The Women’s Advancement Initiative / University of Hartford / 2022

YEARS OF LEAD

THE WOMEN’S ADVANCEMENT

INITIATIVE uniquely positions women for success through education and leadership programs; research and scholarship opportunities; and career connections and experiences— which open minds and open doors. This distinctive program is proud to continue and celebrate the legacy of Hartford College for Women, and is supported and sustained by a community of women and men who believe that advancing the potential of women is a personal and collective priority.

MANAGING EDITOR

Glandina Morris Lyga ’04

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Theresa Sullivan Barger

DESIGN

Lilly Pereira ’02

EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE

Jonathan Easterbrook ’87, M’90

Nancy Simonds

Tyanna Stewart ’24

PHOTOGRAPHY

Megan Bainbridge ’23 Nicole Bedard

Gary Burns

Jane Centofante, UVA Facilities Management

Zandria Oliver ’22

Sophia Singer ’23

Amy Sommers Photography

University of Hartford Archives and Special Collections

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Amy Jaffe Barzach, Executive Director

Glandina Morris Lyga ’04, Director

Sara Cerruto M’18, Assistant Director

HARTFORD.EDU/ WOMENSADVANCEMENT

CONTACT US: 200 Bloomfield Avenue, GSU327 West Hartford, CT 06117 womenadv@hartford.edu

CONTENTS / VOL. 05 / ISSUE 05

BOARD OFFICERS

Pearl Douglas Chair

04 Finding Strength in the Celebration of Life

MJ Garcia-Brake ’25 celebrates life with the LEAD community.

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS

08 Life After LEAD

Puja Bhardwaj ’16 shares her LEAD journey as a member of the first graduating class.

Judy Casperson Treasurer Karishma Pinto ’17, ’18 Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tokunbo Akinbajo Tricia Brunton Caryn Christensen

Kelly Daly ’14

Moraima Gutierrez Debbie Javit A’83 (HCW)

Barry Lastra Karen Gibbs Orefice A’65 (HCW)

Dr. Katharine A. Owens Debra Palmer ’82 Molly O’Shea Polk Sabrina Streeter ’18 Bill Webster

02 HCW FEATURE 08 LEAD ALUMNA PROFILE 10 DONOR PROFILE 12 DONOR REPORT 14 IMPACT 15 ANNUAL REWIND 16 HCW ALUMNA PROFILE

FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR Lucille M. Nickerson

DEAR ALUMNAE, PARENTS, FRIENDS, AND STUDENTS, It is time to celebrate. We celebrate our legacy and achievements of the past, while appreciating the present and empowering our future.

The past few years were full of uncertainty. While daily news stories, health crises, social injustices, and unsettling court rulings stifled women’s rights and made us feel defeated and disheartened, we learned to be grateful for small victories, embrace traditions, and celebrate milestones. The hope and joy we can collectively experience comes from the sense of belonging and community.

We celebrate Hartford College for Women and all its traditions that laid the foundation for The Women’s Advancement Initiative and inspired the launch of the LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program.

This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of LEAD. The LEAD program provides students with leadership and life skills training, resilience, opportunity, and wellness coaching, community engagement activities, and a network of mentors. It is so much more than a program in the academic sense—it is a supportive community.

Along their college journey, LEAD students have taught me how much a supportive environment can help anyone thrive. I have watched them walk across the bridge on campus, signifying the beginning of an amazing opportunity to discover themselves and evolve with confidence. I have witnessed them find the resources they need to complete college, pivot as needed, and develop personally and professionally.

Every time I meet with students, they share how much they appreciate mentorship and the opportunity to see themselves as leaders. They comment how fortunate they are because LEAD has had a positive impact on their lives. The truth is, the LEAD students have made a significant impact on my life. They remind me to say “yes” to opportunities. They demonstrate the beauty of giving yourself grace. They display potential and strength even on the toughest of days.

After their undergraduate journey ends, I watch them show off their LEAD graduation cords feeling a sense of accomplishment and excitement. Then, I read updates from alumnae who are now doctors, community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, lawyers, counselors, artists, engineers, business professionals, and partners, in addition to being mothers and homeowners.

We celebrate you—our students, alumnae, staff, donors, and friends. Thank you, LEAD, for continuing to empower women in the Hartford College for Women tradition!

With appreciation, PEARL DOUGLAS, Chair, The Women’s Advancement Initiative Board of Directors

University of Hartford Archives and Special Collections

A COMMUNITY OF

Hartford College for Women was a special place that many called home.

Hartford College for Women began as Mount Holyoke in Hartford, a “noble experiment” in 1933. The strength and potential for the college to grow was rooted in the belief that women’s education and an empowering community were the perfect foundation for success. Over the next nine decades, the college grew to be so much more. It became a place that many called home, steeped in traditions and celebrations that are not forgotten.

The nooks and crannies of Butterworth Hall, with its oak paneling, grandfather clock, Oriental carpets, sunroom, and second floor windowed alcove, offered the perfect setting for informal discussions in the coffee room, bridge games, knitting sessions, and gatherings in the upstairs living room to listen to the record player. In the beautiful gardens and amongst the tall oak trees, students could be heard singing folk songs while gently strumming their guitars.

In Cheney Hall, there was a science lab in the basement. There were also the traditional lecture-style classrooms upstairs that transformed into an open space for Truda Kaschmann to teach dance.

In the early days on campus, there was no internet, no cell phones, papers were crafted on typewriters, and real books were found by looking in a card catalog.

Many alumnae remember serving tea and cookies in Laura Johnson’s office.

The afternoon tea service was presented with detailed specifications and often included an invitation for the student to join the conversation Laura Johnson was having with community professionals.

Hartford College for Women was known for encouraging students to find their voice and impact change. On October 15, 1969, Moratorium Day, students linked arms with professors and marched in solidarity to protest the war in Vietnam.

Alumnae remember…MotherDaughter Teas, Father-Daughter Dinners, Candlelight Ball, weekends at Isola Bella, tennis matches at Elizabeth Park, Mountain Day at Simsbury State Park, Commencement Ball at Stanley, Miss Community Chest, Halloween parties, handmade Valentine’s cards, St. Patty’s Day, jazz at the Simsbury House, Medieval Banquet, Oktoberfest,

TRADITION

sporting events, Thanksgiving Teas, the Christmas Formals, and Shakespeare’s Birthday dinners. What do you remember?

