RWU Alumni Named to PBN’s 2023 40 Under Forty List
Honorees are recognized for their career success and involvement within their communities.
BRISTOL, R.I. – Eight Roger Williams University alumni have been selected as winners in this year's Providence Business News 40 Under Forty awards.
The young professionals – graduates of RWU’s undergraduate and graduate programs and School of Law – were recognized for their career success and involvement within their communities. The honorees were announced in PBN’s latest issue and will receive their awards on July 20 at the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick.
The Roger Williams alumni who made the 2023 40 Under Forty list include:
Allison Krause L’13, Juris Doctor
Senior Associate Attorney at DarrowEverett LLP
As a Senior Associate Attorney for DarrowEverett LLP, Krause oversees all residential real estate transactions in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and supports the firm's Commercial Real Estate Practice, routinely handling millions in annual transactions per year. Krause has extensive experience conducting closings, reviewing complex title matters, forming entities, and drafting residential and commercial documents.
“Winning this award is a humbling recognition that I have made a difference. Being named on the list comes from the help of those who have helped me throughout the years. Roger Williams afforded me that opportunity almost ten years ago. The law school has an unparalleled desire to give back to the community, and cares about its students and their continued legal careers. That is not lost on me. Mentors at Roger Williams, including those who have recently retired, will always be a part of my legal success. For that, I am forever grateful.”
Christen Robbins ’06, Bachelor of Architecture
Senior Project Manager and Principal, BL Companies
Robbins has two significant and rewarding roles at BL Companies. As a Principal, Christen co-leads the architecture department, campaigning initiatives to expand the company's portfolio into new markets. As a Senior Project Manager, Robbins is responsible for mentoring her direct reports and overseeing medium to large projects and project teams, including BL Companies' in-house architecture, structure, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) teams.
“It is a great feeling and an added level of validation to be recognized for one’s hard work and dedication. Every day I strive to exemplify the behavior of a good role model and leader and inspire others. In addition, I appreciate the opportunity to make a difference in the construction of our buildings, the growth of our community, and the development of the next generation of architects. I thank all those who have taught me and supported my development to get me to where I am today and am glad that I can do the same for others. Whether mentoring my team or coaching my daughters, I continue to show them that the possibilities are endless. Being recognized as one of ‘40 Under Forty’ is a great achievement which not only helps support my goals but also includes me in a community of impressive peers.”
Joe Raposo ’05, Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Senior Project Manager, Site Specific LLC
In his role as Senior Project Manager, Raposo directs and delivers all aspects of Site Specific's construction projects ranging from collaborating with the site superintendent on the project schedule, managing project finances, and communicating with owners, architects, and subcontractors; to ensuring projects are completed on time and on budget. Raposo also develops staff by coaching and training his younger colleagues while leading by example.
“To receive this award is a great accomplishment. Since I first heard about the award, I had always dreamed about what it would be like to receive such an honorable award. Now that I am about to receive this award, I am overjoyed, and at times I am still in disbelief that I was chosen. It validates the hard work I have put in professionally and in my various volunteer roles. To sum it up, I am proud of this accomplishment, and I hope to continue to pass my knowledge and passion onto future generations.”
Kara Babcock ’08, M’10, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Master of Architecture
Associate, Union Studio Architecture & Community Design Inc.
As an Associate for Union Studio Architecture & Community Design Inc., Babcock works closely with large, comprehensive project teams to shepherd design concepts through to completion, balancing visual design with technical skills. Babcock’s career experience spans a variety of project types and sizes, from workforce housing to public libraries, commercial mixed-use, and resiliency/adaptation planning for historic communities facing sea level rise.
“I am humbled to be recognized within a community I care deeply about.”
Maribel Echeverry McLaughlin ’10, L’13, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Minor in Legal Studies; Juris Doctor
Assistant General Counsel, CCA Health Rhode Island
As Assistant General Counsel for CCA Health Rhode Island, McLaughlin is responsible for ensuring the company's compliance with relevant laws and regulations with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and other regulatory departments. She works closely with CCA’s business team to develop policies, practices, and guidelines concerning state and federal compliance with laws and regulations. Additionally, McLaughlin also manages all stages of mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, key investments, and other strategic business opportunities; and oversees compliance programs, including business ethics, trading, information security, anti-corruption, data security, privacy policies, and other economic sanctions.
“I am honored to have received the 40 under Forty award from PBN. This award is fuel for me to keep continuing to strive for more and continue to serve my community. So, I'm not done yet.”
Monsurat Ottun L’16, Juris Doctor
Former Data Protection Manager— Products and Technology, PwC
As a Manager in the Products & Technology space at PwC, Ottun focuses on Data Privacy and Data Protection as it concerns building products and understanding AI capabilities. Ottun supports her team in getting products and technology ready for market by considering laws, regulations, and cybersecurity controls that support good product development and usage.
"When you're out there making decisions, engrossed in your work, dealing with the stresses of the day-to-day and wondering if what you're doing really even makes a difference at all, and then you turn around to see people standing there saying 'we see you,' it can give you the courage to keep going and to stop second-guessing yourself. This 40 under Forty award doesn't take the place of the work that I have done or have yet to do but it encourages me to keep taking up space in work that I genuinely enjoy in the hopes that change is just around the corner."
Updated on July 6, 2023: Ottun has started a new role as Cybersecurity Advisor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency/U.S. Department of Homeland Security and was named to PBN's list while working at PwC.
Robert Andreozzi ’11, Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, Minor in Political Science
Owner and Chef, Pizza Marvin
Opened in December of 2020 by Andreozzi and renowned Rhode Island bartender Jesse Hedberg, Pizza Marvin specializes in New Haven-style-inspired pizzas and locally sourced seafood. Andreozzi—a Bristol native—was selected as a 2023 “Best Chef: Northeast” semifinalist by the James Beard Foundation.
“It's been a strange and wonderful year at Pizza Marvin with lots of press and awards. Being selected for 40 under Forty is incredibly affirming for the work we are doing at Marvin that extends beyond the food. I am very proud of the team we have curated and the culture we have all built together.”
Steven Hebner ’08, Bachelor of Science in Finance
Vice President of Finance, Centreville Bank
As Vice President of Finance for Centreville Bank, Hebner leads the Finance team responsible for Asset Liability Management, Liquidity Management, and Financial Planning & Analysis to guide the strategic and sound management of the 195-year-old institution.
“The recognition of 40 Under Forty is deeply rewarding for the years of hard work, dedication, persistence, and decisions that were made in business and life alike to get to this point; but most importantly, it is motivating for the path forward as there is so much more to come.”