Experiences
WHERE Transform Aspirations
Our Commitment to Deeper, Intentional Learning, and Lasting Impact
A Year of Transformative Partnerships and Unprecedented Impact
Dear Friends,
As we present our 2025 Annual Report, "Where Experiences Transform Aspirations," we reflect on a year that truly elevated our own aspirations as an organization. We've made enormous strides in transforming how we deliver education, creating more immersive, innovative programming that truly connects students with future success.
This past year, we reached an incredible 41,793 students across elementary, middle, and high schools across Connecticut. We are proud to report a 66% increase in student engagement, with more than 193,717 hours spent in JA programs alongside mentors, working through curriculum and building essential life skills. These milestones are a powerful testament to the momentum we’re building and the difference we are making together.
Our commitment to deeper, intentional learning has led to truly groundbreaking initiatives and here are a few examples. Building pathways to higher education, we delivered new high school programming that offers free college credits to participating JA students, with hundreds of students already benefiting and some even earning six free college credits. Expanding our reach into vital new sectors, we were incredibly proud to create and help launch JA Maritime, a first-ofits-kind career inspiration program and partnership between JA USA and the US Department of Defense, already reaching more than 4,000 Connecticut students in its first year and leading one student to an actual “signing day” for a pre-apprenticeship with a local manufacturer from the maritime industrial base. Our commitment to innovation came to life through our expansion of JA Innovation Challenges, with more students participating across corporate and university campuses state-wide. This dedication to student success was powerfully affirmed by Quinnipiac University’s remarkable investment, offering $92,000 in scholarships to each member of the winning team of this year’s statewide innovation competition. QU’s investment speaks to its belief in JA’s transformative programs and the limitless potential of our students.
While we have expanded our horizons with these cutting-edge programs, our dedication to delivering JA’s core K-12 curriculum remains steadfast. Every day, inside and outside the classroom, JA is committed to strengething students’ foundational skills to build a lifetime of success and prosperity. This comprehensive approach is how we contribute to a broader systemic change in education, ensuring every student has the tools and opportunities to succeed in a rapidly evolving world, whether they choose a path to the world of work or a path to higher education. By embedding financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship into every program, we’re helping to break down barriers and create pathways to economic mobility for all students.
In the pages of this report, you will see our progress come to life through compelling stories of these programs and inspiring profiles of students whose future aspirations have truly expanded thanks to your support. We are immensely grateful for our dedicated volunteers, educators, partners, and donors. Without you, none of this profound impact would be possible.
With heartfelt thanks,
Jeremy Race, President & CEO
Susan Jackson, Managing Partner, KPMG | Board Chair
Innovation in Action: JA’s Entrepreneurial Curriculum Sparks Real-World Solutions
Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s Innovation Challenge ignites student creativity and entrepreneurial thinking by transforming abstract business concepts into tangible possibilities. Powered by the JA Be Entrepreneurial and Rapid Business Planning curricula, the program introduces high school students to the essential elements of launching a business: from identifying a customer need to building a lean business plan and pitching a solution.
The program’s mentors bring these lessons to life, connecting students with real-world expertise and career pathways that turn classroom theory into actionable innovation.
Students collaborate in teams, develop products aligned with an annual theme centered around real-world issues, and present to judges. Top-scoring teams receive prizes and may advance to regional and national competitions.
Devin wowed the JA Partners in Achievement Breakfast crowd with ‘Filter It,’ a student-led solution to reduce greywater pollution. Her journey, powered by JA’s Innovation Challenge program, showed the impact of student-led problem-solving.
Student Spotlight: Devin & FilterIT
“I never imagined I’d pursue a path like this until I became involved in Junior Achievement.”
In October 2023, Devin joined a six-week Innovation Challenge focused on environmental sustainability. Devin’s team developed FilterIT, a device that filters graywater from shower drains and removes harmful chemicals including oxybenzone. Their research identified cruise ships as a key market—a single vessel can release one million gallons of graywater weekly.
After winning the Connecticut regional competition, Devin’s team earned first place nationally and received mentorship from Capgemini engineers, who helped build a working prototype. Devin continued developing FilterIT throughout her senior year, conducting advanced testing as part of her capstone project. She worked with product developers on 3D samples and optimization, her work extending through summer and fall 2024, supported by ongoing mentorship and a growing passion for innovation.