Spring and Winter Weekends were always a cause for celebration and unique party favors. Mixers at Trinity, Wesleyan, and Yale gave students a chance to dance and socialize.

As the years went by, fashion changed with the times as the dress code requiring skirts was abolished. Students wore jeans, tie-dye shirts, peasant blouses, Fair Isle sweaters, kilts, knee socks, and Liberty of London scarves. There were beanies, Villager skirts, bell bottomed pants, oversized sweatshirts, and slip dresses with chunky boots.

It wasn’t unusual for students to be invited to their professors’ homes for informal group discussions on English

literature, life, and career aspirations. The teaching techniques were focused on critical thinking and a global perspective to learning. During her 30-year tenure, President Laura Johnson established Hartford College for Women as a place for women who wanted to learn and teachers who loved to teach.

Although each decade was shaped by world events and had its own unique fashions, one thing always remained the same—Hartford College for Women was a supportive, empowering community that many called home. The traditions live on in the stories shared at 50th reunions, with today’s students in the LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program, in the pages of Highlander yearbooks, and in alumnae’s memories. The design of the LEAD program was inspired by the way

Top

students at Hartford College for Women were challenged and supported. The Hartford College for Women legacy is proudly continued and celebrated by today’s students.

Excerpts from this story were taken from alumnae reflections previously shared in Hartford College for Women publications.

Top left: Laura Johnson, third dean and first president at Hartford College for Women at dinner with students.

Middle: 1997 Freshwomen Colloquium. Top Right: 1981 St. Patty’s Day.

Group photo featured in the 1970 Highlander yearbook.

Finding Strength in the Celebration of Life

MJ Garcia-Brake ’25 (they/them/theirs) celebrates life with the LEAD* community.

Mary “MJ” Garcia-Brake survived childhood cancer and a leg amputation, yet like most people, public speaking made MJ anxious. During MJ’s first year at the University of Hartford, after realizing the communications class they were enrolled in was really a public speaking class, MJ was grateful to learn the LEAD program offered anxiety-busting public speaking tips. LEAD provides leadership development, resilience coaching, and career readiness training to undergraduate students.

While attending a new-student information session, MJ’s mother suggested the Georgia native apply to LEAD partly as a way to make friends with students who shared their values, but being part of LEAD has provided more than just a core group of friends, MJ says. It has taught skills and provided guidance “that we take out into the world and practice,” the sophomore says.

MJ’s involvement in LEAD has shown them they’re more skilled than they realized. “Every time I leave a LEAD session, I say, ‘Wow. I can do this.’ The emotional high goes on. It gives you so much power, and it’s great being with people who are so supportive,” MJ says. “I’ve learned what I can and can’t do. I’ve learned that I can be president of the Boxing Club. I’m capable of handling this role, which I didn’t think I could do before.”

At age 11, in the fall of sixth grade, MJ, a dancer, gymnast, runner, swimmer, and soccer player, was diagnosed with a type of bone cancer called osteosarcoma, which started in the femur and spread to the knee. Chemotherapy, hair loss, crippling fatigue, and nausea were followed by a leg amputation called “rotationplasty.” A surgeon removed the knee and parts of the leg a few inches above and below the knee. Clinicians rotated the area below MJ’s knee 180 degrees and connected it to the remaining femur; they attached the foot where the knee had been, so the foot could act as a knee, with prostheses to replace the removed parts. Removing the foot, MJ says, “was the last thing I wanted, but the doctor said, ‘It’s your best option for being able to return to what you want to do.’”

MJ didn’t know it then, but that experience would inspire their career choice. Later, after watching a documentary about animals with prostheses, MJ considered a career as an animal prosthetist, but then thought, “I’ll do what my prosthetist does and work with children.” MJ came to the University of Hartford because it offered a combined five-year undergraduate and graduate school program in prosthetics and orthotics, which allows students to begin graduate school after completing three years of undergraduate courses.

MJ found some canine comfort while in the hospital for treatment.

While undergoing cancer treatment, MJ and their younger brother benefited from an Atlanta-area foundation named after Amanda Riley, a student athlete who died of cancer at age 17. Foundation volunteers planted flowers in front of the family’s home when MJ was sick and gave their brother gift cards to Game Stop, since cancer affects siblings too. That experience drove MJ to help others after recovery.

After being cleared to exercise, MJ tried gymnastics for two months until learning about equine therapy. After participating in equine therapy for three years, MJ began volunteering for the program. They joined their high school swim team, enduring two years of bullying and taunting at swim meets until it became too much, MJ

says. As a high school student, at a point in life where most teens want to fit in, standing out and all that it involved became exhausting.

MJ received inspiration from the artist Frida Kahlo, who said, “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” Like MJ, the painter is Mexican, became an amputee later in life, and identified as queer. MJ appreciates attending a university that welcomes diversity in all its forms.

MJ felt ambivalence about the prosthetic leg. Living most of their life with two legs and adjusting to their new normal has been challenging. “Sometimes I’m still not okay with it. It’s still just really hard to see it,” MJ says. “Most of my life, I had a leg. This is my seventh year of not

having a leg. I’m more accepting of it than I was at first. Therapy helped with that. Getting involved with camps and adaptive sports helped.” At the camps, “I’m not the cancer kid. I’m just a kid. I got to go paddle boarding and horseback riding. At amputee camp, I’m not a sore thumb,” they say. “I was starting to understand that there are more people going through this.” MJ also played adaptive sports for five years in Atlanta, including football. “I was so happy to be able to say I play football.”

Once at the University, MJ joined the co-ed Boxing Club and soon stepped up to serve as president. MJ’s mother is a school social worker in suburban Atlanta, and their father, a Mexican immigrant, works 12-hour days at the Mexican restaurant he owns. Service to others is a family trait. Since first grade, when MJ donated tooth fairy money to the American Heart Association, they have been following their mother’s advice to give back to the community. MJ visited children with cancer while going in for post-treatment checkups and volunteered at the camp for amputees that they attended as a kid.

