Member Spotlight – October 2020
Jane Gordon Julien
Writing Workshop Teacher, Journalist
Candlelight Writing Workshops
Education/Alma Mater: Master’s Degree, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, N.Y; Bachelor’s degree, University of Missouri School of Journalism
Morning News Sources: The New York Times, The Hartford Courant, the New Yorker daily newsletter, Newsy, Boston Globe daily highlights, ProPublica Daily, Politico, Heather Cox Richardson’s daily newsletter, Morning Brew (a daily business newsletter)
Hometown/Current town: Born in Richmond Hill, N.Y.; currently residing in Glastonbury
How long have you worked in your current position? 40 years as a writer and editor
Did you have a job that might surprise people? When I was 13, I was paid 50 cents an hour as a mother’s helper to eight children. When I think back, that job even surprises me.
What do you value most about CWC? Intelligent women, good programs, book club
Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Piece of advice for people entering your field / looking to excel in your field? Journalism is in a state of uproarious transition. Persevere.
Proud moment or accomplishment you’d like to share? When my first story for The New York Times appeared in print.
First Job in high school: As a file clerk at an insurance agency.
Dream Job (besides current): Novelist (I’m working on it)
Bucket List Item: Visiting Bohola (pop. 203), County Mayo, Ireland, the home of my ancestors
Hobbies: Reading, writing, talking about books, gardening, hiking, kayaking, recreational cycling, dairy-free/gluten-free baking
Favorite Sports Team: The Yankees, and, despite the nonsensibility of it, the N.Y. Knicks
Vacation Spot: Ocean Grove on the Jersey shore
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Carrianne Polo
Founder & CEO
New Park Creative
A branded content and marketing agency in Hartford
Education/Alma Mater: BAS Visual Media Studies, University of Hartford
Morning News Sources: LinkedIn
Hometown/Current town: Tolland
How long have you worked in your current position? I started the organization ten years ago however my current position looks a lot different than it did back then!
Did you have a job that might surprise people? A big part of what I do is brand storytelling and making complex systems of information accessible to audiences. Another part of what I do certainly has a “cool” factor! I’ve been producing branded content for over a decade which includes UX design, video production, live events. I am very fortunate to say my job is a lot of fun and a gift to be able to use my creativity to help organizations grow.
What do you value most about CWC? I have enjoyed how open and welcoming all the women are. I’ve only been a member for a few months and everyone I’ve met has been willing to connect, share their story, and be genuinely interested in mine.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Someone once asked me if I wanted to run a business or build an enterprise. My answer to the question has guided much of my decision making ever since. Another piece of advice was learn to fail. If you can effectively fail and get back up again you can accomplish anything in life.
Piece of advice for people entering your field / looking to excel in your field? Learn how to wear many hats and be willing to do what it takes to get the job done and with a positive attitude. Refine how you channel your creativity.
Proud moment or accomplishment you’d like to share? In October 2019 I was selected as a StorySLAM speaker for the Women’s Achieve Summit in Richmond, PA. I was introduced by Queen Latifah and asked to share the story of a pivotal moment in my career in front of and audience of 1600 women.
In 2020 I was accepted into the Adweek Executive Mentee program, facilitated by Adweek’s CMO, Nadine Dietz. I received mentorship from Adweek’s VP of programming, Lisa Granatstein, and became part of a group of 250+ global creatives participating in the program. I spent the summer working on a project with my fellow mentees that includes content and campaigns around mentorship. I will have the chance to pitch the project to the CEO and CBO of Adweek in September.
The moment I became a mother.
First Job in high school: Camp counselor
Dream Job (besides current): Something to do with astrophysics
Bucket List Item: Earn my PHD from MIT
Hobbies: Outdoor adventures, my kids, arts and culture, crafting, snowboarding, camping, concerts and events, food!
TV Character most like you: Amy Pohler as Leslie Knope in Parks and Rec
Vacation Spot: Cape Cod, Miami, FL
Favorite Movie: Jurassic Park