Alyah Rodriguez is a student performer and freshman at Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School in New Haven, Connecticut. She is fourteen and the proud daughter of Joe Rodriguez and Jasmine Acevedo. Alyah has been an avid fan of the arts, poetry, and theatre since the young age of seven when she took to the stage for her very first performance with Alliance Children Theatre (ACT). It was through her love for poetry and performing which ultimately helped Alyah find her voice, identity, and passion for activism. Through countless shows across New Haven, she began branching out and becoming more active in her school and community. From student government where she advocated for mental health awareness and more musical after-school activities, to protesting against gun violence and fighting for fellow lgbtq youth, she saw the importance of equity and speaking truth to power. Throughout middle school Alyah continued to explore, volunteer, and eventually connected with her Puerto Rican roots through Bomba and a series of cultural classes with Kevin Diaz & Movimiento Cultural, as well as through her work with PRU- Rican Festival of New Haven. This love of poetry, theatre, activism, and her culture, took center stage when on January 7, 2025, Alyah testified before the State of Connecticut Board of Education on the importance of arts and culture within our schools. As she prepares for her - quinceañera- the big 15–in 2025, and her first high school production of Into The Woods, she cannot think of a more perfect way of completing her freshman year than also receiving the Mujer imparable Award.

Sandy Cruz-Serrano, CREC’s recently retired, Deputy Executive Director, has been in education for nearly 30 years. She started her education career as a bilingual teacher at Noah Webster School in Hartford. After 5 years of teaching, Sandy left the field of education and began working in youth development and youth employment & training. Though she was no longer in the classroom, she continued to be a strong education advocate working to ensure ALL children receive a high quality education. Sandy has long been an advocate on issues of equity and race. After serving 10 years as Chief Operating Officer for Hartford Public Schools, Sandy joined CREC in 2008; there, she has overseen the building of 11 CREC magnet schools and help coordinate the Sheff v. O’Neil efforts. In 2014, Sandy was promoted to Deputy Executive Director of CREC where she has managed day-to-day operations of the 2,700 employee organization. Sandy’s decisions are based on one question she always asks, “Is this in the best interest of the kids?” This question gets to the core of what is important to her in her work and in her advocacy. She is always looking to make sure low-income children, children of color and children with differing abilities have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed. She firmly believes that if a child who is disadvantaged is given an opportunity, supports and resources to succeed academically, the course of generations that follow will change. It’s her own life’s story. This passion for children, education and equity has won her numerous awards for community service. Some of the most meaningful awards include the Maria Sanchez Educator of the Year Award, the CT Center for Children’s Advocacy ‘Champion of Children’ Award, the Julio Lozada Distinguished Service Award and the CALAS (CT Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents) Outstanding Educational Leader Award for contributions in the area of education and public service. And upon retiring from CREC, she was honored with the first CREC Lifetime Achievement Award. Sandy graduated from Hartford Public High School.  She is a proud Puerto Rican and has taught bilingual education and preschool special education in Hartford. Her college focus was in political science and public administration at Central Connecticut State University and her graduate studies work was in Theology and Urban Ministry from the Andover Newton Theological School in Newton Centre, MA. Sandy is also an Associate Pastor at the House of Praise & Worship Covenant Church in West Hartford. She has been ministering since 1987. Her ministry focuses on empowering and equipping a community of believers, especially women, to carry out a mission of service. Sandy is married to Richard Serrano, Sr. Together they have three children and two grandchildren; and they live in Windsor, CT.

Life teaches us many lessons. One such lesson is the importance of community. When I was 10 years old, I lost my 12 year old sister, Kassandra, to leukemia. Words cannot describe what our family went through, each in our own individual way. It was the continuous loving support from our community that sustained us; and still does. Community involvement has helped me to learn, to empathize and to share. It’s the assurance of knowing that we’re never alone. It’s what compels me to give back. I am grateful to my parents, Sammy & Leslie Vega, for these are the values and Puerto Rican heritage with which I have been raised. I’m now 15 years old and currently a sophomore at Pathways of Technology and Design. My classes in video and media help me see life from different perspectives, but it’s dance where I release my inner most emotions through movement, in Lyrical, Broadway Jazz, Contemporary and Hip-Hop dance classes. I plan to study criminal justice and become a detective in law enforcement. Along the way, I’d like to become an example for youth to follow. Everyone has a story. This is mine. Stay tuned, there’s more to come. My Community Volunteer Participation Team Kassi Arts & Craft Events Team Kassi Light Show Colt Park Annual Clean-Up & Beautification CICD Cultural Pageants Greater Hartford Puerto Rican Parade and Festival Catholic Charities Elderly Programs Mujer Imparable Annual Salvation Army Holiday Dinner Trunk or Treat Community Youth Halloween Celebrations Dressler Law Community Events

