UConn Gave Her the Space to Learn, Encouragement to Grow, Opportunities Galore. Now She's Paying It Back.
Jen Mathieu, far left, poses for a photo with some of the other event honorees. (Contributed Photo)
Jennifer Mathieu '09 (CLAS) '23 MBA, the executive director of UConn's Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation was selected as a Connecticut Women of Innovation Award recipient on Tuesday.
The award, given by the Connecticut Technology Council, recognizes women for their achievements in science, tech, engineering and math. This year 100 nominees -from scientists to manufacturers to academics-competed for the recognition. Mathieu was honored in the Academic Innovation & Leadership category for post-secondary institutions.
"Being at the event and hearing from the other honorees made this recognition even more meaningful. I was inspired by the incredible women who are pushing boundaries, solving important problems, and making an impact across industries,'' Mathieu said.
"It was a powerful reminder that innovation is not something we do in isolation. It happens when talented people are supported, different perspectives come together, and we create opportunities for others to bring their ideas to life,'' she said.
Turning Ideas Into Something Real
As CCEI's executive director, Mathieu has devoted more than a decade to building programs, partnerships, and networks that help entrepreneurs create successful ventures. Under her leadership, CCEI has supported more than 1,400 startups and 2,500 entrepreneurs. Alumni companies have generated more than $2 billion in follow-on funding and the program has gained international recognition as a leader in venture creation. Mathieu also serves as an instructor and member of the leadership team for the prestigious National Science Foundation's I-Corps Northeast Hub.
"The most rewarding part of my job is watching people grow into the entrepreneurs and leaders they may not have initially imagined they could become,'' Mathieu said. "At CCEI, we work with people at all stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, often starting with nothing more than an idea and a willingness to explore what might be possible."
"There is something incredibly powerful about helping someone build the confidence to take that first step, challenge their assumptions, and turn an idea into something real,'' she said. "Of course, helping entrepreneurs connect with resources, funding, and the right people is important, but what stays with me most is seeing how much they grow along the way.''
"I believe our responsibility is not just to help build businesses, but to invest in the people building them. When we help entrepreneurs succeed, the impact extends beyond their individual companies to the employees they hire, the problems they solve, and the communities they strengthen. That is what makes this work so meaningful to me,'' she said.
Mathieu Also Runs Her Own Company
Mathieu, who is the founder of Jennifer Elizabeth Design Studio, a carded jewelry company, said she understands that building something from the ground-up is deeply personal.
"It takes courage to pursue an idea when the outcome is uncertain, and the journey often involves setbacks, difficult decisions, and moments when you question whether you can make it work,'' she said. "That experience shapes how I approach my work at CCEI. I know that behind every business is a person who is taking a risk, making sacrifices, and trying to turn a vision into reality."
"It has reinforced my belief that entrepreneurs need more than resources and advice; they need people who will challenge them, support them, and believe in their potential, especially when things get difficult,'' she said. "My own experience also reminds me that entrepreneurship is a continuous learning process, and that growth often comes from being willing to question what you think you know. Ultimately, I want the entrepreneurs we work with to leave not only with stronger businesses, but also with the confidence, skills, and resilience to navigate whatever comes next.''
She Came to UConn and Never Left
Mathieu often jokes that she was dropped off at UConn as a college freshman and never left.
"UConn is much more than where I work, it is the community that helped shape who I am,'' she said. "Several degrees later, I'm still here, still learning, and still growing into the person I will become. My own journey has reinforced my belief that education is about so much more than just what we learn in a classroom. It is about the people who challenge us, the experiences that push us beyond our comfort zones, and the communities that help us recognize what we are capable of."
"Today through my work at CCEI, I have the privilege of helping the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators discover who they can become,'' she said. "In many ways, the work I do today is an opportunity to give back what UConn gave me: the space to learn, the encouragement to grow, and the opportunity to become someone I hadn't yet imagined. I hope we can offer that same opportunity to every student, researcher, and aspiring entrepreneur who comes through our doors.''