The
Making of FilterIT: Devin’s Innovation Journey
OCTOBER 2023
• Innovation Challenge begins
• Theme: Environmental Sustainability
• Devin’s team develops the FilterIT concept
DECEMBER 2023
• Wins CT regional pitch at The Hartford
• Advances to and wins national Capgemini Tech 4 Sustainable Futures Challenge
JANUARY TO MAY 2024
• Begins mentorship with Capgemini engineers
• Initial prototype development and research
JUNE TO SEPTEMBER 2024
• Weekly mentoring sessions with Capgemini
• CAD design, 3D modeling, and material research
• Development of MVP and test stand
• Design review and final presentation
FALL 2024
• Senior capstone project
• Testing of filter media (charcoal, silica, hollow fiber membranes)
• Use of GCMS and LCMS testing techniques
• Installation planning for school locker rooms near the CT River Academy
MAY 2025
• Presents Capstone in May 2025 to school administrators for graduation requirement
• Presents at the JA Partners in Achievement Breakfast 5
Breaking Barriers and Building Futures with Junior Achievement’s free College Credit Program
partner institutions:
· Albertus Magnus
· Central Connecticut State University
· Mitchell College
· Quinnipiac University
· University of Hartford
· University of Saint Joseph
“
This type of innovative agreement allows the university to partner with well-respected educational
organizations like Junior Achievement and educate the next generation of leaders.”
DR.
ZULMA R. TORO, PRESIDENT OF CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE
“
For hundreds of Connecticut high school students, the path to college success begins before graduation, with credits earned, confidence built, and a proven track record of collegelevel achievement already in hand. This transformative opportunity is now a reality through Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s College Credit Program.
Launched in the 2024–2025 academic year in partnership with six Connecticut colleges and universities, this groundbreaking initiative brings collegelevel business and finance courses directly into high school classrooms. In its inaugural year, 604 students from six schools completed semester-long courses, earning fully transferable college credits while saving up to $1,500 per course. This leads to meaningful financial relief for families navigating the rising cost of higher education.
The program’s impact extends far beyond early college credit. By closing opportunity gaps and promoting economic mobility, it gives students
a crucial head start toward degrees that can increase lifetime earnings by nearly 40 percent, setting them on a path to long-term financial stability and career success.
Manchester High School seniors Cori and Slei exemplify this transformation. Through JA Marketing Principles I and II, they developed a comprehensive marketing plan for Gillette Stadium and presented their work directly to the Kraft Marketing team, an experience that sharpened their professional skills, built their confidence, and crystallized their career aspirations.
Cori and Sleiman’s teacher, Dr. Gina Aube, describes the partnership as “transformational,” offering students “equitable opportunities to earn college credit while cultivating creativity and problem-solving skills” that will serve them throughout their academic and professional lives.
Looking ahead to next year, Junior Achievement plans to expand the program by 40 percent, reaching ten additional high schools and welcoming new college partners. By removing financial barriers and providing equitable access to real-world learning experiences, JA is helping students build futures filled with promise and possibility. One credit, one classroom, and one success story at a time. learn more
Sleiman and Cori share how dual credit and career exploration through JA are helping them get a head start on their goals at the 22nd Annual Partners in Achievement Breakfast.
Investing in Futures: The Power of the JA Stock Market Challenge
The Stock Market Challenge brings learning to life through a high-energy simulation where student teams compete to build the most profitable investment portfolio as stock prices fluctuate every few seconds. The experience demands quick thinking, collaboration, and composure under pressure.
The event serves as the culminating experience of the JA Take Stock in Your Future curriculum—a five-week program introducing students to investing fundamentals and financial literacy. The curriculum covers essential topics including diversification, risk analysis, reading stock tables, and understanding economic indicators. Students explore how investing fits into broader financial planning strategies, with optional online extension modules for deeper exploration.
In its second year, the Challenge expanded significantly, welcoming over 200 students from seven Connecticut schools at the Stanley Black & Decker World Headquarters.
Students put their financial skills to the test at the 2024 JA Stock Market Challenge, where competition, strategy, and teamwork are key on the trading floor.