Seila Mosquera-Bruno was appointed the Commissioner of Housing by Governor Ned Lamont in 2019 and re-appointed for his second term in 2023. As Commissioner, Seila directs the lead state agency for housing matters for the State of Connecticut. The Department of Housing is responsible for all aspects of housing policy including the development, redevelopment and preservation of housing and neighborhoods. Since her 2019 appointment, Seila has developed partnerships with financial institutions as well as service providers, advocates, and nonprofits, while serving as the Board Chair of the CT Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), Connecticut’s quasi-public organization dedicated to financing the production and preservation of rental housing and homeownership. Under Seila’s leadership, the Department of Housing: distributed $500MM for the preservation and production of 13,000 affordable units; Created “Time To Own” a forgivable down payment Assistance Loan Program; Developed an affordable Housing Planning guide for municipalities and awarded $1.2MM in technical assistance grants to 84 municipalities; administered $600MM in COVID emergency relief funds; created a COVID emergency rent relief program and launched an innovative utility bulk payment program to deploy COVID emergency resources; redesigned congregate emergency shelters with the use of hotels and the creation of micro units; funded $4MM for non-profit developers to support the creation of new affordable units and created a partnership with a financial institution that provided $1MM in matching funds. In her capacity as Commissioner, she serves as Board chair of CHFA, and as a board member of the Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA) and Capital Regional Development Authority (CRDA). Prior to her appointment, Seila was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mutual Housing Association of South-Central Connecticut, Inc., dba NeighborWorks® New Horizons. NWNH is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing affordable housing opportunities to help build strong communities and revitalize neighborhoods. After joining NWNH in 1994, Seila served in many different capacities and became the Executive Director in 2003. Under her leadership, the organization expanded operations beyond New Haven County to New London and Fairfield Counties, managed 38 employees and $100 million in Assets. Seila holds a master’s degree in Urban Studies from Southern Connecticut State University, a B.A. in Business Administration from Charter Oak College, and completed the Achieving Excellency in Community Development an 18-month fellowship program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Included in her many board associations, she served on the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Advisory Council, the Santander Bank Community Advisory Board, the Board of The Connecticut Legal Rights Project, and the Board of the National NeighborWorks Association. Seila received the Forty under 40 Award from New Haven Business Times; she received the Housing Good Egg Award and was recognized as a Rising Star by Business New Haven. Seila was inducted into the Gateway Community College Foundation’s Hall of Fame for her exceptional contributions to the community. She was named one of the 50 most influential Latinos in Connecticut recognized by Latinos United for Professional Advancements (LUPA). Seila has been a speaker at local and national venues on housing related issues including as a guest lecturer at NYU. She conducted conferences in capacity-building and provided technical assistance to non-profits in Guayaquil, Ecuador. In 2018 she spearheaded a partnership with NWNH and NHS Puerto Rico to assist in their recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria.

