Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter AKAlades

Executive celebrated for nurturing next generation of leaders

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 18:35:12 GMT

Executive celebrated for nurturing next generation of leaders

Elicia Pegues Spearman has always been up for a challenge — and compelled to help the next person.

Since she was a little girl growing up in Hamden, less than a mile from Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus, she never settled for the status quo. Instead, she always pushed herself to achieve more while holding the door for those who came after her.

But just as she was set to begin her role as vice president of human resources and general counsel at Quinnipiac in April 2020, the global pandemic slammed many doors for people throughout the world.

But Spearman rose to the challenge as she did countless times before by diligently working to ensure the members of the Quinnipiac community felt secure and supported with all the resources they needed.

“Both in law and HR, you are generally reactive, but the best part of my dual role is that I so often get to be proactive,” said Spearman, who was recognized as one of Savoy Magazine’s Most Influential Black Lawyers. “When I see certain problems, I am able to implement policies and procedures to prevent them from coming up again.”

It’s all part of learning to be a better person and creating more opportunities for those around her, she said.

“I believe in being a lifelong learner no matter what position you are in,” she said. “I believe in building partnerships and relationships to help people succeed.”

It’s why she was drawn to working in higher education, with the prospect of mentoring the generations that followed her using the tools and resources needed to succeed, and the knowledge she gained through her hard work and perseverance.

Spearman has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating an environment where employees are excited to see members of the HR and general counsel teams, which is not always the case for her colleagues at other companies and universities.

“I strive to help members of our university community — all faculty, staff and students — to reach the next level,” she said. “Working together creates a better environment for everyone.”

Change is constant, she said — but it’s also something everyone must overcome. She has created a reputation as an agent of positive change and a resource for navigating uncharted waters.

“You have to communicate why — the vision and how you are going to get there,” Spearman said. “You have to be agile to tweak your plan as you need to. You need to have strategic vision, and to shoot for the stars. Who wants to shoot for the trees? Shoot for the stars and have a plan and a process for strategic growth.”

Noting that she started her journey at Quinnipiac from home with her computer mailed to her, she worked with her team to develop innovative techniques to make the university community feel connected and valued despite the physical distance — such as virtual cultural and heritage celebrations, flexible Fridays, and opportunities for members of the university community to get to know each other.

It all went back to her roots. Years earlier, when she was a young girl growing up steps from the university she now helps lead, Spearman was the captain of both her track team and cheerleading squad. There, she laid the groundwork for a commitment to going the distance to support those around her — a reputation she is celebrated for today.

“You have to acknowledge people’s worth, acknowledge people’s fears — while acknowledging your own fears,” she said. “I definitely believe in the old adage that nothing beats a failure but a try. If you don’t try, after all, you will fail.”

For her lifetime of work, she was awarded the prestigious Savoy Magazine’s 2019 Most Influential Women in Corporate America; and this year she is featured in their Law and Social Justice 2022 Edition as one of the Most Influential Black Lawyers.

“I know many of the wonderful people who are being honored,” she said. “To be honored among these incredible men and women is really humbling and a great feeling."

She attributes her success at Quinnipiac to President Judy Olian's unwavering support and desire to hear and understand different perspectives.

“She allowed me to be my true self,” she said. “My diversity of thought and opinion is valued and welcomed. We may not always agree, but she’s always open to hear my perspective."

Spearman continues to nurture and help provide opportunities to young people — both at Quinnipiac as well as through the various community service and church organizations she dedicates her time to supporting.

“I tell them to dream big and not be afraid to reach out and ask someone for help,” Spearman said. “Don’t give up. Have a plan. Work your plan. Most people are willing to help. All you have to do is ask.”

She said helping others often starts with a smile and a warm gesture.

“People often underestimate the power of an encouraging word,” she said. “Someone can have self-doubt, but an encouraging word can really help that person to excel and thrive.”

https://www.qu.edu/eliciaunleashed/

Biden nominates associate state Attorney General Vanessa Avery as Connecticut’s first Black female U.S. attorney

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 18:29:06 GMT

Biden nominates associate state Attorney General Vanessa Avery as Connecticut’s first Black female U.S. attorney

By EDMUND H. MAHONY

HARTFORD COURANT |

JAN 26, 2022 AT 9:10 AM

President Joe Biden has nominated Vanessa Avery of the state attorney general's office to be the next U.S. Attorney for the state of Connecticut. (Mark Mirko/The Hartford Courant)

President Joe Biden has nominated associate state Attorney General Vanessa Avery to be Connecticut’s next U.S. attorney, the state’s top federal law enforcement officer.

If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Avery, an associate state attorney general, will be the first African American woman to serve as U.S. attorney in Connecticut.

Avery would replace former U.S. Attorney John Durham, who left office following Biden’s election, and Leonard Boyle, who has held the office since on an interim basis.

Avery was one of six U.S. attorney nominees announced by the White House early Wednesday.

“These individuals were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials in this field, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice,” the White House said in a statement.

Avery has been chief of the Division of Enforcement and Public Protection at the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office since 2021, and an associate attorney general in that office since 2019.

She was an assistant U.S. attorney in the office’s civil division from 2014 to 2019.

From 2006 to 2014, Avery was a litigation attorney at the Hartford law firm McCarter & English.

She received a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999 and an undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1996.

Avery’s current boss, Attorney General William Tong, praised the nomination

“She is universally respected by every colleague she has worked with and has deep connections across the Connecticut legal community,” Tong said. “In our work together, Vanessa always leads with integrity and a strong commitment to justice, and she insists on accountability and respect for the rule of law.”

“I will miss her leadership and guidance here in the Office of the Attorney General, but am so proud of this achievement and look forward to working closely with her in this new well-deserved role should she be confirmed,” Tong said.

Gov. Ned Lamont joined Tong in applauding Avery’s nomination. “It’s a really good choice — I talked with the senators about it and they’re very enthusiastic,” Lamont said Wednesday morning in New Britain. “I think it’s a good thing for Connecticut.”

Tong said Avery grew up in New Haven and is “a proud graduate of the New Haven Public Schools.”

“Vanessa earned her law degree at the Georgetown University Law Center, after completing her undergraduate studies at Yale University,” he noted.

U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., who also noted Avery’s Connecticut roots, said she “has dedicated her career to advancing fairness and equity in the judicial system.”

“I was proud to recommend her nomination to the Biden administration. Her vast legal experience and deep commitment to justice for all will prepare her well to serve in this new role leading the District of Connecticut as United States Attorney. I look forward to her confirmation in the Senate,” Murphy said in an email.

From 2004 to 2005, Avery served as a trial attorney at the U.S, Department of Justice in the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Civil Division, according to the White House.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, also D-Conn. pointing out that he has “held this job myself,” added, “I’m particularly proud of this nomination.”

