Connecticut Women's Council

Member Spotlight – March

Mary-Jane Foster
President & CEO, Hartford Interval House

Education/Alma Mater: Charter Oak, Quinnipiac University School of Law

Morning News Sources: Hartford Courant, WSJ, NY Times

Hometown/Current town: Hartford

How long have you worked in your current position?  3 years

Did you have a job that might surprise people?  I once co-owned and ran a minor league baseball team.

What do you value most about CWC? I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to meet and connect with women I might not otherwise get to know.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Never make a promise you can’t keep.

Piece of advice for people entering your field / looking to excel in your field? Pursue what stirs the passion inside of you and the rest will follow.

Proud moment or accomplishment you’d like to share? Professionally, co-developing the Ballpark at Harbor Yard and watching the fans arrive on opening day.

First Job in high school:  Sales, Foster & Son Jewelry Store

Dream Job (besides current): I’ve got it.

Bucket List Item: Travel

Hobbies: Walking, reading, needlepoint

Favorite Sports Team: Yankees

Vacation Spot:  Anguilla

Favorite Movie:  American President

Brenda Larkin
Financial Advisor, Goldberg Larkin

(and CWC board member)

Education/Alma Mater: Central Connecticut State University

Morning News Sources: MSNBC

Hometown/Current town: Rocky Hill

How long have you worked in your current position?  21 Years

Did you have a job that might surprise people?  I worked at Walt Disney World after college.  One of my positions at Disney was in Epcot Center in the Kraft sponsored Land Pavilion as a hostess on the boat ride.  Today, the boat ride is narrated electronically, but when I was there, we had to memorize a 19-page script to recite throughout the 15-minute journey and we were also required to take classes to learn about Hydroponics and fish distilleries.

What do you value most about CWC?  The relationships I have formed with many of the fabulous ladies I have met throughout the years.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?  Preparation, preparation, preparation.

Piece of advice for people entering your field / looking to excel in your field?  Don’t give up, adversity provides opportunity.

Proud moment or accomplishment you’d like to share?  I am proud of the gratitude I feel for my loving family, intelligent, interesting clients and my amazing friends.  Especially in times like this, I realize that relationships are what is important.

First Job in high school: Dietary Aid at Mapleview Manor

Dream Job (besides current):  Gym owner for women over 40.

Bucket List Item:  Learn how to Scuba Dive

Hobbies:  Weightlifting, running, hiking, boot camp, anything to do with exercise.

Favorite Sports Team:  Mets

TV Character most like you:  Elaine from Seinfld

Vacation Spot:  Bimini         

Favorite Movie:  Pulp Fiction

To view Member Spotlight from February and December, click here.