Having faced both taunting from others and the loss of friends, MJ was

surprised at how quickly and easy it was to trust the other women in the LEAD program and form close bonds. “I’m very careful about who I let in and who I approach. After treatment and facing death, it’s very hard to trust people,” they say. During the LEAD orientation retreat, “it was eye-opening that you could trust people,” MJ says. “We lifted a girl six feet in the air. She didn’t know us. She trusted us.”

When MJ told the other women in their group that they don’t run because they fall and would hold the team back, MJ says, “They said if you don’t want to, you don’t have to.” MJ appreciated their acceptance. The confidence grew into being able to open up with LEAD peers and discuss growing up as a mixed-race girl in a school where the majority of students were Latinx, where classmates would say, “You’re not really Mexican.” Being with the women in the LEAD program felt safe. “There were times when other students would say, ‘You are who you are. You are the only one who can identify yourself.’ It’s great to figure out who I am. I really don’t think I would have done that in Georgia. I appreciate that every day of life is to be celebrated.”

Sponsor a LEAD Student Program

Gifts to the LEAD program provide unique educational opportunities for young women to experience a life-changing professional development and personal enrichment program. Gifts of all sizes are welcomed and appreciated.

For a gift of $2,000, you can sponsor a student’s participation in this transformative program for a year. Your LEAD student sponsorship:

• Provides 13 annual interactive leadership training and practical life-skills workshops.

• Connects your student(s) to a network of peers and mentors who inspire them to pursue opportunities and persevere through challenges.

• Creates an opportunity for your student(s) to attend a leadership retreat and professional conferences.

• Helps your student(s) secure transportation to internships and interviews, and participate in community service trips.

You can impact a young woman’s life in a meaningful and powerful way. If you are interested in sponsoring a LEAD student, please contact Amy Jaffe Barzach at 860.983.5040 or barzach@hartford.edu.

Left: MJ (bottom row, far right) with their LEAD Class of 2025 cohort. Right: MJ was a member of the cheer team.

MJ’s participation in LEAD is sponsored by Karen Gibbs Orefice ’65 (HCW) and her husband, Jerry Orefice.

LIFE AFTER LEAD

Puja Bhardwaj ’16, DO Doctor. LEADHer. Friend.

Navigating My First Year of College

I would describe myself as a friendly person once I get to know you. During my first year of college, I was so quiet, shy, reserved, and sheltered. It was hard to adjust.

Starting the LEAD Program

The 2012–13 academic year was certainly a year of firsts—my first year as a college student and the first year of the LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program. I was anxious. However, during my first LEAD session, I could see that I was surrounded by a community of friendly people. The staff was engaging and I immediately felt welcomed.

An Unforgettable LEAD Experience

The beauty of the LEAD program is that I was encouraged to get out of my comfort zone. I still remember our trip to

an adventure park to go zip lining. I was terrified and didn’t want to do it, but I turned around and heard my LEAD cohort members cheering me on. It seems so insignificant when I think about it now, but in that moment, I thought to myself, “Maybe I could do things I thought I couldn’t do.” I stepped up, leaned off the platform, and had a great time zip lining with my LEAD cohort. I often reflect on that small moment that greatly impacted the rest of my college experience.

Invaluable LEAD Sessions

At the start of the program, I did not realize how informative leadership sessions, practical life-skills workshops, and mentorship from others would truly impact my life. My favorite LEAD session was on salary negotiation. I still remember those tips and techniques and use them today as I search for my first job

as a doctor. I was only 19 years old when I had that LEAD lesson. That invaluable information is never outdated and I never received it anywhere else.

My Lifelong LEAD Friendships

I was once asked, “What does LEAD mean to you?” Without hesitation, I said it means empowerment, friendship, and support. The staff became my friends and I never felt like there was a generation gap. Through collaboration and community, my classmates helped me see different ways to view life. I met some of my very best friends through LEAD—Theresa DeFreitas ’18, Anna George, and Cassie Pastier ’16. We always keep in touch and have been there to support each other through the challenges and celebrations of life. In

Her story, like that of many LEAD students, is one of firsts. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the LEAD program, we hope to share more stories of LEAD alumnae who are making a positive impact in their communities.

In 2014, Puja received her professional headshot at a LEAD mock job interview session.

fact, when I got married in August, they were in my wedding party. They are my LEAD friends that became family.

Overcoming the Challenges of Life Family and friends got me through the most difficult days. During the pandemic, I had just started my intern year of residency at Mather Hospital in New York City. I was in a class that was forced to graduate from medical school early because the world needed us to work at hospitals that were filled to capacity with patients but lacking the staff to support the demand. I remember one nurse saying to me, “Make sure you take care of yourself first.” I went from an early medical school graduation into the chaos of the pandemic and uncertainty of the future. She was right. I worked long shifts. I learned to take care of myself so I didn’t burn out. I was a new resident and literally “learning as I went.” I saw people’s lives change for the worse in one day. At times, I felt alone and isolated since I lived away from my family. My colleagues and I were in a high-risk group so we could not socialize with each other outside of work. During that time, it was important to stay virtually connected to family and friends. They never made it seem like I couldn’t talk about what I was feeling. Instead, they showed me unconditional love.

Looking Back

College was a time of discovery. I discovered LEAD. I discovered new friends. I discovered what it means to get outside my comfort zone. My advice to first-year students starting the LEAD program is to do something every day to better yourself. College is one of the unique times in life where you really can embrace opportunities and build lifelong friendships. Go out there and enjoy the experience.

Moving Forward

Completing my college journey was exciting and scary. However, LEAD equipped me with what I needed to be successful and make a positive impact in this world. I encourage seniors and those

entering the professional world to stay true to yourself while saying “yes” to opportunities.

Life After LEAD

I’m currently in the third year of my internal medicine residency. I hope to complete an internship in sleep medicine and eventually become a hospitalist in acute care while working in the sleep laboratory part-time. Taking the lessons I learned in LEAD, I also want to become an academic hospitalist and teacher. Each step on my journey has been unique. I thank LEAD for providing an empowering community where I could lean forward and thrive while constantly hearing my support squad cheering me on.

TO DREAM

The Path to LEAD

The Women’s Education and Leadership Fund (now known as The Women’s Advancement Initiative) was established in 2006 to advance the potential of women in the Hartford College for Women (HCW) tradition.