“Vanessa Avery is a proven prosecutor – tough and fair – who has deep roots in her community and a lifetime of service. A champion and fighter for Connecticut’s people with broad trial experience and solid, good judgement, she’ll follow the facts and law to deter and punish wrongdoers and fight discrimination,” Blumenthal said. “I’m proud to have recommended her nomination to the White House with Senator Murphy and I look forward to advocating for her confirmation in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where I anticipate strong bipartisan support.”

https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-avery-nominee-connecticut-20220126-emaaknpeyben3hv7ascx7lya6i-story.html

Moy Ogilvie Selected as one of Hartford Business Journal's Power 50 Class of 2021

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:43:14 GMT

Moy Ogilvie is managing partner in the Hartford office of national law firm McCarter & English.

She represents one of the few Black women managing partners in Connecticut and the country and is a leader inside and outside her firm.

Ogilvie was appointed by Gov. Ned Lamont to serve on the Connecticut Criminal Justice Commission and she also sits on the board of directors for the Connecticut Bar Foundation, Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity and Hartford Youth Scholars.

In 2017, Moy was appointed McCarter & English’s Diversity & Inclusion Partner, where she coordinates and implements the firm’s initiatives designed to enhance the recruitment, development, promotion and retention of women and diverse attorneys.

The firm also recently launched its McCarter & English Social Justice Project, which Ogilvie co-chairs. The initiative combines McCarter’s diversity and inclusion and pro bono practice areas to take on cases that combat the impact of racial injustice in local communities.

Moy’s areas of legal practice include product liability, toxic tort and pharmaceutical matters.

https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/2021-power-50-39-moy-ogilvie

Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, Joins ACR Executive Committee as Secretary

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 17:08:44 GMT

Early in her career, Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, assistant professor of clinical medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., planned to go into infectious disease. With the support of a dedicated mentor, she shifted her sights to rheumatology and hasn’t looked back. After serving in several leadership roles in the ACR and other medical organizations throughout her career, she has now joined the ACR’s Executive Committee as its new secretary. Here, Dr. Desir talks about her experiences in both academic medicine and private practice, her goals for the ACR and her passions for rheumatology and advocacy.

The Rheumatologist (TR): What does the ACR secretary do, and why were you interested in the position?

Dr. Desir: I love rheumatology and I am very interested in seeing the specialty thrive. When rheumatology thrives, our patients thrive.

The secretary is an officer of the ACR and the Rheumatology Research Foundation. In my role, I will keep minutes of all meetings of the ACR and Foundation board of directors and executive committees. I’ll also chair the Committee on Corporate Relations.

Joining the Executive Committee is a four-year commitment: the first two years [are spent] as either secretary or treasurer. That’s followed by a year as president-elect and a year as president.

TR: What do you bring to the table?

Dr. Desir: I have been a volunteer with the ACR for more than a decade. I have been on the Board of Directors, Government Affairs Committee, the Committee on Rheumatologic Care and the Finance Committee, and I served as the alternate advisor to the AMA Relative Value Scale Update Committee. I also have experience at other levels of organized medicine. I am the immediate past president of my county medical association, and I am currently on the council and finance committee of the state medical society of Connecticut.

I have insight into the demands of private practice in addition to those of academic medicine. Prior to joining the faculty at Yale Medical School, I was in private practice for close to 33 years. I started a solo practice in 1993 and built it into a large practice with two satellite offices.

I am passionate about advocacy. Rheumatologists must advocate for our patients, keeping our elected officials and their staff members informed about issues that affect our patients, workforce, practices and academic institutions.

TR: What are your goals for your tenure on the Executive Committee?

Dr. Desir: A very important issue to me is the workforce problem in rheumatology. Finding innovative ways to address this is paramount. Another issue is patient access to care. The ever-escalating impediments to rheumatologists providing adequate care for their patients must be addressed.

TR: Why did you feel now was a good time to make this commitment?

Dr. Desir: Let’s just say that the stars are aligned.

TR: How did you choose rheumatology as a specialty?

Dr. Desir: When I was in medical school, my honors thesis was on activation of white blood cells. Steve Malawista, MD, who was then section chief of rheumatology at Yale, came to Student Research Day and heard my presentation.

Although my original plan had been to go into infectious disease to continue my research, I realized that I enjoyed clinical rheumatology more than clinical infectious disease. It was a different time back then and there was no fellows match. When I told Dr. Malawista that I was interested in rheumatology, he remembered my thesis presentation and offered me a fellowship in rheumatology. Dr. Malawista was my mentor and was a past president of the ACR. He is no longer with us, but I think he would be very happy that I am following in his footsteps.

TR: What do you [do] off the job?

Dr. Desir: My husband, Gary Desir, MD, and I love to spend time with family. I have four adult children: one advertising executive, one family medicine physician, one public defense attorney and one medical student. I have two of the most delightful grandchildren ever—I love to walk around Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., grandchildren in tow.

I am an avid gardener. I love reading. And I do as much community service as time allows. As the quote says, “Service to others is the rent that you pay for your room here on Earth.”

https://www.the-rheumatologist.org/article/deborah-dyett-desir-md-joins-acr-executive-committee-as-secretary/

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean Appears on MSNBC

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:40:47 GMT

On November 22, 2020, Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean, tenured Associate Professor of Political Science at Quinnipiac University and author of Identity Politics in the United States, appeared on the AM Joy Show on MSBC.

Jeffie Frazier Way Unveiled

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 02:20:32 GMT

Jeffie Frazier Way Unveiled

by ALLAN APPEL | Published in The New Haven Independent on September 16, 2019

ALLAN APPEL PHOTO

With retired Sgt. Shafiq Abdusabbur at the unveiling.

A lot of high school kids have to perform community service in order to graduate.

Now a legendary teacher, principal, and parent mentor proposes that parents of every kid in the New Haven Public Schools also be required to render volunteer service in their kids’ schools, the better to know what’s going on and to be their child’s advocate.

That potential plan of action emerged Saturday as the retired longtime principal of the Wexler-Grant School, Jeffie Frazier, stood among 50 admirers to see the unveiling of the corner sign “Jeffie Frazier Way.”

The sign was created in her honor at Foote Street at the entry driveway to the school that Frazier led.

“You made sure that parents everywhere took part in the education of children,” said Dixwell Alder Jeanette Morrison, who helped organize the event, along with Frazier’s sisters in the New Haven chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

The Dixwell community’s efforts to honor one of its significant elders began back in October with the gathering of hundreds of signatures—250 are required, with 166 coming from immediate neighbors. Money was also raised to pay for the sign, and approval granted by the Board of Alders in June.

At the ceremony Morrison and other speakers hailed Frazier’s pioneering efforts to involve parents, especially dads, through mentoring programs in the lives of their children at school.