“
Sophomores Shahd and Sham from Engineering and Science University Magnet School captured the program's impact:
“Stock prices were changing every few seconds. We had to make quick decisions, adapt to market shifts, and communicate fast with our team. It was a rollercoaster— but it taught us so much about timing, risk-taking, and staying composed under pressure.”
“It wasn’t just about competition—it was about proving to ourselves that we belong in these spaces. That we can step into the world of finance, of business, of leadership—and thrive.”
Engineering and Science University Magnet School students Shahd and Sham spoke at the 22nd Annual Partners in Achievement Breakfast, sharing how the JA Stock Market Challenge taught them finance, teamwork, and leadership.
“ learn more
The Challenge serves as a launchpad for further opportunities. In June, three winning teams represented JASWNE at Future Bound, Junior Achievement USA's national showcase in Atlanta, where they competed in the national JA Stock Market Challenge:
• Team Maverick from Granby Memorial High School placed 6th
• Team Bears in a Bull Market from Granby Memorial High School placed 7th
• Team Goats from ESUMS placed 41st
The Stock Market Challenge exemplifies JA's approach to connecting academic learning with real-world application. By embedding financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness into education, we prepare students not just for tests, but for life—building a continuum of learning experiences from elementary school through high school and beyond.
Teachers echoed the program's success:
"Our students were 100% engaged in lessons and activities." Tolland High School
“I would absolutely tell any educator: drop what you’re doing, take up this challenge, and bring your kids to this environment.” Simsbury High School
Volunteers and students work side by side in the heat of the moment.
Igniting Maritime Careers: A Transformative Year of Growth and Opportunity
In June 2024, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England proudly announced a groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense through the launch of JA Maritime, a career inspiration initiative designed to address the critical shortage of skilled workers in the maritime industrial base. This vital sector, supporting both our national security and regional economic resilience, is in urgent need of a skilled and prepared workforce.
In its first year, JA Maritime made remarkable progress. The program delivered a dynamic mix of job shadows, career track experiences, and interactive workshops, introducing thousands of students to meaningful pathways in advanced manufacturing, welding, electrical work, and other high-demand maritime trades.
Through strategic partnerships and bold collaboration, JA Maritime has drawn strong support from influential leaders in policy and industry. Notable champions such as U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressman Joe Courtney, Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie, and Courtney Wolfe, Director of Supply Chain, Maritime Industrial Base, helped amplify the program’s visibility and reach—alongside key corporate partners throughout the supply chain.
In the 2024-2025 academic year, JA Maritime connected with more than 8,500 students across Connecticut and Rhode Island, delivering not just career awareness, but real-world opportunities.
70 high school students joined JA Maritime for a powerful site visit to Birdon Group, getting an up-close look at maritime careers in logistics, engineering, and public service.
Student Spotlight: Jayliana’s Path to the Shipyard
Jayliana, a rising senior in the welding program at Vinal Technical High School, attended a JA Maritime site visit at Birdon. Her curiosity and enthusiasm for the maritime industry quickly shone through. During the visit, she raised her hand and asked a simple yet powerful question: “How can I learn more?”
Impressed by her initiative, Birdon offered Jayliana a preapprenticeship opportunity on the spot. On June 24, JA, Birdon, the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, and the Connecticut Department of Labor celebrated her signing day at the Birdon boatyard, with her parents and educators proudly in attendance. This milestone marks the start of an exciting and rewarding career in the maritime field, and stands as a powerful example of how JA Maritime is connecting industry and education, inspiring and preparing the next generation of skilled workers.
4,898
STUDENTS ENGAGED IN JA MARITIME
16,352 60 41 806
JOB SHADOW & SITE VISIT PARTICIPANTS
HOURS SPENT WITH STUDENTS PARTNER SCHOOLS
INDUSTRIAL PARTNERS
more
U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney shares an overview of the efforts made in Congress to enhance the submarine industrial base with industry suppliers.
Jayliana, signing a pre-apprenticeship agreement with Birdon Group, sparked from her JA Site Visit.
Transforming learning into possibility
Across Connecticut, students are learning what happens when education becomes an experience. Through Junior Achievement of Southwest New England’s (JASWNE) immersive programs, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, classroom lessons are evolving into moments of clarity, confidence, and ambition.
This year, nine schools participated in these programs, reaching nearly 1,000 students across the state. Students begin their journey in the classroom, where they complete a thirteen-lesson curriculum that introduces financial literacy, career paths, and workplace skills.