Having grown up in an urban neighborhood Marilyn learned early on about the impact of giving back to the community, volunteerism and paying it forward. Her parents migrated to Connecticut from Puerto Rico and instilled the importance of “la Familia,” tradition, culture, our language and being involved in “La Communidad.” Today, Marilyn is an orgulous bilingual and bicultural contributing member of the community. She earned her B.A from the University of CT. in Storrs, CT and later an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. Marilyn boasts more than thirty years of experience in the corporate sector, having held various management roles in industries such as airlines, pharmaceuticals, education, finance, and health insurance. In addition to her corporate background, she is also a successful entrepreneur, having founded Ethnic Marketing Solutions, an agency specializing in strategic marketing for companies seeking to engage with multicultural markets. During her tenure at Aetna Inc., Marilyn served as the national director for Ethnic Markets, overseeing initiatives to reach diverse consumer segments. At MassMutual, she held a director-level position at ValoraLife, a digital startup, where she spearheaded the development and implementation of a comprehensive digital life insurance product tailored to the U.S. Latino population. As the creator and producer of Latinas & Power Corp, she has achieved significant success in establishing a national network for Latina professionals and entrepreneurs. The organization hosts the annual Latinas and Power Symposium® (LPS) since its inception in 2003. The primary mission of LPS is to inspire, motivate, and equip Latina professionals with the tools they need to succeed and become influential leaders and advocates in their respective fields. The audience of LPS includes Latinas who are navigating their career or entrepreneurial journey, providing them with valuable networking opportunities, workshops, camaraderie, inspirational speakers, and a platform to share strategies for success. While the network has been operational since 2004, Latinas and Power Corp officially obtained non-profit status as a 501(c)(3) organization in 2019 when she was elected by the board of directors as it’s CEO. In 2023, she further expanded her impact by launching the Latinas in Leadership Institute, a 6-month certificate program designed to cultivate influential leaders and advocates within the Latina community. This initiative underscores her commitment to empowering Latinas and fostering their professional growth and development. Marilyn’s has served on many diverse boards including Connecticut Health Foundations, Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA), United Way of Greater Hartford and the advisory board for University of Hartford’s Presidents DEI initiative. Currently she serves as a board director for National Puerto Rican Diaspora Museum project. Throughout her career, Marilyn has received numerous awards and accolades in recognition of her achievements and contributions over the past two decades. 2001 – Aetna Chairman’s award for surpassing sales goals by 160% (representing $800 million in Assets under Management) 2009 – Latina Paving the way 2013 – Top Most Influential Latinos in Hartford CT region 2012 – Grand Marshal for Puerto Rican Parade of CT 2013 – Women of Distinction, Entrepreneur of the Year, SBDC Hall of Honor 2013 – Brazilian Women Association. Influential Latinas Award 2019 – Hispanic Lifestyles, Latinas of Influence in the U.S. 2024 – Remarkable Women of CT, an ABC Ch 8 annual award during Women’s History Month

Clarita Parra Sales Broker for Goya Foods with over 11 years of experience, I specialize in servicing the Hartford, West Hartford, Manchester, and East Windsor, CT areas. My achievements include: - Recipient of the 2018 Goya Outstanding Sales Award for highest growth in Frozen Division - Recipient of the 2022 Goya Outstanding Sales Award for 2nd highest growth in Division 1B I hold a cum laude degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, with a double major in Business Administration and Marketing. As a proud native of Bogotá, Colombia, I am passionate about sharing my heritage and connecting with others. In my free time, I enjoy traveling the world and exploring diverse cultures."

My name is Claudia Goodine, born Claudia Orozco. I grew up in a town near the US border in the Mexican state of Sonora. Growing up without a father, my wonderful mother played the part of mom, dad, and closest friend. From Sonora, I then attended university in Baja, also near the US border, and completed my degree in Business Hospitality with honors. Around this time, I would meet my children's future father. Hailing from Connecticut himself, we eventually found our way back there. Connecticut has now been my home for 34 years. At first, I spoke English poorly, and to this day still do not speak it to perfection. The first few jobs I had here were far from my dream job, until 2001 when I read an article about Goya Foods looking for sales representatives. At the time I had little idea what Goya was but pursued the job anyway because I felt in my gut it was the perfect job for me. Looking back 23 years later, I can say with confidence that I made the right career choice. My career with Goya has enabled me to raise two children and own my own home, for which I am eternally grateful. Finally, I would like to thank Brenda Marie and Rafael Toro for their kindness and generosity.