“It’s not just the teachers and principals,” Morrison said. “You made sure education is outside the four walls of the school, and in the home, and the community.”

With Dixwell Alder Jeannette Morrison.

Morrison credited Frazier, a Louisiana native who migrated to the Elm City and started teaching in the public schools in 1966, with being critical to the development of her own son, now studying to be a social worker.

Frazier became principal of the Helene W. Grant School on Goffe Street and later the combined Wexler-Grant.

Since retirement in 2008, Frazier has continued donating her time to the community and is well known for working with kids and families and corralling volunteers, especially men, to help out at Wexler-Grant and other schools.

Other speakers hailed Frazier’s other contributions while helming Wexler-Grant. Those contributions include developing a policy to create dress codes that eliminate causes for jealousy and friction among children; taking groups of Wexler-Grant kids on trips to Senegal in Africa to see historical sites of the slave trade and other significant places ; and maintaining an open-door policy for parents, inviting them into the principal’s office and into the school in a welcoming way, no appointment necessary.

With her pastor, Philippe Andal.

Many of those approaches are now widespread in the schools. Frazier was credited with pioneering them, along with unswervingly high expectations for and a fierce dedication to her students.

“If you don’t want to teach my kids,” one younger colleague of Frazier’s recalled an encounter overheard, “I’ll give you a recommendation, but you have to leave my school.”

James Harriott, a student at the Helene W. Grant School when Frazier was principal there, recalled that he had written a poem as part of a class assignment. Decades later he couldn’t remember much of it although it did contain the verse “Life is game and you’re holding the dice/ Don’t be a fool and take my advice.”

With fellow sorors Shenae Draughn and Khalilah Brown-Dean.

His words caught Frazier’s attention. She brought Harriott into her office and singled him out for praise. Subsequently he won an award for the writing.

“She knew every child’s name,” he recalled.

Following the pulling of the cord and the falling away of the pink banner to reveal the corner sign, Frazier received a bouquet of flowers. Then in her remarks she did not miss an opportunity to continue to emphasize that the education of children takes place, importantly, also outside the walls of the school, and involves bringing the parents and the community within.

“As citizens,” she said, “and I’m a citizen, not a senior citizen, it’s our job to get the community back into education. Let’s get these men to line up and to greet these students when they come to school. You don’t need a degree; you just need to stand tall. Our kids don’t know what’s right. You do. You need to show them. Get them a library card. Read with them. Sit at the computer with them.”

With grandsons Wesley and Wilbert Frazier.

Frazier said all schools in New Haven should be so good that families clamor to get into them.

“You’re not too good to wash tables in the lunch room, to stand with a kid who’s acting up, and take them, with the principal’s permission, to their parents. It’s about helping each other,” Frazier concluded.

One of the organizers of the event and a sorority sister of Frazier, Quinnipiac University political scientist Khalilah Brown-Dean, called her an educational stalwart, whose formal sign now in front of Wexler-Grant will be “a reminder of this community and the power of working together.”

Referrals rise, shortage remains for speech-language pathologists in Connecticut

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 18:07:05 GMT

Referrals rise, shortage remains for speech-language pathologists in Connecticut

By Brian Zahn Updated 10:15 am EDT, Monday, October 15, 2018

NEW HAVEN — As schools become better at detecting signs of communication disorders, diagnoses and referrals are on the rise while the licensed speech-language pathologists who serve them are in demand across the country.

“We actually diagnose and treat communicative disorders and that’s any person that might have difficulty in the areas of articulation, fluency, voice or language,” said Glynis King-Harrell, supervisor of speech and language services in the New Haven public schools. “Speech is a basic entitlement that we take for granted because it comes easily for most of us.”

Officials in New Haven Public Schools said during a budget review that contractor costs have increased as the district looks to fill vacancies in shortage areas such as speech-language pathologists.

“New Haven Public Schools has been proactive in its recruitment efforts and partnerships as it seeks to recruit, retain and hire talent. The District has also leveraged support through contractors, consultants, university and community based partners to fulfill staffing needs in shortage areas,” said Superintendent of Schools Carol Birks in a statement. “With respect to meeting the individualized educational plans of our students who have been identified as in need of Speech and Language Services, New Haven Public Schools has supplemented staff with contractors and other support services.”

Filling positions

King-Harrell said building and caseload assignments are made logistically.

“There’s not a lot of time to travel from Point A to Point B, and we also keep data on what the identified numbers are per building and try to come up with a reasonable caseload for each person,” she said.

Speech-language pathologists in the city’s schools say that, of approximately 25 full- and part-time speech-language pathologists, about a third are contractors, and the number of students in the city who receive referrals fluctuates between about 1,500 to 2,000 students annually.

“The level of dedication required, especially in urban districts, is monumental,” said Derlene Ortiz, a speech-language pathologist who works with students at five schools, most with a heavy English learner population.

King-Harrell said the challenges are exacerbated in urban districts such as New Haven, which is perpetually plagued by money woes because of funding austerity and a large number of high-needs students.

In Middletown schools, a smaller nearby urban district, an administrator said open speech-language pathologist jobs receive fewer applications than classroom teacher positions, but the applicants all come with many qualifications.

“We’re lucky enough to be fully staffed with fully-qualified speech paths,” said Sara Alberti, supervisor of pupil services and special education in Middletown schools. She said the district, which has student enrollment approximately one-fifth the size of New Haven according to state data, employs 10 speech-language pathologists.

Although Alberti said Middletown is currently fully staffed with speech-language pathologists, as a trained speech-language pathologist herself she knows there is a growing need for workers in a selective field.

Stefania Larry, early childhood coordinator in West Haven Public Schools, said filling positions within the last three years has been “challenging.” Currently, there are 12.5 speech-language pathologists in the district, she said, and they are all assigned to one school each.

“We’ve hired former interns in the past once they’ve graduated, we’ve advertised at local universities but not every university has a program,” she said.

Larry said that in West Haven many of the speech-language pathologists come to the district without much history in school-based settings.

Certification

According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Connecticut employed 1,730 speech-language pathologists in May 2017, although not all of them necessarily worked in schools or with a student population. The annual mean wage for speech-language pathologists in the state was $93,340 according to the bureau’s data, making it the highest paying state in the nation for the occupation on average.

Despite the competitive pay and the need for qualified workers, King-Harrell said there are several required certifications — from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the state Department of Public Health and the state Department of Education — that might be prohibitive.

Ortiz said the path to earning these certifications amounts to a lot of tests and paperwork for aspiring speech-language pathologists.

After receiving these certifications, King-Harrell said many speech-language pathologists certified to work in schools may let the 061 certification with the Department of Education.

