Her Story
About Andrea
Andrea Roux brings nearly three decades of executive support experience to her current role as Senior Executive Administrator at ConnCORP, a Hamden, Connecticut-based nonprofit dedicated to community revitalization. Her career began humbly at age 16, when financial constraints kept her from pursuing college immediately after high school. However, an internship during her senior year set her on a path that would eventually span organizations, including Aetna, Prudential Financial, The Cigna Group, and now ConnCORP.
At ConnCORP, Andrea serves as a trusted strategic partner to the President and CEO, translating executive vision into actionable priorities, managing board governance and stakeholder engagement, and helping drive workforce development and community investment efforts. Following the completion of the organization’s $65 million facility expansion, Andrea was personally selected by the CEO to co-chair the Grand Opening Committee, where she helped lead the planning and execution of the milestone celebration.
Beyond her executive career, Andrea has channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into Lux Balloons & Designs, a high-end event planning venture she launched to offer elaborate balloon installations and décor for special occasions. Never one to let age or circumstance limit her ambitions, she returned to school at 56 as a full-time student and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations at Southern New Hampshire University.
Andrea also holds a real estate license and previously served as a Salesforce trainer for the Southeast region during her career with Aetna, Inc. These experiences reflect a career defined by continuous growth, adaptability, and a refusal to be confined by traditional credentials.
At the heart of Andrea’s story is a deep commitment to faith, service, and mentorship. She considers her guidance of women navigating hardship to be the most meaningful achievement of her professional life, drawing on prayer, lived experience, and the belief that wisdom arrives when one is ready to receive it.
Her philosophy centers on pursuing purpose over paycheck and encouraging others to bet on their own potential, even when their path does not follow a conventional template. Recognized as a 2026 honoree by Influential Women, Andrea continues to model what it means to pursue growth at every stage of life. She is proof, in her own words, that it is never too late to become who you were always meant to be.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Andrea
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to finding work that genuinely aligns with my purpose. My faith has always been the foundation of my decisions, and prayer continues to guide me throughout my career journey. Perseverance has also played a major role in my growth. I have never been afraid to pursue new opportunities, even when they required me to stretch, learn, and develop skills I did not yet have.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was from a close friend who encouraged me to start my own event business — that push gave me the confidence to finally pursue it. More broadly, I've come to embrace the principle of betting on myself and choosing opportunities that offer real growth, rather than making decisions based solely on salary.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to search their hearts and find work that truly fits their purpose, rather than chasing a role simply because of the money attached to it. Bet on yourself — accept positions that stretch you, even if you don't check every box on the requirements list. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and take the initiative to research and learn any skills you're missing. Most importantly, never give up on yourself. Your potential matters more than any traditional credential.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunity in my field right now is the ability to expand access, build stronger community partnerships, and create programs that truly respond to the needs of underserved communities. In my role, I see how much impact an organization can have when its mission, leadership, and resources are aligned around serving people well.
One of the biggest challenges is capacity. The need in the community is great, and many families and individuals are looking for support, opportunity, education, and pathways to economic mobility. As our organization grows, the challenge is making sure our programs, partnerships, and internal systems grow with it so we can serve more people with excellence, consistency, and care.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Faith is at the center of everything I do, both professionally and personally. Service to my community, mentorship — particularly pouring into other women — and perseverance are the values that guide me daily. I started working at 16 because I couldn't afford to pursue college right away, and that experience taught me the true value of perseverance. Now, at 56, I'm a full-time college student pursuing my degree while also running my own business. It's never too late to pursue your dreams and become who you were meant to be.
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