After the success of its Dorothy Goodwin Scholars and Laura Johnson Leaders programs, and a thoughtful strategic planning process facilitated by then-Chair Lucille Nickerson, the Board of Directors decided to increase its focus on students. The result was the development of LEAD (Leadership Education and Development), an innovative program for students. The design of LEAD was inspired by the way students at HCW were supported and challenged. Alison Gallagher Coolbrith Lastra ’65 (HCW) and Barry Lastra became the inaugural investors of LEAD, and their generous challenge inspired donations from dozens of other people.

LEAD responds to the unique challenges and opportunities undergraduate women experience at each stage of their college journey and beyond. Twenty-five students started the program in 2012 and became the first LEAD graduating class in 2016. These humble beginnings have grown into a sisterhood across time with 180 LEAD alumnae joining the 3,570 HCW alumnae in being successful in their lives and communities.

Today, the LEAD program serves more than 100 women students each year with 50 bi-weekly leadership and development sessions, events to encourage bonding, and a supportive empowering community.

LEAD students are proud to continue and celebrate the legacy of Hartford College for Women.

The LEAD Endowed Fund

To sustain LEAD, Lucille Nickerson and her husband, professor emeritus Ralph Zegarelli, launched the LEAD Endowed Fund. Additional gifts are welcomed and appreciated. Please see page 11 for ways to give.

DARE

Top: Getting out of her comfort zone and zip lining at an adventure park. Bottom: Puja (seated) with her LEAD bridal party (left to right) Cassie Pastier ’16, Anna George, and Theresa DeFreitas ’18.

GIVING BACK BARRY LASTRA

BETTER TOGETHER: Empowering Women to Succeed

With a welcoming smile, tip of his hat, and giving spirit, Barry Lastra is the epitome of service above self. He has dedicated his life to hard work, a “never give up” attitude, and supporting people in his communities—especially women.

Barry, a native Californian, was born in 1938. His family always lived near the ocean but could never afford an oceanfront view. To help support his family and save money, he worked from a very young age.

During high school, he worked at a cafeteria in Santa Barbara, starting as a busboy and working himself up to assistant manager. At 18, he was pumping gas at Chevron. By 21, he was married and had three children, David, Dian, and Dennis. Chevron was the company he called home for the next 36 years.

“I always took advantage of opportunities for advancement,” Barry shares. “While at Chevron, the company moved me and my family every year until 1970. There was always something different

to do. I had the mindset that I did not know what I could or couldn’t do until I tried it.” At 32, he earned his associate’s degree from a community college.

After a number of years and promotions at Chevron, Barry was working for the vice chair of Chevron’s board to build consistency in global operations for marketing. The vice chair asked him to develop a pathway to provide more opportunities for women. They started by hiring six women with MBAs. Barry immediately made it his priority to ensure they had proper orientation and equal treatment.

“When presented with this opportunity, these bright young women, not surprisingly, did as well as the men,” he comments. “In fact, two of the women eventually became presidents of Chevron subsidiaries.”

In 1982, Barry met Alison Gallagher Coolbrith, who would become his wife of 33 years, at a conference. At that time, Alison led Aetna’s corporate foundation

while Barry was the manager of corporate contributions for Chevron.

Alison was a 1965 graduate of Hartford College for Women (HCW). She often shared stories with Barry about how HCW changed her life. After completing her associate’s degree, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. She started her career at Aetna. Over 30 years, she advanced to various executive leadership roles at the company. She also served as chair of the HCW Board of Trustees. She viewed HCW faculty, staff, and trustees like Laura Johnson, Louise Loomis, and Dorothy Goodwin as role models.

By the early 1990s, more women elected to enroll in co-educational institutions. As a result, women’s colleges experienced decreased enrollment. In 1991, Hartford College for Women affiliated with the University of Hartford. In 2003, the last class from HCW graduated.

Left: (from left to right): Barry with some of his sponsored students: Shannon Hammer ’22, Ryleigh Johns ’20, and Genesis Guzman ’19. Middle: Cynthia Gottlieb with LEAD alumna Khalia Whyte ’22 and Clarice Jayawickrema ’24 at the “Be Open” chairs dedication ceremony in honor of Alison Gallagher Coolbrith Lastra ’65 (HCW).

Right: Alison Gallagher Coolbrith Lastra ’65 (HCW) and Barry Lastra (center) with the LEAD Class of 2018.

In 2005, a task force of HCW trustees and University of Hartford regents came together to establish a new opportunity in women’s education. In 2006, The Women’s Education and Leadership Fund (WELFund) was established, now known as The Women’s Advancement Initiative.

In 2011, its board of directors strategically decided to increase the focus on students. Barry remembers a conversation they had with Lucille Nickerson, its founding board chair, about a new program for women students that would be inspired by the way students at HCW were supported and challenged. Alison and Barry responded by making a generous challenge grant that inspired more than 100 other people to contribute. Today, this program is known as LEAD (Leadership Education and Development). It serves more than 100 women students in all four class years with leadership and professional development training, resilience and opportunity coaching, and a supportive, empowering community.

Alison was dedicated to women’s leadership and community engagement, and Barry was part of that journey every step of the way. The Women’s Advancement Initiative and its LEAD program are more than a cause to him; they are a significant part of his life.

Ways to Give

GIVE ONLINE

Scan the QR code at bottom right or “Make a Gift” at hartford.edu/ womensadvancement.

MAIL A GIFT

Send a check in the enclosed envelope.

SUPPORT THE ANNUAL FUND

Unrestricted annual gifts provide essential support for daily operations of The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s programs, including LEAD, Dorothy Goodwin Scholars, and Laura Johnson Leaders.

DONATE TO THE LEAD PROGRAM

The LEAD program was launched in 2012 to provide young women with unique educational opportunities through a life-changing professional and personal enrichment program. The program serves 100+ students annually. See page 7 for information on how your gift directly impacts today’s students.

CONSIDER A MAJOR GIFT

To discuss major gifts or alternative options—including directing a gift from a donor-advised fund, retirement assets, or real estate—please contact Samantha Goemans at 860.768.2448 or sgoemans@hartford.edu.

GIVE TO THE HCW LEGACY FUND

Gifts to the Hartford College for Women (HCW) Legacy Fund support The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s programs for today’s women, and HCW reunions and events.