JASWNE is building on that foundation by bringing JA BizTown and JA Finance Park to the Greater Hartford area. When the center opens, students who complete the curriculum will put their learning into action during a visit in a new 20,000 sq. ft. facility we plan to build within the next 18 months. The center will welcome more than 10,000 students each year. We are grateful for the community partners who are helping make this vision possible, including Central Connecticut State University, Hartford HealthCare, Hoffman Auto, Liberty Bank, RTX, Stanley Black + Decker, The Hartford, Travelers, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Dave Glidden, President and CEO of Liberty Bank, the facility’s official banking storefront, shared, “You look at JA’s goal of positively improving the lives of young people, and Liberty Bank’s mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and communities, for generations to come. So we couldn’t be prouder to partner with JA.” learn more
As we prepare for the facility, students in elementary and middle schools across Connecticut are discovering the power of financial literacy through JA BizTown right now. At Clover Street Elementary and Grace Academy, fifth graders stepped into roles as business owners and consumers, learning how to manage personal finances and operate within a functioning economy.
In middle schools Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Magnet School, Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School, Jumoke Academy, and Thirman Milner School, students engaged in JA BizTown lessons that deepened their understanding of budgeting, income, taxes, and saving. A teacher
from Milner School in Hartford shared, “several students were surprised and totally unaware of income, bills, etc. It was an eye-opener.” Another noted, “students are able to connect content to parent home life situations,” highlighting how JA BizTown helps students relate classroom learning to their everyday lives.
Middle schools also embraced JA Finance Park, where students learned to navigate real-world financial decisions, from budgeting and saving to understanding income and expenses. At Berlin High School and Connecticut River Academy, tenth-grade students participated, learning financial planning, career exploration, and longterm goal setting.
Speaking at the JA
Programs like JA BizTown and JA Finance Park do more than just teach financial literacy. They offer students immersive and real-world experiences that are critical to their futures. They teach our young people to make smart financial decisions, to plan for their future goals and careers, and to manage money wisely. These programs are giving students the tools they need to thrive in a world that’s growing more complex every day.
As we enter the second year of delivering these programs, JASWNE is excited to expand the reach of JA BizTown and JA Finance Park programming to even more schools across Connecticut. We are working closely with educators to refine the experience and enhance the supporting technology, ensuring that the programs are seamless, accessible, and impactful for every classroom.
Together with community organizations that share our commitment to accelerating economic opportunity and mobility, we are building a future where every student in Connecticut has access to meaningful, hands-on learning that turns aspirations into action.
Partners in Achievement Breakfast, Erick Russell, Connecticut State Treasurer, highlighted the future impact of JA BizTown and JA Finance Park initiatives in preparing students for financial success.
Entrepreneurship in Action at Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School
At Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School, the JA BizTown curriculum didn't just teach financial literacy—it sparked a real business.
After learning about budgeting, savings, interest, and credit, a group of sixth-grade students launched a bracelet-making business right inside their school. They created flyers, designed a sign-up sheet, and began selling personalized bracelets to teachers and staff.
As demand grew, so did their challenges. They had to manage inventory, track expenses, and fulfill orders on time. Their teacher shared that the students were now learning about staffing models and time management, applying concepts from JA BizTown to solve real problems in real time. What started as a classroom activity became a full-fledged entrepreneurial experience that taught students how to think creatively, work collaboratively, and adapt to the demands of running a business.
JA BizTown and JA Finance Park - Pilot Program Participants
• Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Magnet School | Bloomfield
• Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School | Hartford
• Berlin High School | Berlin
• Clover Street Elementary School | Windsor
• Connecticut River Academy | East Hartford
• Grace Academy | Hartford
• Jumoke Academy - Honors SMaRT | Hartford
• Riverside Magnet SchoolGoodwin College | East Hartford
• Thirman Milner School | Hartford
Students from Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School in Hartford, who participated in the JA BizTown pilot program, welcomed guests to the Partners in Achievement breakfast as student greeters.