“Some people may get into a setting that’s only clinical, like a hospital or a clinic, and say, ‘Why am I maintaining my school certification?’” she said.

Three speech-language pathologists in New Haven schools said there can be some role ambiguity when students are referred for their services, and it is their job to figure out how to best serve children who might have communication disorders.

“I don’t think anybody has ever had a year where they think their workload is ‘a vacation,’” said NHPS speech-language pathologist Sondi Jackson [Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter Member]. “We have to leave time for evaluations, observations, consultations with teachers and parents,” planning and placement team meetings, (student and staff support team meetings and scientific research based interventions.

“Caseloads are only one part of the workload,” said speech-language pathologist Cayla White.

Ortiz, Jackson and White all graduated from Southern Connecticut State University’s communication disorders graduate program, although the way they describe how they became speech-language pathologists differs. Ortiz said, as a bilingual speaker of Spanish and English, she was attracted to the program as a junior at SCSU, although her intention was to work in a medical context before doing a placement in West Haven schools.

White said her initial intention was to go into broadcast journalism until two cousins who work as speech therapists persuaded her to consider the field.

“I love working with kids. I knew eventually I would want to work in a school system,” she said.

Jackson, who had a career in banking and insurance, said education was “what was in my heart.” A speech pathologist who attended her church convinced her to go back to school at age 30, so she started taking classes during her lunch break at work.

Jackson, who has now worked in the field for 26 years, said there has always been a shortage of fellow speech-language pathologists.

Ortiz said pathologists tend to be cautious about assigning labels to students, because “they may be going through a silent period.” Jackson said she is also cautious about the difference between language disorders and language differences.

White said that, especially in the last year after a number of evacuees from Hispanic-speaking countries and territories enrolled in the city’s schools, she works collaboratively with bilingual educators such as Ortiz.

For a period of time Jackson was an adjunct in SCSU’s communication disorders master’s program. One of the challenges from transitioning from the preparatory programs to a real-life scenario, she said, is that speech-language pathologists must be reactive in real time.

“I felt like I was the person giving students some real-world experience. I’m working as a pathologist and sharing with them what it’s like day-to-day,” she said. “They don’t have all week to prepare for one case.”

The preparatory programs in the state are also limited to three colleges: SCSU, the University of Connecticut and, recently, Sacred Heart University. All three programs are selective.

Deborah Weiss, chairwoman of the Communication Disorders Department at SCSU, said the program accepts about 45 students annually, with about 100 in the program at any given time.

“The majority of those students are two-year students, but some can also be for three years,” she said.

About 200 to 250 students apply annually for those 45 spots.

Rhea Paul, chairwoman of Sacred Heart’s Speech Language Pathology department, said there are about 40 seats per class with about 80 students in the program. She said there are between 200 and 300 applicants to the program annually.

Paul said she believes the global shortage of speech-language pathologists is somewhat related to a growing need under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

“There has been more obligation on the part of schools to provide for kids with special needs,” she said.

That is tied to increasing rates of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses; according to the Centers for Disease Control, there is a reported diagnosis of autism in one in 59 children born in 2006, whereas one in 150 children born in 1992 has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.

“Because the core of their problems have to do with communication, virtually every child who is diagnosed with autism needs the services of an SLP,” Paul said.

“That’s a population that speech-language pathologists are very, very involved with — children with autism — and that population has been growing,” Weiss said.

Growing field

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected to be a 10.4 percent increase in speech-language pathologist jobs by 2026.

“The number of speech-language pathologists that are needed has grown incrementally and continues to grow,” Weiss said. “It’s not like the need has remained static and we haven’t fulfilled the need; the need keeps growing.”

Both department heads said the required clinical hours needed for a degree present a challenge for students and the programs that need to place students alike. Students need 400 clinical hours to graduate with a degree in speech-language pathology, and they work at different professional areas. Although UConn and SCSU both have on-site clinics, Sacred Heart does not.

“We’re limited by how many places we can put students so they can acquire these clinical hours,” Paul said. “We don’t have an on-campus clinic like Southern and UConn, but we do have nursing homes, where students do therapy under the auspices of an in-house therapist, and it doesn’t take away from their in-house therapists because we send our own supervisors.”

Weiss said Medicare requirements make student speech-language therapists less attractive for hospitals to train because of compliance issues, as they often need to be supervised 100 percent of the time.

She said expanding the class sizes within SCSU’s program doesn’t seem possible for a mix of issues besides finding placements for students, including fiscal restraints and a shortage of qualified faculty, as an industry with a global shortage perpetuates itself.

“For our field when we have a position open maybe we’re going to get five or 10 people applying because of the shortage in the field,” she said. “One of the reasons for the shortages of the field is there’s such a good market for students in the field.”

The speech-language pathologists working in the district say that, despite the burden of certifications, loans and the time commitment, they wouldn’t rather be doing anything else.

“Giving students the ability to communicate is extremely empowering,” White said.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com

https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Referrals-rise-shortage-remains-for-13307758.php

Moy Ogilvie-Johnson, appointed Hartford Office Managing Partner

Tue, 06 Mar 2018 04:53:20 GMT

McCarter & English announced the following changes in leadership, effective March 1, 2018:

Cynthia Keliher and Simone Wilson-Brito will serve as co-chairs of the Real Estate Practice Group
Amy Haberman will lead the Labor & Employment Practice Group
Moy Ogilvie will serve as the Hartford Office Managing Partner

“Cynthia, Simone, Amy and Moy served as leaders in our business and mentors to associates for many years,” said Joseph Boccassini, the firm’s managing partner. “I know they will continue to represent our clients well in their new roles with the same focus and dedication.”

Cynthia Keliher, joined the firm’s Boston office as a partner in 2006. Her practice addresses all aspects of commercial real estate, with a focus on representing landlords and tenants in complex ground, retail, office and data center leases. She is president of the New England Chapter of CoreNet Global, an association of corporate real estate professionals. Ms. Keliher is the co-chair of the firm’s Women’s Initiative Steering Committee.

Simone Wilson-Brito, a partner in the Newark office, has been with the firm for nearly 10 years. Her practice focuses on complex commercial real estate transactions with a concentration in financing, leasing and acquisition of real property. She represents lenders and borrowers in commercial and construction loans, and purchasers in the acquisition and disposition of real estate. Ms. Wilson Brito is a member of the firm’s Diversity Committee and the Women’s Initiative Steering Committee. She represents, pro bono, individuals seeking asylum in the United States.

Amy Haberman, a partner in the New York office, joined McCarter & English in 2005. Her global practice spans numerous industries and focuses on representing U.S. and multinational corporate clients in recruiting and transferring of foreign nationals, immigration consequences of mergers and acquisitions, and compliance with Department of Labor statutory and regulatory requirements. She also counsels individuals on obtaining permanent resident status and citizenship. She is a member of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee.