DONATE YOUR TIME: MENTOR A STUDENT

There is nothing more energizing than making a difference in the lives of young women. Share your career and life experiences with students— in person, on the phone, or through a video conference. Enjoy lunch with students. Hire a student as an intern. Or, host a student at your workplace for a few hours or a few days as part of the Express to Success job-shadowing program. To learn more, call 860.768.5961.

“I enjoy interacting with the LEAD students, watching them cross the bridge as they begin college, hearing about their aspirations, and sharing my personal and professional journey,” he comments. “Sadly, Alison passed away at 70 years old. She would be so pleased to see the growth of the program today. The LEAD students remind me of her core characteristics—strength, integrity, and leadership.”

“I continue to support The Women’s Advancement Initiative because I know that at the end of your life you can’t take money with you,” he adds. “I want to support others now, in this moment. It is amazing what a little support can do to change students’ lives.”

Today, Barry and his partner, Cynthia Gottlieb, continue to sponsor students in the LEAD program, joining them for leadership sessions, providing mentorship, and hosting dinners. Over the past five years, they have sponsored 14 LEAD students and supported many more by underwriting scholarships and awards in Alison’s honor. Barry also pledged a generous planned gift.

In addition to serving on The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s board of directors for more than five years, he has served on the boards of United Way of San Francisco, Riverfront Recapture, The Village for Children and Families, and Hartford Public Library, and supports the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation.

Aside from serving his community, Barry’s love of travel and curiosity about the world and people have taken him to 130 countries and all seven continents.

Every day, Barry lives by these words of advice: “Be curious. Find a support system that sustains you. And always be willing to support others.”

THE WOMEN’S

ADVANCEMENT INITIATIVE

Donor Report

Thanks to the support of donors like you, The Women’s Advancement Initiative is able to make a significant difference in the lives of today’s women. We honor and thank you for helping us advance women’s potential in the Hartford College for Women tradition.

$2,500+

American Endowment Foundation

Aurora Women and Girls Foundation

Miriam and Oliver Butterworth

& Family LEAD Program

Endowed Fund

Marcy Keenan Campbell, A&S

Communication ’82, A&S History ’82

Jean R. Conrad

Margaret Pearl Douglas and Dr. Montgomery B. Douglas ’83

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Hinda N. Fisher Irrevocable Trust

Lois Fisher-Dietzel

Ellen Jeanne Goldfarb Memorial Charitable Trust

Francine L. and Robert B. Goldfarb

Barry N. Lastra

Leadership Education and Development Endowed Fund

Dr. Daniel Marshall Richard Marshall

Patricia A. McKinley A’72 (HCW)

Lucille M. Nickerson Hon. ’22 and Ralph Zegarelli

Debra A. Palmer M’82

Sandra E. Peterson

Dorothy Mylchreest Redmond

Endowed Fund

Jan Cassells Sweet A’65 (HCW) and Joan Cassells Morgan A’53 (HCW)

$1,000–$2,499

Deanna and Tokunbo Akinbajo

Amy E. Jaffe Barzach P’21 and Peter Barzach P’21

Harold C. Buckingham Jr.* Judy Casperson

Debra Cerwinski ’85 and Michael Block

Penny L. Coppen M’97

Kelly J. Daly ’14 and Kevin R. Daly M’89

Susan Ellovich Guralnik A’60

Perry Daniels Huntington A’71 (HCW), ’73, and Gregory Huntington

Debra M. Javit A’83 (HCW)

Isabelle Jayawickrema P’16, ’19, and Arosha Jayawickrema M’91, P’16, ’19

Janice Zaleski Klein A’70 (HCW) and David M. Klein

Annamarie Lavieri A’65 (HCW) and Albert C. Gunther

Bobbi McNeil ’94

Maria T. Orefice ’72 and David Lundberg

Molly O. and Ryan F. Polk Karen and Marc A. Reich

Schwab Charitable Fund

Ina L. Selden A’64 (HCW)

Sofia Sequenzia A’69 (HCW) and John Shostrom

Karin A. Stahl M’73 and William K. Stahl

Kate Farrow Stoddard A’72 (HCW)

Susan Rafferty Williams M’78 and Eliot P. Williams* Dr. Gregory S. Woodward

$500–$999

Tricia Brunton

Kate and Justin Dion Marjorie and David Estridge

Karen Berner Flowers A’68 (HCW) and John H. Flowers

Arnold C. Greenberg Hon. ’89 Nancy Greenwald Marcia L. Hincks Dr. Elizabeth S. Ivey and Robert L. Klein

Kay Kloppenburg and Timothy Butterworth

Paul J. Krause ’13

Karen Gibbs Orefice A’65 (HCW) and Jerry A. Orefice ’66

$250–$499

Rev. Beryl Gigle Capewell A’49 (HCW) and Marvin G. Capewell A’50

Carol A. Coppa ’81, P’16, ’17 Christine Phillips Fraser A’68 (HCW)

Mary Ann Godbout M’85 and Dr. Louis F. Godbout Jr. Danuta Syp Gordon ’15 and David A. Gordon ’75

Joyce Ramos Lemega A’65 (HCW) and John W. Lemega Glandina Morris Lyga ’04 and Matthew Lyga

Christine Millington

Gail Sparrell Pease A’65 (HCW) and Thomas E. Pease

Joan M. Pritchard A’74 (HCW) and Edward E. Clark Esther Scheinblum Yeck A’70 (HCW)

$100–$249

Noreen A. and Keith I. Allsop P’22 Christine A. Aronson A’70 (HCW) and David W. Aronson

Pamela K. and Thomas R. Atwood ’00

Kim Y. Barberi A’99 (HCW), ’02 (HCW) and Charles F. Barberi Barrett Family Foundation

Nancy Kinsley Barrett A’57 (HCW) and Thomas R. Barrett

Joanne E. Beers A’72 (HCW) and Earl C. Cree II

Martha Bertrand

Michelle Weinstein Boxer ’82 and Dr. Mark L. Boxer, CETA Engineering ’83, A&S Physics ’83

Cherie E. Caluda

Elaine Nowicki Camposeo A’69 (HCW)