Special events
This year, Junior Achievement of Southwest New England was proud to bring our community together through a series of special events that not only celebrated accomplishments, but also fueled our mission. From the inspiring Partners in Achievement Breakfast, where we highlighted the stories of students whose futures are being shaped by JA, to the celebratory Hall of Fame honoring leaders who serve as role models for the next generation, each event carried its own unique spirit. The JA Golf Classic and Office Warriors competitions brought colleagues and friends together in friendly competition, while our Bowl-A-Thons engaged teams in raising critical funds with enthusiasm and fun. Together, these events reflected the energy and commitment of our partners, sponsors, and participants. The funds raised make a direct and lasting impact, helping JA empower students with the skills, confidence, and vision to build their own bright futures. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and dedication of our partners, whose support makes this work possible.
Captured in mid-swing, a golfer’s dynamic tee shot cuts through the morning air at the JA Golf Classic.
Right: Trinity Davis, a third grader from Metacomet Elementary, stole the show as MC at the JA Partners in Achievement Breakfast with her confidence and spark!
Left: Voya Financial teammates glide through the Computer Paper Box Skiing challenge at this year’s JA Office Warriors.
Bowlers from The Hartford hit the lanes with friendly competition for this year’s Bowl-A-Thon, helping raise a record-breaking $123,000 for Junior Achievement’s programs across Connecticut.
Bowlers from The Hartford hit the lanes with friendly competition for
Students lead the conversation, interviewing guests at the 2025 Partners in Achievement Breakfast with thoughtful questions on financial literacy and career readiness.
Downes Construction’s enthusiasm proved that work and play can go hand in hand at
JA Office Warriors!
learn more
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the JA Business Hall of Fame recognized exemplary business leaders from both Hartford and New Haven for their significant achievements and community impact.
Hartford Hall of Fame Honorees
The Honorable Eric D. Daniels
CT Judicial Branch & CT Superior Court Judge
Laureate
Joanne Berger-Sweeney
President, Trinity College (Retired June, 2025)
Laureate
Robert Olsen
Founder, Olsen Construction Services, LLC Entrepreneur Award
New Haven Hall of Fame Honorees
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
Accepted by Genevieve Bimonte, Lisa Cusano, Bernadette Bimonte Hackett, Jennifer Hart, and Jennifer Bimonte-Kelly Entrepreneur Award
Liberty Bank
Accepted by President & CEO, David Glidden Community Leadership Award
Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean
Executive Director of the Allbritton Center for the Study of Public Life, Wesleyan University Spirit of Hope Award
JASWNE President & CEO Jeremy Race addresses the audience at the 2025 JA Business Hall of Fame.
At the 46th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame in Hartford, CEO Jeremy Race gathers with honorees (Bob Olsen, Dave Glidden of Liberty Bank, Genevieve Bimonte, Bernadette Bimonte Hackett, and Jennifer Bimonte-Kelly of Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana, The Honorable Eric D. Daniels, Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean, and Joanne Berger-Sweeney) to honor the spirit of leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
JA Entrepreneurial Academy students, including student speaker Zainab, present their company, Ever Write, to business leaders at the 2025 JA Business Hall of Fame.
Scholarships
This year, we awarded three scholarships to students who reflect the spirit of innovation, determination, and community that drives Junior Achievement’s work. Through these scholarships, we aim to celebrate students’ achievements and support their continued growth as future change-makers.
Dev, Jasmin, and Pedro
Dev
The Karl Flemke Memorial Scholarship honored Dev, a student-athlete whose exceptional leadership anchored multiple Academy companies and showcased the potential of the next generation.
JA Involvement: JA Entrepreneurial Academy (Stanley Black & Decker, The Hartord) 2023, 2024, 2025Chief Financial Officer, Chief Sales Officer, President | Speaker at 2024 JASWNE Business Hall of Fame Dinner | Summer ’25 Intern
Future Plans: Attending Northeastern University to study Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance.
JA has prepared me to succeed in the global economy by instilling in me a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, leadership, & adaptability.
“ “ “ “ “ “
Jasmin
The JA of SWNE Scholarship recognized Jasmin, a senior whose inspiring & thoughtful leadership brought their Academy company to great success.
JA Involvement: JA Entrepreneurial Academy (The Hartford) 2024 School Year – Vice President
Future Plans: Attending University of Chicago to study Business Administration & establish a real estate firm focused on affordable housing.
JA has shaped me into a stronger, more capable leader – ready to take on the global economy with purpose and determination.