Moy Ogilvie is a partner in the Products Liability, Mass Torts and Consumer Class Actions Group and is chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. She joined our Hartford office in 2003. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Bar Foundation, Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity and the Hartford Youth Scholars, and volunteers with Lawyers for Children on pro bono matters.

With the recent changes, seven of the firm’s 11 practice groups are led by women.

https://www.mccarter.com/McCarter--English-Appoints-New-Practice-Group-and-Office-Leaders-03-01-2018/

Hundreds Bid Godspeed to "Dr. K"

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 17:05:38 GMT

Hundreds Bid Godspeed to "Dr. K" by Lucy Gellman for The New Haven Independent

A trailblazer who developed “a monument to education” downtown isn’t saying goodbye. She’s saying godspeed.

Surrounded by hundreds of friends, family and colleagues, outgoing Gateway Community College President Dorsey “Dr. K” Kendrick made that announcement Wednesday night at a packed celebration of her 18-year tenure and retirement next week.

Held at Anthony’s Ocean View in Morris Cove, the event doubled as a chance to bring attention to the Dorsey L. Kendrick Access To Success endowment fund, to which attendees had the option of donating. Money raised for that fund Wednesday night will go toward student scholarships. That includes $500 from the Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Inc., a black sorority.

Throughout the evening, Kendrick was praised for her groundbreaking efforts to revitalize access to higher education in New Haven. Her tenure included cultivating the college’s special education, nursing, adult education and high school crossover programs and moving Gateway's campus to downtown from Long Wharf.

A lineup of 20 speakers — none of whom stayed within a suggested two-minute limit, and a few of whom had prerecorded their messages by video — focused not only on Kendrick’s accomplishments, but on the spirit with which she had worked.

Mayor Toni Harp recalled Kendrick’s fight to institute the nursing program, and the verve with which Kendrick went head-to-head with Connecticut legislators, then-governor John Rowland, and “the nursing profession itself, frankly” before the program began in 2002. It has since graduated almost 1,000 nurses.

Others painted a portrait of a woman who was direct but kind, unyielding yet candid and compassionate. Tunxis Community College President Cathryn Addy told attendees she knew Kendrick was special when she’d said, mid-interview for her position at Gateway, that she would “have a little come-to-Jesus meeting and get things settled” if faced with a difficult situation. Chamber of Commerce President Tony Rescigno lauded Kendrick as an educator “with vision focused like a laser beam,” for whom the world stopped when she saw a student in need. And Community Foundation Director Will Ginsberg thanked her for her work as a servant to the city, and changemaker in the community.

“You changed the way New Haven thinks of itself,” he said. “You have elevated education for all in this community.”

So did former Gateway alum and former student body president Abdur Wali. A native New Havener, Wali had grown up walking past Gateway Community College. “I would see the big blue sign saying GCC, and I would dream about being on that terrace,” he recalled.

Wali didn’t know that Kendrick’s office was up there, or that she was there at all. That changed his first year, when he attended an event where she was speaking, and she instantly became “Dr. K” to him. She issued a call to action that stirred something in him, he said — an urge to push himself even harder academically. He became involved in student government, meeting with Kendrick weekly. When Wali asked her to add a letter to the Black Student Association time capsule, she used it as an opportunity to laud students in the association and to encourage them to use “hope, care, hard work and tenacity” in both their studies and their lives.

“There were many times after speaking with her I teared up and cried a little bit,” Wali said, speaking to Kendrick from across the ballroom. “In my mind and in my heart, I consider myself her and Mr. Kendrick’s adopted son ... you have lit the path, lightened the load, and provided a shining example for all of us to follow.”

Room bursts into applause as Kendrick rose to give her remarks.

When Kendrick rose to speak at the end of the evening, she kept her remarks brief, her voice wavering every few sentences as she choked back tears.

“This is hard, because it is bittersweet,” she began. She then invoked Luke 12:48 (“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked”). “I really believe that I have an obligation to do as much as I can to make my little corner of the world the best that I have to give,” she said.

Cake, a guest book, dancing and conversation awaited attendees after almost 90 minutes of remarks.

“I know that my work has not been in vain,” she continued, pointing to Gateway’s most recent class of over 1,200 students. “To think that I may have made a difference for even one student makes the journey so much sweeter…. I want to thank God for giving me the life that I have, so that I could do the work that I did on behalf of the citizens of this community and for the state. I am grateful to have been of service.”

“I shall not say goodbye tonight, rather godspeed,” she added. “May the best that life has to offer come to each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of my life, my vision, my hopes and dreams and aspirations for the last 18 years. I am humbled to have been able to serve.”

Asked how he is planning to handle the transition, incoming Gateway Paul Broadie said that the end of Kendrick’s tenure marks “tremendous opportunity for both Housatonic and Gateway.” (He’ll be running both community college branches.) Broadie credited Kendrick with building “a strong foundation” for her successors and that he looks forward to relying on Gateway’s “exceptional faculty, staff and administration.”

Published 6/22/17: http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/dorsey_kendrick_dinner/

Shelly Daniley Hicks, Sisters' Journey February Survivor of the Month

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 20:29:28 GMT

Theta Epsilon Omega salutes our chapter member Shelly Daniley Hicks, who is the February Survivor of the Month for Sisters' Journey. Learn more about Shelly's path toward health and healing. We honor all of our Theta Epsilon Omega members and women across the globe who navigate their journey with courage and conviction.

You can read her story here:

https://www.sistersjourney.org/our-calendars/2017-calendar?active=02#stories

President Obama honors federally-funded early-career scientists

Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:45:02 GMT

Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter Member, Dr. Jacquelyn Taylor is among this list of esteemed early-career scientist. Dr. Taylor, an associate professor of nursing at the Yale School of Nursing, is the first woman of color to earn tenure since the nursing school's 91 year history.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

January 09, 2017

Today, President Obama named 102 scientists and researchers as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

“I congratulate these outstanding scientists and engineers on their impactful work,” President Obama said. “These innovators are working to help keep the United States on the cutting edge, showing that Federal investments in science lead to advancements that expand our knowledge of the world around us and contribute to our economy.”

The Presidential Early Career Awards highlight the key role that the Administration places in encouraging and accelerating American innovation to grow our economy and tackle our greatest challenges. This year’s recipients are employed or funded by the following departments and agencies: Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Education, Department of Energy, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of the Interior, Department of Veterans Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, Smithsonian Institution, and the Intelligence Community. These departments and agencies join together annually to nominate the most meritorious scientists and engineers whose early accomplishments show the greatest promise for assuring America’s preeminence in science and engineering and contributing to the awarding agencies' missions.

The awards, established by President Clinton in 1996, are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education, or community outreach.

