrison Macris
Co-Founder & CEO, Princeton CarbonWorks

Bill Shufelt
Co-Founder & CEO, Athletic Brewing

Mohan Sachdev
CEO, Sachdev Real Estate

Fran Pastore
Founder & CEO, Women's Business Development Council

Paddi LeShane
CEO & Co-Founder, Sullivan & LeShane, Inc.

Rachel Mele
CEO, Metropolitan Interactive

Stephanie Abrams
President & CEO, New England Air Museum

James LaFond
Founder, Grey Matter Technologies

Scott Dolch
President & CEO, CT Restaurant Association

Lou Auletta
President & CEO, Bauer Aerospace

Doug Roth
Managing Director, CT Innovations

Amy Roman
Founder & CEO, AmplifyGTM

Chris Allen
CEO, iCleanse

Amanda Meier
President, Reality Interactive

Christopher Kuselias
Founder, Kuselias Holdings LLC & Ocean Crest Ventures

Mike Astrachan
Owner, XVIVO

Shyam Kulkarni
CEO, Fruitful Mixology LLC

David DeRemer
Founder & CEO, Very Good Ventures

John Bourdeaux
President & CEO, AdvanceCT

Richard Taub
Chief Financial Officer & Co-Founder, BIGtoken

Steve Wasik
CEO, VKTRY Gear

Chris DiPentima
CEO & President, CBIA

Jon Ewert
CEO, CapZone Analytics

Jeffrey Mard
Founder & CEO, Channel M

Paolo Volpati-Kedra
CEO, BC Gourmet USA, Inc.

Jodie Gillon
President & CEO, BioCT

Justin Kuntz
Chief Operating Officer, RIPE Bar Juice

Justin Lutz
Founder & CTO, Cause Connect

Jill Mayer
CEO, Bead Industries, Inc.

David Joosten
Co-Founder & President, GrowthLoop

Jill Turlo
CEO, Hartford Parking Authority

Tommy Febbraio
Principal & Managing Partner, Gray Goose Tavern

Kevin Klipstein
President & CEO, US Squash

Jimmy Burchfield Jr.
Founding Partner, D’Amico.Burchfield, LLP, COO, Classic Entertainment & Sports, Inc.

Helaine Knapp
Founder & CEO, CITYROW

Brad Miller
President, Xcitium

Mark Mandell
CEO & Founder of MarketBridge, Missing Thorn Wine, and Intelisent, LLC

Matthew Wallace
CEO & President, VRSim

Eric Lopez
Founder, Arrowhead Leadership Consulting
Innovation Showcase
Connect with the businesses that are driving change and advances in Connecticut.











Take a look at our sponsors
Our current sponsors have been instrumental in making our events possible, providing the support needed to bring together influential leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers. Their commitment not only enhances our gatherings but also underscores their dedication to fostering progress and driving Connecticut forward.






![669a16504de7221f0e8dd291_Image [sponsorlogo] (1) 6](https://shapingctsfuture.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/669a16504de7221f0e8dd291_Image-sponsorlogo-1-6.png)


![669a16504de7221f0e8dd291_Image [sponsorlogo] (1) 5](https://shapingctsfuture.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/669a16504de7221f0e8dd291_Image-sponsorlogo-1-5.png)
Watch to see what is in store for Shaping CT’s Future 2025
Past events
Shaping CT’s Future: Sports & Entertainment
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Location: Foxwoods Resort Casino, 350 Trolley Line Blvd, Mashantucket, CT 06338From Walter Camp revolutionizing football to the invention of the Wiffle Ball, Connecticut has always been a game-changer in sports. But what’s...
Shaping CT’s Future: AI & Cybersecurity
Shaping CT’s Future: Innovation & Energy
Thursday, November 14, 2024 | 2:30 - 5:30 PMConnecticut is facing dramatically escalating energy costs, affecting our economy and daily lives. In this fifth installment of the Shaping CT’s Future series, we will explore the far-reaching impacts of rapidly increasing...