Attorney Manuela "Nela" Maria Freitas is a seasoned professional with nearly three decades of legal experience, primarily focused on personal injury cases. She has been a steadfast member of Dressler & Associates, now known as Dressler Strickland, since 1994. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Nela brings a unique cross-cultural perspective and deep dedication to the Latino and Portuguese communities. Community Involvement Nela's commitment to giving back is reflected in her extensive volunteer work and leadership roles within the community. Portuguese Club of Hartford Nela currently serves as the Vice President of the Portuguese Club of Hartford, a role she has held since 2022. The club, a nonprofit organization founded in 1927, is central to preserving Portuguese culture in Greater Hartford. After a devastating fire in 2017 forced the club to close, Nela joined a dedicated committee to lead the efforts to rebuild and revitalize it. Under her leadership, the club successfully reopened in March 2024, boasting a full-service bar, restaurant, and banquet hall that welcomes people of all ethnicities. Portuguese Foundation Nela has been actively involved with the Portuguese Foundation since 1996, holding various board and director positions. This nonprofit organization, established in 1990, is devoted to promoting Portuguese culture and advancing opportunities for Portuguese people across Connecticut. The foundation has awarded over $250,000 in scholarships and hosted numerous Portuguese film festivals. Nela made history in 2011 as the foundation's first female president, serving a two-year term, and she currently holds the position of Vice President. Personal Resilience and Family Life Nela’s personal life is a testament to her resilience and determination. She has been married for over 35 years and is the proud mother of two sons. As a breast cancer survivor, she has continued to fulfill her professional and volunteer commitments, inspiring many with her strength and dedication. Nela is recognized not only for her exceptional legal acumen but also for her enduring work ethic and passion for serving the community. She remains an advocate for preserving cultural heritage while building connections across diverse communities.

Dedicated and culturally astute, Dorely Roldan is a self-directed service professional with a rich tapestry of nearly twenty years of experience spanning office management, community health promotion, advocacy, and cancer health education. My journey in the realm of healthcare has been shaped by a profound commitment to serving underserved and uninsured populations, championing their health and well-being. I commenced my career at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT, in 2004, where I honed my skills as a Patient Administrative Associate, orchestrating seamless operations within a bustling inpatient unit. Over the years, my role evolved, and I transitioned into community outreach, embodying the ethos of service and compassion in every endeavor. From 2008 to 2023, I undertook various roles within Hartford Hospital's community outreach programs, progressively assuming greater responsibilities. As a Community Outreach Educator and later as a Community Outreach Coordinator at the Cancer Institute, I meticulously analyzed community needs, forged meaningful partnerships, and delivered impactful educational presentations on cancer prevention. My tenure saw me conducting screenings, providing patient navigation services, and managing outreach databases with precision and care. In my current position as a Manager of Community Health and Health Promotions, I spearheaded outreach efforts tailored to underserved communities, serving as a liaison between internal stakeholders and the community. I traversed the Hartford region, nurturing collaborative relationships with providers and community partners, facilitating education sessions, and meticulously managing the community benefit database. Complementing my practical experience is my pursuit of educational and professional growth. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration from Charter Oak State College. With a strong foundation in healthcare systems and management, I am eager to continue my education and pursue a Master's degree in the near future to further enhance my skills and knowledge in the field. Additionally, I hold certifications in various areas, including Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Mental Health First Aid, and Phlebotomy, underscoring my commitment to holistic care and continuous learning. Proficient in English and Spanish, I bring a multicultural perspective to my work, fostering inclusivity and understanding. A proud mother of twin 19-year-old sons, who serve as her inspiration for leading community efforts to ensure equitable healthcare, Dorely resides with her children and fiancé, Herb. With a commitment to empowering communities and driving positive change, she is poised to continue making a meaningful impact in the realm of community health.

Dr. Marisa Moro-de-Casillas, was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico. She graduated Cum Laude from her medical school Anahuac University in Mexico City. She moved to the USA to complete neurology residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH and a Movement Disorders Fellowship through Brown University, Providence, RI. She currently works as a movement disorders neurologist at the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center, Hartford HealthCare, and serves as the Director of Experience and Equity. Her passion is to improve access to care and education for ethnic minority patients suffering from movement disorders, especially Hispanic and Latinos. She is the founder of the CFMDC Spanish Clinic, one of the very few Hispanic Movement Disorders clinics in the USA. Her work has been recognized by several non-for-profit organizations including The Davis Phinney Foundation. In 2024, she was instrumental in the success of the first educational community event for Hispanics with Parkinson’s Disease in Hartford, “Cerebros Saludables, Comunidades Saludables”. She launched and serves as physician co-lead for “ SOMOS Physicians and Providers Network” at her Institution. She lives in CT with her husband Sergio, and her daughter Isabella.