The newest recipients are:

Department of Agriculture
Michelle Cilia, USDA Agricultural Research Service
Pankaj Lal, Montclair State University
Michael Ulyshen, USDA Forest Service

Department of Commerce
Nicholas Butch, NIST Center for Neutron Research
Mandy Karnauskas, NOAA Fisheries
Anne Perring, University of Colorado, Boulder
Corey Potvin, University of Oklahoma
John Teufel, NIST Physical Measurement Laboratory
Justin Zook, NIST Material Measurement Laboratory

Department of Defense
Michael Bell, Colorado State University
Nurcin Celik, University of Miami
Kaushik Chowdhury, Northeastern University
Shawn Douglas, University of California, San Francisco
Christopher Dyer, DeepMind and Carnegie Mellon University
Aaron Esser-Kahn, University of California, Irvine
Sinan Keten, Northwestern University
Jonathan Fan, Stanford University
Danna Freedman, Northwestern University
Thomas Harris, Northwestern University
David Hsieh, California Institute of Technology
Osama Nayfeh, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center-Pacific
Olukayode Okusaga, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Joseph Parker, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
Adam Pilchak, Air Force Research Laboratory
Harris Wang, Columbia University

Department of Education
Daphna Bassok, University of Virginia
Shayne Piasta, The Ohio State University

Department of Energy
Jonathan Belof, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Carl Dahl, Northwestern University
Eric Duoss, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Anna Grassellino, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Jacqueline Hakala, National Energy Technology Laboratory
Stephanie Hansen, Sandia National Laboratories
Kory Hedman, Arizona State University
Alan Kruizenga, Sandia National Laboratories
Wei Li, Rice University
Guglielmo Scovazzi, Duke University
Michael Tonks, Penn State University
Jenny Yang, University of California, Irvine
John Yeager, Los Alamos National Laboratory

Department of Health and Human Services
Gregory Alushin, Rockefeller University
Manish Arora, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Dawn Cornelison, University of Missouri
Kashmira Date, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Craig Duvall, Vanderbilt University
Nicholas Gilpin, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
Anna Greka, Brigham and Women's Hospital
Pamela Guerrerio, National Institutes of Health
Gery Guy, Jr., Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Christine Hendon, Columbia University
Catherine Karr, University of Washington
Maria Lehtinen, Boston Children's Hospital
Adriana Lleras-Muney, University of California, Los Angeles
Mary Kay Lobo, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Michael McAlpine, University of Minnesota
Eric Morrow, Brown University
Daniel O'Connor, Johns Hopkins University
Aimee Shen, Tufts University
Cui Tao, University of Texas
Jacquelyn Taylor, Yale School of Nursing
Benjamin Voight, University of Pennsylvania
Matthew Wheeler, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Blake Wiedenheft, Montana State University

Department of Interior
Nathaniel Hitt, U.S. Geological Survey
Sarah Minson, U.S. Geological Survey
Diann Prosser, U.S. Geological Survey

Department of Veterans Affairs
Adam Rose, RAND Corporation and Boston Medical Center
Nasia Safdar, Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
Joshua Yarrow, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Environmental Protection Agency
Havala Pye, Environmental Protection Agency
Sala Senkayi, Environmental Protection Agency

Intelligence Community
Matthew Dicken, U.S. Army
Josiah Dykstra, National Security Agency
James Kang, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Jason Matheny, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
David Moehring, IonQ, Inc.
R. Jacob Vogelstein, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Jeremy Bassis, University of Michigan
Othmane Benafan, NASA Glenn Research Center
Dalia Kirschbaum, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Marco Pavone, Stanford University
Miguel Roman, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

National Science Foundation
Alicia Alonzo, Michigan State University
Randy Ewoldt, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Emily Fox, University of Washington
Jacob Fox, Stanford University
Eric Hudson, University of California, Los Angeles
Shawn Jordan, Arizona State University
Ahmad Khalil, Boston University
Oleg Komogortsev, Texas State University, San Marcos
John Kovac, Harvard University
Bérénice Mettler, University of Minnesota and icuemotion, LLC
Jelani Nelson, Harvard University
Elizabeth Nolan, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Michael Rotkowitz, University of Maryland, College Park
Andrea Sweigart, University of Georgia
Chuanbing Tang, University of South Carolina
Aradhna Tripati, University of California, Los Angeles
Franck Vernerey, University of Colorado, Boulder
Juan Pablo Vielma Centeno, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Makeba Wilbourn, Duke University

Smithsonian Institution
Nicholas Pyenson, Smithsonian Institution

------------

Whitehouse.gov Press Release: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/01/09/president-obama-honors-federally-funded-early-career-scientists

Elicia Pegues Spearman receives lifetime humanitarian service award

Mon, 31 Oct 2016 17:35:40 GMT

Congratulations to Attorney Elicia Pegues Spearman who, in October 2016, received the Lifetime Humanitarian Service Award from Kingdom International Economic Development Corporation (KIEDC). For over 30 years, KIEDC has met the needs of communities in the greater New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford areas. The organization feeds thousands of needy families during the holidays, provides warm winter clothing, toys for needy children, youth development, and women empowerment training. Attorney Spearman has served KIEDC, a nonprofit organization, as their pro bono Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer for over ten years. She is a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated with over 25 years of uninterrupted membership in the sorority. Attorney Spearman is also a former president of Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter.

New Haven NAACP celebrates stamp for black church founder

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 22:25:06 GMT

New Haven NAACP celebrates stamp for black church founder

New Haven Register, February 18, 2016

By Ed Stannard, New Haven Register

Greater New Haven Branch NAACP First Vice President Anthony Dawson, left, and President Dori Dumas, center, assist New Haven Postmaster Tom Sullivan unveil the USPS 39th commemorative edition Black Heritage stamp of Bishop Richard Allen during a ceremony at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in New Haven Thursday.

NEW HAVEN - For the Rev. Orsella Cooper-Hughes, the new Bishop Richard Allen postage stamp brings together her family history with her faith as a member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Her father, Daniel Cooper, worked in the U.S. Postal Service for 40 years and, as she told the members of the Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP Thursday night, “I am A.M.E.-born, A.M.E.-bred, and when I die I’ll be A.M.E.-dead.”

Cooper-Hughes, associate minister at Bethel, spoke at the unveiling of the new 49-cent “forever” stamp at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. She was still brimming with excitement because she and her father traveled to Philadelphia on Feb. 2 for the stamp’s first-day ceremony at Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church, which Allen founded 200 years ago so that African-Americans would have a church in which to worship freely.

“This to me was like Independence Day, this was like Christmas morning as far as I was concerned,” she said of the trip.

Allen, who was born in slavery in 1760, led the black members out of St. George’s Methodist Church, where they were forced to sit in the balcony, to found their own church in 1787. It became the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816, the first denomination not founded for theological reasons.

