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.

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.

Sydney Coleman ’22 presented her research and documentary on the “Biological Passage of Radicalized Trauma for Generations within the Black Community.”

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.

Diahni Preval ’24 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.