Heather J. Corbett and Todd Bamford

Margaret Curtis Cornely A’72 (HCW) and Capt. Edward Cornely (Ret)

Rebecca Friedman Danchak A’70

(HCW) and Dr. Michael M. Danchak

Janet and Patrick Downey P’22

Kimberly Muller Farrington A’81 (HCW) and David L. Farrington

Carol Stern Gendel A’67 (HCW)

Samantha S. and Michael T. Goemans ’11, M’13

Lisa and Judson Hamlin

Christine M. and Daniel E. Hynes ’96, P’21

Stephanie S. Kallicharan A’19, ’21 (LEAD)

Karen H. Kellerman and Peter Arakas Brian and Brenda Kruse

Barbara Cook Langner A’72 (HCW)

Shirley Leong M’03

Henry Link

Marie Alberici Marks A’66 (HCW)

Mary McQuillen

Susan L. and Robert M. Miller ’72, M’79

Jeanne Marie and Jeffrey M. Novak P’16, ’16

Lisa Christensen Petersen A’76 (HCW)

Karishma Pinto ’17, M’18 (LEAD)

Teesha and Anthony Richardson

Sandra L. Saavedra

Jennifer L. Sanborn and Matthew P. Burch

Nancy Simonds

Sabrina R. Streeter ’18 (LEAD)

Cathleen Casey Suglia A’74 (HCW) and Louis M. Suglia

Marcy Bufithis Webster ’02 and William A. Webster II

Nancy A. and Bruce E. Zepke A’69, ’79

THANK YOU

Up to $99

Rachel M. Allsop ’22 (LEAD)

Aika Aluc ’16 (LEAD)

Melanie Bazer A’89 (HCW)

Meghan D. Becerril ’20 (LEAD)

Claire L. Bergin C’03 (HCW)

Susan Levin Bergman C’90 (HCW) and Bruce E. Bergman ’66

Tina J. and Christopher K. Berrien P’22

Madeline Blinderman A’20, ’22 (LEAD)

Frances Finesilver Blumenthal C’60 (HCW), ’62

Kaitlin R. Bosetti ’17, M’19 (LEAD)

Dr. Dianne M. and John R. Bridgeman P’21

Emma Brown ’21 (LEAD)

Alice and Brian Browne

Heather M. Burgess

Nadine Cedro Sara Cerruto M’18

Gail C. Champlin ’66

Dr. Caryn Christensen

Madison Cocchi ’22 (LEAD)

Autumn A. Collins (LEAD)

Sean J. Cooney ’22

Alexandra Morley Coury ’08, M’10 and John D. Coury ’08

Kathleen A. Czarnota C’99 (HCW)

Sawyer C. D’Amato ’21 (LEAD)

Anna E. Edington ’10

Alicia Farrell Favata ’09 and Sam P. Favata ’08

Ashley Haller Fedigan ’06, M’08

Juliana R. Fernandez

Susan M. Filupeit A’67 (HCW)

Miriam Katten Fleishman A’53 (HCW) and Norman Fleishman

Jennifer B. Fox A’70 (HCW) and Raymond O. George

Hannah L. Francis ’20 (LEAD)

Christine V. Gallares ’22 (LEAD)

Jill B. and William H. Garrity P’16

Helen Daley Giunta A’76 (HCW), ’79 and Joseph A. Giunta

Lanie and Joel Goldberg

Patricia Katz Goldstein A’59 (HCW) and Arnold Goldstein

Taylor H. Grossman A’20, ’22

Helandra Hall ’16

Lynn M. and James T. Hammer P’19

Shannon L. Hammer A’19, ’22 (LEAD)

Ruth E. Harlow A’67 (HCW)

Michelle Guillet Helmin ’85, M’94 and David A. Helmin ’84

Rhea P. Higgins

Alissa I. Y. Hoffman (LEAD)

Dr. Kate D. Hohenthal M’94, D’10 and Carl A. Hohenthal P’22

Sara A. Hohenthal A’19, ’22 (LEAD)

Catharine Durdan Howell A’65 (HCW), ’74

Jevidi Hutton

Dr. Jane Anderson Innerd A’62

Rebecca Jackson A’80 (HCW), C’80

Grace A. Jano A’21, C’21, ’22, C’22

Astrid E. Jarvis ’86

Judith Hall Kane A’64 (HCW)

Dr. Alexandra Wojcechowsky Karriker A’63 (HCW) and Robert J. Karriker

Kerren Katembo A’20, ’22 (LEAD)

Julianna V. Kocenski ’22 (LEAD)

Kathleen M. Lapan A’76 (HCW)

Cynthia J. Lau ’16 (LEAD)

Law Offices of Bruce E. Bergman

Sydney K. Lewis ’22 (LEAD)

Amy J. and Michael D. Lewis P’22

Kim T. Ly ’22 (LEAD)

Karen Lyga

Karen Rinaldo Mallin ’94 (HCW) and Richard R. Mallin

Denise L. Marchese M’20

April McBroom (LEAD)

Jen and Robert J. McCarry Jr. ’98

Kathryn G. McLean ’22 (LEAD)

Dania Melendez ’17

Married H. Mesilien (LEAD)

Patricia A. Moran M’83, M’87 Dr. Sandra W. Morgan Shannon M. Mumley M’17

Kochava Krieger Munro ’17 (LEAD) and Jacob D. A. Munro ’17

Phillippa N. R. Mupfumira (LEAD)

Meaghan Murphy-Rennie M’19, M’22 and Jacob Rennie Robin Myers P’20

Dr. Marina Nelen and Oleg Bogachev Netanya N. Nhatavong ’20 (LEAD)

Karen Van Heusen Norton A’66 (HCW)

Angie L. Perez ’22 (LEAD)

Noelia M. Powell A’20, ’22 (LEAD)

Dr. Maria J. Qadri ’09 and Thomas G. Barker ’08

Janice I. and David S. Rosenfeld P’22

Sarah M. Rosenfeld ’22 (LEAD)

Dalia G. Rotman ’22 (LEAD)

Arleta and Andreas Sadil

Monica Sadil ’22, M’22 (LEAD)

Amanda Sawyer

Melissa Schupp ’22

Devorah A. Silverman and Reuben D. Rotman P’22

Diane M. P. and Samuel N. Skinner M’85

Sharon W. and Robert H. Smith Jr.