Pedro
The Elaine Dwyer Scholarship was awarded to Pedro, whose extraordinary leadership, dedication, and passion led to 2 successful Academy companies.
JA Involvement: JA Entrepreneurial Academy (The Hartford) 2024, 2025 School Years – Finance Lead, President
Future Plans: Attending University of Hartford to study Business Administration & establish a future business.
My future goal is to be a CEO and start my own company from the ground up. Being able to experience this as a teenager has shown me what it takes to make a successful company.
board of directors
Hartford
Donald Allan, Jr.
President & Chief Executive Officer Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
Francine Austin*
Owner
Francine’s Salon and Day Spa
Thomas Bailer
Principal Executive Support Services, LLC
Adele Balboni*
Director, Total Rewards AdvantageCare Physicians
Steven Brodrick
Founder & CEO Horizon Five
Jay S. Buth
Immediate Past Chair
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Eversource Energy
Matthew W. Cambi
Principal PwC
Trevon Canada
SVP / Head of Operations – Middle Market & Global Specialty The Hartford
Lawrence Carboni
Partner Whittlesey
Brian Carillon
SVP, Head of Retail Banking Centreville Bank
Pamela Carpenter* Retired COO, National Accounts Travelers
Jennifer Castro Smithberger* Associate Director, U.S. Corporate Affairs Biogen
Jonathan Collett, CPA Partner CohnReznick
Carmen Cotei, PhD
Associate Dean and Asley Chair in Finance University of Hartford
Joseph DeSantis Partner Deloitte LLP
Kate Dion Partner Robinson+Cole LLP
Kevin Dolan
Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Group Manager M&T Bank
Anne Evans CEO Universal Strategies Limited
Jack Fazzino
Connecticut State Representative 83rd House District
Brian First President, North America Arch Insurance Group, Inc.
meet the board
David Firstenberg
Global Chief Underwriting Officer
HSB-Hartford Steam Boiler
Paul Foody Vice President, Strategic Business Solutions Group Waste Management
Michelle Galeota* Assistant Principal East Hartford High School
Bill Glueck EVP of Partnerships & Platform Integrations ARC Fertility
John Guy, Jr. Retired Webster Bank
Lazaro Guzman Vice President Empower
Christopher Heyl
Vice President of Operations CiDRA Corporation
Terrell Hill, PhD
Superintendent of Schools Windsor Public Schools
Matthew Hoffman President-Hoffman East Hoffman Auto Group
Claude Howard Vice President, Workers Compensation Claim Travelers
Susan Jackson
Chair
Office Managing Partner KPMG LLP
Patty King
Director of Admissions Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS)
Dawn Lazarus
Financial Advisor Lindberg & Ripple
Donna Lecky* CFO & Co-Founder HealthVenture
Brian Levine
SVP, Commercial Banking, Senior Relationship Manager Bank of America Merrill Lynch
David Louden
Founder & Lead Strategist LoudenClear
Karmela Malone
Secretary SVP Chief of Ethics and Compliance Officer
The Hartford
Susan A. Martinelli
Treasurer
Hartford Office Leader & Assurance Services Partner RSM US, LLP
Kenneth McGovern
President KMR Executive Search LLC
Samuel McKnight*
Retired AT&T Director
Adam McLaughlin
Senior Managing Director, Senior Relationship Manager Webster Bank
Beth Merenstein, PhD
Professor, Sociology Central Connecticut State University
Mary Morgan
Vice President, Talent Acquisition Hartford HealthCare
Mark Nisbett
President & CEO People, Places & Spaces
Russell Outler
FVP MyBanker Team Leader Berkshire Bank
Emily Paskind
Senior Account Manager The Hartford Business Journal
Michael Pelletier*
Managing Principal, Microsoft Services CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Thomas Phillips
Executive Principal TL Phillips Consulting Services
William K. Piotrowski
Senior Vice President, General Counsel Alkegen
Paru Puttanna SVP, Senior Executive Voya Financial
Joe Radziewicz
Vice President, Corporate Controller Stanley Black & Decker
Sean Riegler Partner Ernst & Young LLP
Anthony Salerno
VP, Enterprise Strategy Execution CVS Health
Pamela Sawyer
Outreach and Legislative Assistant
Access Health CT
Robb Schilberg
Vice President of Procurement
Prime Materials Recovery/ AMES
Copper Group
Wendy Simoncelli
Client Executive, Insurance Industry
IBM
Tina St. Pierre, CPA
Partner, Chief Operating Officer, Secondaries
Ares Management
PJ Titone
Vice President & CM-Aerostructures
Collins Aerospace
Steve Weir
Connecticut State Representative 55th House District
Susan C. Winkler
Executive Director
Connecticut Insurance and Financial Services (CT IFS)
Vice President Metro Hartford Alliance
Kelly Young
Executive Director, Strategic Programs Pratt & Whitney
* Resigned or board term ended
board of directors
New haven
Gregg Burton Partner
Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey, LLP
Robert Coro
Managing Director CBIZ
William Creaser
Executive Director, Northeast Middle Markets, Commercial & Industrial Bank JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Jodie Driscoll Partner
Harris Beach Murtha
Stephen Fordyce Founder and Managing Partner Centel Wealth Advisory
Michele Hawes
Vice President, Business Banking –Market Manager Citizens Bank
G. Christopher Heyl
Vice President of Operations CiDRA Corporation
Patrick Kampermann*
Director of Finance North & Central America
Roto Frank of America, Inc.