As Robert Gibson, a retired teacher at James Hillhouse High School, said, “In this case, the reason for the rise of the A.M.E. Church was American racism. If those Christians in that church (St. George’s) had acted like real Christians, then the blacks and the whites could have fellowshipped together.”

While Sunday morning is often called the most segregated time of the week, Gibson said, “It didn’t have to be that way. Because what happened in St. George’s Church happened across the country.”

Gibson talked about Allen’s legacy as a slave who bought his freedom for $2,000, worked as an abolitionist and on the Underground Railroad. “He was really dedicated to preaching the gospel … building up his community, developing his community. … What was really remarkable about him was that he had no bitterness,” Gibson said.

Instead, he founded a denomination that has 7.5 million members in 39 countries and in 12,000 congregations. In Philadelphia, “they formed the first independent black denomination in the world,” Gibson said. “From that founding in 1816 the church grew, spread around the world.”

Dori Dumas, president of the Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP and a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church on Goffe Street, said Allen is not just “significant and important to the A.M.E. Church. … We felt it was very important that we share this with the greater community.”

New Haven Postmaster Tom Sullivan said the Richard Allen stamp is the 39th in the U.S. Postal Service’s Black Heritage series. “What I love about black history is it brings to the youth the history I think we lose,” adding that the Allen stamp in particular represents “the tribulations and the triumphs (of) 7.5 million A.M.E. members throughout the world.”

Bethel A.M.E. Church also plans a celebration of the stamp at its 10 a.m. Sunday service, after which the stamp will be available for sale.

http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20160218/new-haven-naacp-celebrates-stamp-for-black-church-founder

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean co-authors 50 Years of the Voting Rights Act report

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 16:21:55 GMT

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean co-authored a report critical to understanding the impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the future of voting rights. The report provides data on minority voter turnout, racially polarized voting, policy outcomes by race, and the number of minority-elected officials from the enactment of the Voting Rights Act until today. Click here to read the full report: 50 Years of the Voting Rights Act: The State of Race in Politics.

She presented the report in Selma, Alabama in honor of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. A story about her Journey to Selma is available in the Inner City News and reprinted here.

Dr. Brown-Dean recently received tenure status as an Associate Professor of Political Science at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.

Dr. Camille Cooper featured in PBS documentary, 180 Days: Hartsville

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 15:14:28 GMT

Announcement from the Yale University Comer School Development Program:

Two Comer schools are the focus of an inspiring new documentary, 180 Days: Hartsville that aired on PBS (check local listings) in March of 2015. The two-hour special was co-produced by South Carolina ETV and National Black Programming Consortium with funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting as part of "American Graduate: Let's Make it Happen," a public media initiative to stem the dropout crisis by supporting community-based solutions.

180 Days: Hartsville is a panel discussion that includes an interview with Dr. Camille Cooper, the Comer School Development Program's Director of Teaching, Learning, and Development, who is leading the implementation of the Comer model in Hartsville.

Click here to learn more about 180 Days: Hartsville.

Yale University's Working Women's Network Spotlight on Dori Dumas

Thu, 19 Mar 2015 13:53:21 GMT

Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter congratulates Dori Dumas on being showcased by the Yale University's Working Women's Network (WWN). The WWN provides programs and resources to Yale University's women employees, and champions the exploration and pursuit of personal and professional goals in order to enhance their individual success while also furthering the advancement of the university. Click here to read Mrs. Dumas' spotlight interview.

Dr. Jacquelyn Y. Taylor earns tenure and awarded $3.4 million grant

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 17:18:41 GMT

Dr. Jacquelyn Y. Taylor, associate professor of nursing at the Yale School of Nursing, is the first woman of color to earn tenure since the nursing school's 91 year history. She was also recently awarded a $3.4 million grant to conduct a 5-year study on high blood pressure in African-American women and their young children, titled "Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood Pressure."

New Haven NAACP’s 1st elected female President Dori Dumas called a ‘born leader’

Sun, 05 Oct 2014 13:24:33 GMT

NEW HAVEN>> After nearly a century of existence for the Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP, Dori Dumas shattered the glass ceiling this summer, becoming the first elected female president of a chapter that was established in 1917.

Now several months into her term, Dumas, 50, said the critical issues facing people of color are employment opportunities, home ownership and transportation.

“Transportation is a huge issue in the city. A lot of people in New Haven have to go outside to get jobs (and) the issue is getting there and then getting home,” said Dumas. “...There are just not a lot of jobs in New Haven.” she said.

Dumas, a city native and James Hillhouse House School graduate, served as first vice president of the organization before being elected to the branch’s top seat in June.

She replaced outgoing president Jim Rawlings, who stepped down a year into his fourth two-year term to tend to other causes that were dear to him.

Rawlings said Dumas will do “a wonderful job” because she is prepared to lead the New Haven organization. The branch organization has more than 800 members.

“The issue of civil rights is not going away. It’s much more sophisticated in terms of the challenges we have in urban America, but Dori has been groomed for this (work) and she has tremendous respect in the community,” said Rawlings.

Last March, the branch released its “Urban Apartheid” report, a data-driven document that detailed startling economic, educational, health and other disparities between white people and those of color in the region.

RACIAL EQUALITY AND LEADERSHIP

Dumas said working to close the education gap will be a primary initiative in her first term.

“I’m putting together a new education committee and we’ll be (working) with Dr. (James P.) Comer to really try to make an impact in our communities,” she said.

“We’ve met with Mayor (Toni) Harp, the superintendent of schools, and presidents of area colleges,” Dumas said. “I’ll be sitting down with the experts in the field to see where the NAACP can have impact, so we can move together as a community.”

While some organizations struggle to maintain membership and volunteers, Dumas said, the branch has not lost its footing in the community.

“We’re working harder than ever, we’re getting flooded with calls for our help and support,” said Dumas, who is also a graduate of Albertus Magnus College, with degrees in business and economics.

“It’s like anything, people complain until they need us; we’re the first one they call,” she said. “We just want to find solutions.”

Shawna Woodard, the branch assistant secretary, said she’s always known Dumas to be in a leadership capacity.

“She’s a natural born leader, and what I admire most about her is her motivation. She is not motivated by personal interest or ego; she’s motivated by working in the parameters of the organization and the parameters of her leadership position,” said Woodard, who has been with the branch for more than 15 years.

“A good leader is not driven by self-interest or ego; that’s Dori,” Woodard said.

Dumas, who has been a member of the organization for 25 years, said one of the successes of the branch is the Community Impact Mortgage Program, a partnership between the branch and First Niagara Bank.

Home ownership is a critical element of building wealth and legacy for people of color. “And we are answering that call for the community with our program,” she said.