Maria D. Sokoloski

Patricia Sokoloski

Katherine E. Spriegel ’19, M’22

Paul Stigliano

Nancy Powers Tanner A’66 (HCW) ’68 and Craig Tanner

Maria A. Vazquez ’97

Brianna X. Warren ’22 (LEAD)

Aliki N. Watson

Alan M. Weinstein M’91 Stacie A. Wentz

Mary Birtles White A’64 (HCW) and William R. White

Alexa A. Wilson ’22 (LEAD)

Yesenia V. Pogyo Xelo ’22

Every attempt has been made to record and honor gifts from our donors accurately. If you note any errors, please accept our most sincere apology and contact us at womenadv@hartford.edu or call 860.768.5961 so that we can correct our records.

Donations can be directed to the Hartford College for Women Legacy Fund, which supports The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s programs for today’s women; the Annual Fund; the LEAD program; the Miriam and Oliver Butterworth & Family LEAD Program Endowed Fund; or the new LEAD Endowed Fund.

The Women’s Advancement Initiative empowers women to thrive in the Hartford College for Women tradition. For ten years, we have helped women navigate their college journeys, embrace opportunities, and advance their personal and professional development through the LEAD program.

Dorothy Goodwin Scholars

In 2022, we hosted our annual symposium to celebrate the innovative research and creative projects of Dorothy Goodwin Scholars. Together, the 12 scholars and their faculty mentors shared engaging presentations on a variety of topics, including: a gene editing platform that models rare diseases; wastewater treatment programs; a digital stethoscope and portable chest-cavity sound trainer; workshops with high school students about international relations and their global impact; a comparison study on segmentally adjustable vs. conventional thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis (TLSO) for individuals with motor disabilities; investigating Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors for aircraft video tracking; graphic design for workbooks; oral histories documenting medicine in America; and much more. Since 2010, the Dorothy Goodwin Scholars Endowed Fund has provided more than $215,000 for this groundbreaking program. We celebrate and honor the legacy of Dorothy Goodwin, who provided this generous bequest.

Inaugural Scholarships and Grant Support

We are thankful for the individuals and foundations that are committed to helping women be impactful in their lives and communities. This past academic year, our organization awarded the first-ever Debbie Javit “Javy” Resiliency Award to Tyanna Stewart ’24 and Amelia Hamlin ’25. The $1,000 scholarships were presented by Women’s Advancement board member Debbie Javit ’83 (HCW) and will be given annually to LEAD students. Thanks to the generosity of Dr. Dan Marshall, the Irene Robinson Marshall Scholarship was awarded to Katrina Jakab ’24. Dr. Dan, a 99-yearold doctor who retired as the oldest practicing physician in America, established this endowed scholarship in memory of his wife. In addition, since 2009, Peggy Donovan has provided more than $120,000 to women engineering students through the Robert E. Donovan Endowed Scholarship Fund. For several years, the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation has awarded a college completion grant to support the LEAD program. Members from their board of directors also facilitate LEAD sessions. We appreciate and celebrate the philanthropic spirit of our supporters.

Laura Johnson Leaders

In the fall, we welcomed 18 women faculty and staff to the ninth cohort of the Laura Johnson Leaders program. This two-year leadership and professional development program fosters a sense of community, enhances leadership, and honors the legacy of Laura Johnson, third dean and first president of Hartford College for Women (HCW). Miss Johnson personified leadership and instilled confidence in the many HCW students whose lives she touched. Since 2008, there have been 144 Laura Johnson Leaders and more than 20 percent have gone on to advanced leadership roles. In addition to establishing a new cohort, four program alumnae received the 2022 Laura Johnson Leadership Award for honoring Miss Johnson’s legacy and empowering others. Congratulations to: Meaghan Murphy-Rennie, former assistant director of Education Abroad; T. Stores, associate provost for Faculty Affairs; Margaret Tarampi, assistant professor of psychology; and Stacie Wentz, head cross country and track and field coach.

2022 Events

The LEAD Class of 2022 gathered for one last time to take a group photo at our annual Closing Circle.

Congratulations to our 27 seniors!

We welcomed the LEAD Class of 2025 at a two-day retreat with leadership activities facilitated by Outside Perspectives, Inc., at Butterworth Hall. Students then visited the MLK39 mural in West Hartford, Conn. The mural features Women’s Advancement board member Judy Casperson (pictured on the left of the mural), and women and men of color who advocate for civil rights.

First-year students enjoyed a virtual presentation by Captain Marisa Ragonesi. She is an audiologist and public health officer in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps. The session focused on being your authentic self in leadership.

Hartford College for Women Classes of 1970–72 50th Reunion

Two years ago, the Hartford College for Women (HCW) Class of 1970 had to postpone its 50th reunion due to the pandemic. The reunion planning committee persisted in finding creative ways to stay connected virtually. They hosted cocktail hours, special presentations, and book talks. However, nothing could compare to meeting in person to reminisce and reconnect. On October 15, the HCW Classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 celebrated their 50th reunion, together. More than 30 alumnae and friends from as far away as New Zealand gathered to celebrate what Hartford College for Women stood for—exceptional faculty and staff dedicated to supporting and challenging students, special traditions, lifelong friendships, and a sisterhood across time. The day started with a Then and Now breakfast, where students in the LEAD program greeted alumnae and learned more about their time at HCW. Next, at the luncheon, in-person and virtual attendees heard from Jennifer Fox ’70 (HCW). She served as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years. Her service included time in England, Canada, Germany, and at the Pentagon. Jennifer shared some of her favorite HCW memories, discussed how the College prepared her for life after graduation, and gave some parting advice to LEAD students. Next, attendees enjoyed a dessert reception before getting a sneak peek at the Hartford College for Women Reading Room in Harrison Libraries. The room features the rug, furniture, and artwork from Butterworth Hall. Finally, guests viewed the Hartford College for Women archives and had dinner at Elizabeth Park’s Pond House Café in West Hartford, Conn. A truly remarkable day!

1970, 1971, and 1972 50th Reunion Planning Committee: Jan Zaleski Klein ’70, Irene Oleksiw ’71, Pat McKinley ’72, and Marie Yergeau Groth Lemerise ’72.