Kevin Kiss
Senior Manager, Assurance Services
RSM US LLP
Brian Levine
New Haven Chair SVP, Commercial Banking Senior Relationship Manager Bank of America
Nicholas Lombardi President & CEO OneSource Companies
Kolé Mascoll VP Commercial Banking, Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Camille Murphy* Founder & Managing Partner Murphy & Company CPA’s, LLC
Matthew O’Connor, PhD* Professor Finance – School of Business Quinnipiac University
William Rice
Director of Curriculum & Instruction Area Cooperative Education Services (ACES)
Nestor Rubiano Business Bank Manager Ascend Bank
Brian Walker President Walker & Associates, Inc.
emeritus
Jill Albertelli President, Military Engines Pratt & Whitney
Gregory Alcorn Retired Vice President, Global Partnerships Carrier
James Bolduc Retired Strategic Financial Advisor Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA)
Edward B. Bradstreet President Bohan & Bradstreet
Christine Bromberg Partner Robinson & Cole LLP
Larry Brown Managing Director Horton International LLC
Howard Carver
Retired Managing Partner Ernst & Young LLP
Chris Fuselier Retired GE Consumer Industrial
David Keiser
Retired President & COO, Director Alexion Pharmaceuticals
Margaret Lawson Retired
The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co.
Brendan Lynch Retired, President Pension Operations Travelers Annuity
Hugh Manke Partner – New Haven Office Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, PC
Raymond Sprague Principal Napatree Advisors
Lindsley Wellman President Wellman Consulting Group
Edward Whittemore Retired Murtha Cullina LLP
Diane L. Wishnafski
Retired Executive VP NewAlliance Bank
* Resigned or board term ended
Staff
meet the staff
Julie Armstrong Director of Education
Brianna Beckstrand
Education Manager-JA Maritime
Lisa Cowell
Senior Education ManagerK-8 Programs
Nicole Diorio
Senior Director – Maritime Programs and Strategic Partnerships
Erica Gilroy
Office Manager/ Executive Assistant
Aimee Heckman
Education ManagerEntrepreneurial Programs
Josh Kelly
Senior Education ManagerCareer Readiness and Capstone Curriculum
Donna Koch
Development Assistant
Susan Lecki
Education Manager
Rachel Martin
Special Events Manager
Casey O’Connor
Development Manager
Jeremy Race President & CEO
Kate Tedford Director of Philanthropy
Amanda Teti
Senior Grants Coordinator
Susan Wagemaker
Education ManagerFinancial Literacy Programs
Katie Waters
Education Assistant
CT River Academy – Middle Level students led a lively round of JA Jeopardy at the Partners in Achievement Breakfast, with questions inspired by what they learned in JA Finance Park.
2026 Upcoming events
see our events
ja business hall of fame
tuesday, april 7 partners in achievement breakfast
thursday, may 14
ja golf classic
monday, june 1
ja office warriors date coming soon! host a ja bowl-a-thon! perfect for company team-building or networking events!
www.jaconn.org
Facebook: @JASWNE | Instagram: @_JASWNE | LinkedIn: Junior Achievement of Southwest New England