The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine the spotlight on Autumn Elmazi in our Community Proud series. Autumn is the founder of CT Kids Passport, an innovative program that helps families explore all that Connecticut has to offer. A lifelong Connecticut resident, she lives in Watertown with her husband and their three children, who are five, four, and three years old.

As a mom of three young kids, Autumn knows how hard it can be to find outings that are fun, meaningful, and family friendly. That challenge sparked CT Kids Passport, which she created as an adventure guide for families with children ages two to fourteen. From parks and museums to unique local attractions, the passport is designed to help families step away from screens, get outside, and make memories together.

Families can purchase a CT Kids Passport, typically for twenty dollars, with a special price of fifteen dollars through January first at www.ctkidspassport.com. The passport unlocks discounts, perks, and exclusive offers at dozens of participating businesses across the state. Each visit earns a stamp, turning every outing into part of a larger adventure. Families can use the passport at destinations such as the Connecticut Science Center or a Hartford Yard Goats game in Hartford, the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange, and Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk. The result is family time that feels both affordable and fun, while also supporting local businesses.

Before becoming a stay at home mom, Autumn built a successful career in marketing and events at Hawk Ridge Winery. Her background in branding and community engagement gave her the skills to launch CT Kids Passport, create a strong identity for the program, and build meaningful partnerships with businesses across Connecticut.

Autumn’s connection to community runs deep. Originally from Bristol and now rooted in Watertown, she is passionate about helping families discover the “little gems” that make Connecticut special. She sees CT Kids Passport as a bridge between families and small/local businesses that deserve more attention. Through CT Kids Passport Days at participating locations, such as Mini Town in Fairfield, Autumn sets up on site to meet families, answer questions, and support her partner businesses in person.

What began as a small idea has grown into a full business that is now busy enough that Autumn is looking at bringing on help. She is proud that she stayed the course through the long planning phase and the early challenges of starting something new. Knowing that parents believe in the passport, and that larger partners like the Hartford Yard Goats have signed on, reinforces her belief in the impact of the program.

Autumn’s greatest inspiration is her children. CT Kids Passport was born from her own search for activities that were engaging yet affordable for her family. That search turned into a program that benefits families across the state, opening doors to new experiences while easing the financial burden that often comes with outings. Outside of work, she loves traveling with her family, showing her kids new places, and helping them understand what is possible when they work hard and dream big.

A fun fact about Autumn that not many people would expect is that she has been riding snowmobiles since she was six years old and enjoys spending time at her family’s house in upstate New York, where snowmobiling is a favorite winter tradition. Along the way, she has been supported by people who believe in her vision, including Kate from Kidtivity, who has provided guidance, connections, and a trusted ear throughout this journey.

For Autumn Elmazi, CT Kids Passport is not just a product. It is a way to build community, support local businesses, and remind families that time together matters. The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Autumn and CT Kids Passport in our Community Proud series, and we celebrate the joy, curiosity, and connection she is helping families discover across Connecticut.