Special thanks to the HCW Classes of

Our annual LEAD Community Service Day supported six agencies in Greater Hartford and beyond. More than 70 LEAD students volunteered to assemble feminine hygiene and toiletry bags for local shelters My Sister’s Place and Friendship Center. Other students worked in the food pantry at Chrysalis Center or stuffed book bags for girls in the Horizons program. The day started with women leaders from each organization describing the needs of people in the community and the direct impact of the students’ support.

Diahni Preval ’24 (left) and her LEAD cohort participated in mock job interviews with professionals from a variety of fields, including health care, insurance, law, business, utilities, international relations, and higher education. Each student also received a professional head shot.

The Women’s Advancement Initiative celebrated its 15th anniversary. At the event, Dr. Dan Marshall presented the inaugural Irene Robinson Marshall Scholarship to nursing student Katrina Jakab ’24.

At our annual symposium, Women’s Advancement board member Debbie Javit ’83 (HCW) presented the first-ever “Javy” Resilience Awards to Amelia Hamlin ’25 (left) and Tyanna Stewart ’24 (right). Sydney Coleman ’22 presented her research and documentary on the “Biological Passage of Radicalized Trauma for Generations within the Black Community.”

Lucille Nickerson, pictured with LEAD alumna Michaela Mueller ’20, unveiled a bronze plaque in the Hartford College for Women Legacy Garden. The Dare to Dream, Pilot to Prove plaque and hexagon seating area were dedicated in Lucille’s honor in September. See page 9 to read more about Lucille and her husband Ralph Zegarelli’s support for the LEAD program.

Sydney Lewis ’22 and Kerren Katembo ’22 shared their unique graduation photos. They joined the seventh cohort of LEADHers to complete the program and join the sisterhood across time.

Building Her Confidence to Help Others Thrive

Vibha Jha Buckingham ’81 (HCW) was a straight A student as a child, even after moving, at 12, to New Haven, Connecticut, from India while her father attended Yale Law School. After arriving, she taught herself English watching children’s public television shows and continued to excel in school. But when her parents and siblings moved back to India two years later and left her at a boarding school, the separation anxiety and loneliness caused her grades to plummet.

None of the colleges she applied to accepted her, and she feared returning to India in shame. While attending a college fair, she talked with a representative from Hartford College for Women (HCW), who invited her to apply. “When HCW accepted me, it felt like someone threw me a lifesaver.”

That experience of being given a chance at a time when she felt desperate has stayed with her throughout her career. It inspired her to see potential in people and help them grow in skills and self-confidence. As associate director at the University of Virginia’s (UVA) Facilities Management Custodial Services, she has worked with a local church pastor to hire refugees from African nations and provide the soft skills training they need to advance in their careers.

“I became involved with refugees about nine years ago,” Vibha says, when a pastor approached her, saying, “I heard you help people. Could you please give me a job?” Working with colleagues, she found the Kenyan immigrant an entrylevel trades job.

She coached refugees on education, hygiene, interview skills, and personal finance. Soon after joining UVA in 2011, “she quickly identified staff development as the key to instilling professionalism, respect, diversity, ownership and

engagement in her largely unskilled department,” wrote a colleague in a letter of recommendation for an award. “As one of her first decisions, she hired a seasoned trainer to be part of her team.” Vibha made that choice because she wanted to reach more people than she could help alone, she says. “People who show the potential and interest, we create services for them,” she says. “I give back because so much has been given to me.”

Vibha’s employees credit her with building culturally, socio-economically, and racially diverse teams. Vibha says her Indian heritage has not been much of an issue, but her gender and height— 4 feet, 11 inches—has resulted in discrimination and resistance from some in the male-dominated facilities management field. “I’m not a large physical presence. For some strange reason, people associate your ability with your size,” she says.

Her cultural anthropology degree provided a valuable education to prepare her for her roles leading people, she says. “It’s about understanding how different cultures and subcultures develop and influence behaviors; one must look beyond the surface. When you’re in management, you always have people reporting to you. If you have good critical thinking skills, experience, and intelligence, there’s nothing you can’t do.”

Her work history also includes leadership roles in facilities management at Yale University and for Tunxis Management. And her years of juggling school and restaurant and hotel work built the stamina and tenacity needed for a demanding career.

While attending HCW, she worked in restaurants four nights a week. After her first year at HCW, she spent a gap year in France as an au pair, where she studied and became proficient in French, and

regained lost confidence thanks to the psychoanalyst mother of the family she stayed with. One of the side effects of being separated from family was weight gain and feelings of isolation, she says, and her conversations with the psychoanalyst “helped me go from a caterpillar to a butterfly.” In addition to losing weight, she grew and evolved. “In those days in the culture, mental health, emotional challenges—there was no such thing. I used to feel there were two sides to me, the very confident one and the scared kid. I didn’t want to put that scared kid out in the open to have people think I was weak.”

HCW welcomed her back to complete her degree at a time, the early 80s, when gap years were rare. The College’s “belief in me that I was worthy,” still moves Vibha to tears. “The way they supported me, gave me the opportunity, and accepted me back, is something I will never forget.”

While at HCW, she thoroughly enjoyed her French classes with Madam Grattan. “Her kind and gentle nature made me feel safe. I trusted her and knew that if I got in any academic trouble, she would be there for me,” Vibha says. Today, she is fluent in four languages: Hindi, English, French, and Spanish.

After graduating from HCW with an associate’s degree in liberal arts, she worked full time in hospitality to save for college. She got married, and after her son Colin was born, she talked her way into a bachelor’s degree program for adults at Trinity College. Despite the sleep-deprived schedule, she graduated as a Presidential Scholar in her major.

If she could talk to that younger version of herself, she would advise, “Do not let others define you. Know your value. You are powerful. We all have power; recognize it and use it.”

“Hartford College for Women believed in me and showed me I was worthy. The way they supported me, gave me the opportunity, and accepted me back, is something I will never forget.”

COVER PHOTOS

Nonprofit Org U.S. Postage PAID University of Hartford

Front: MJ Garcia-Brake ’25 photographed by Amy Sommers Photography.

Back: Hartford College for Women group photo from 1973 Highlander yearbook. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS