Upward Names Director of Operations
Hartford, CT [1/28/2020] — Upward announced Samantha Wanagel has been named Director of Operations, managing all Upward initiatives in Connecticut.
Wanagel currently manages Upward’s existing operations, including its 34,000 square foot co-working, private office, corporate event and meeting facility located within Hartford’s iconic Stilts Building at 20 Church Street. In this new role, Wanagel will also manage Upward’s future initiatives, currently in development.
“As Upward navigates its flagship city, we are envisioning and developing products that are critical for second-tier cities to thrive. Upward’s goal is to create urban intersections that enable the corporate community, startups, and local talent to work together and vitalize their city,” said Shana Schlossberg, Upward CEO & Founder. “Samantha has been instrumental in Upward’s growth since 2017, and is the perfect candidate to strengthen Upward's expanding portfolio.”
Wanagel’s promotion comes as Upward prepares to launch Connecticut’s first co-living space in the newly renovated Heublein Building at 196 Trumbull Street in Hartford. The five story mixed-use building will boast 32 full amenity apartments, with a focus on short-term and flexible leasing.
“It has been an extraordinary adventure to transform our downtown hub into a thriving center of innovation and economic development,” said Wanagel. “In this role, I look forward to igniting an energy and generating movement that will steer Hartford, and potentially other cities in Connecticut, perpetually Upward.”
Wanagel joined Upward in November 2017, following a 13-year career as a senior-level operational manager for retail giant Costco Wholesale. She graduated from Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business, with a Bachelors of Science in both Marketing Management and Hospitality and Tourism Management.