The program assists each qualified urban home buyer by providing up to $10,000 in a forgivable loan for a down payment and closing costs. Qualified buyers also will have access to education and financial fitness workshops, as well as individual consultations and assistance.

Voter registration drives are another area of success for the branch.

“We’ve always had a very strong impact with voter registration. Not only getting people to register, but educating them and getting them out to vote,” Dumas said.

“We know that’s where our voice and the power is, and we’re here to make sure that people understand that,” she said.

“We fought and died for this right and it’s something that should not be taken for granted.”

EYES ON GOVERNOR’S RACE

According to a Quinnipiac Quinnipaicpoll, likely voters say Republican Tom Foley would do a better job with the economy and state spending, putting him ahead of Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy by 6 percentage points in the contest for governor.

Other political analysts see the race as a toss-up.

Regardless of the political party preference, Dumas said, people of color have to cast their ballot.

“This governor’s race is very critical for people of color. We’re nonpartisan, but people need to clearly look at the issues around jobs and education and the candidates’ platforms they’re supporting,” she said.

“This race is going to matter,” she said. “Things can change depending on who is in office for people in urban communities; we really need to pay attention.”

Dumas acknowledged that there is no official black political agenda, but said, “We all (people of color) have the same issues and things that we’re concerned about and paying attention too.”

The Register reached out to the candidates for an opportunity to discuss their urban policy with voters in New Haven at a community forum, but schedules didn’t permit it to be held.

SPEAKING OUT ON IMPORTANT ISSUES

Long time Dumas friend and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority sister and lawyer Elicia Pegues-Spearman said one of Dumas’ challenges will be continued pressure for civic and community engagement.

“Voter registration is always key to our community (as is) understanding why being involved in the political process makes a difference in the community,” said Pegues-Spearman, who’s the International Leadership Fellows Committee chairwoman of the sorority.

Pegues-Spearman said Dumas’s best qualities are her dedication and the courage of speaking on issues that may not be popular.

“She has the spirit of community service. It’s the appropriate time to use her experience in this role,” she said.

Last month, members of the New Haven Fire Department and Dumas expressed frustration to the Board of Fire Commissioners over Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Egan, after the branch accused him of discrimination, violating health privacy laws and mishandling a personnel investigation.

Eagan has been placed on paid administrative leave.

“My leadership will try to be proactive rather than reactive. We rather work on things we can clearly see and make improvements right away before they become a problem,” said Dumas.

She said finger-pointing is not good enough.

“When we know that the faculty of schools, the police department and fire department are not looking like the community it serves, we’re proactive and willing to hold those organizations/agencies accountable,” she said.

“We just don’t want to talk and point out the problem; we want impact. We are at the table helping make decisions, because most times the people who are making decisions about our life don’t look like us, and that’s unacceptable.”

FEMALE IN CHARGE

NAACP State President Scot X Esdaile said Dumas has been a solider in the branch for many years.

“It’s well-deserving and so far she has done an outstanding job and I’m proud of her,” said Esdaile.

While Dumas is the first woman elected as Greater New Haven branch president, she is not the first woman to serve in the post. Rolan Young served a year as branch president in 2000. Young, elected as first vice president, succeeded Roger Vann when he left the top post.

Esdaile said Dumas will have to face the challenge of a male-dominated role.

“The civil rights community is dominated by males, historically. It’s going to be interesting to see a female at the helm of leadership, but if there is anyone that can do it, it’s her,” he said. “She’ll make her mark as a civil rights activist in the largest branch in the state.”

Rawlings said she shouldn’t face any challenges as female president.

“If she wasn’t a known entity, it would be different. But across the state we have a pretty good representation of females that are branch presidents,” he said.“Dori has been the backbone of the organization.”

Woodard said Dumas will not get any push back as a female.

“In any other situation, I would say yes. But Dori has been a prominent face for the organization for years and has earned the respect of all members,” she said.

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Dumas has been called a champion of community service by members of the branch and the local chapter of Theta Epsilon Omega of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., of which she’s a member.

“She’s very sincere and passionate about the work that she does. She has this level of energy that’s kind of unparalleled,” said Theta Epsilon Omega chapter President Nicole Murphy.

“She’s going to fight and go hard for the causes she believes in,” said Murphy. “It’s her commitment, consistency and compassion that has definitely made an impact on our chapter and community.”

Dumas said growing up, she had mentors who happened to be members of the sorority.

“I know how they treated me and the impact that they had on me in the community,” said Dumas. “I’ve always been community-minded and held myself to a certain standard and AKA met that for me.”

Dumas is motivated by her family and her love for New Haven. She said she loves opening up doors for young people and seeing progress in the community.

Dumas is hopeful to see a black or Latino governor during her lifetime.

Clarification: This story has been updated to reflect that while Dori Dumas is the first woman elected as Greater New Haven Branch president, she is not the first woman to serve in the post. Rolan Young served a year as branch president in 2000. Young, elected as first vice president, succeeded Roger Vann when he left the top post.

Call Community Engagement Editor Shahid Abdul-Karim at 203-680-9343. Have questions, feedback or ideas about our news coverage? Connect directly with the editors of the New Haven Register at AskTheRegister.com.

Member nominated for People's Choice Award

Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:58:16 GMT

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean has been nominated as one of five finalists for The Root's People's Choice Award. Each year, The Root.com announces its list of the 100 African Americans who are "making a lasting impact within the community and pushing the limits with their work." The list includes people like Shonda Rhimes, Tim Howard, Kevin Hart, and Melissa Harris-Perry. Please click the following link to cast your vote for Dr. Brown-Dean. October 10th is the last day for voting. Thank you for your support.

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2014/09/the_root_100_people_s_choice_awards_root100pca_1.html

Members recognized for outstanding work

Sat, 08 Feb 2014 06:51:11 GMT

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's success is based on the depth of commitment, vision and confidence of its members. Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter proudly boasts, on average, 80 college-trained women who uphold that commitment, vision and confidence -- personally and professionally -- to benefit families and communities in Greater New Haven. We applaud the following members for their recent accomplishments and awards.

The Connecticut Magazine inducted Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean into the Class of 2014, 40 Under 40. Her scholarly work on the political dynamics with regard to the American criminal justice system and voting-rights policy has garnered international attention. She’s been a political analyst, adviser and commentator for CNN, PBS, National Public Radio and the Wall Street Journal, and serves as a senior justice advocate for the Soros Foundation. Brown-Dean has authored the soon-to-be-published Diversity in American Politics and Once Convicted, Forever Doomed, which examines the consequences of mass incarceration for local communities and neighborhoods.

Dr. Jacquelyn Taylor is the first African-American woman to be awarded tenure at the Yale University School of Nursing. Her career has focused on addressing health disparities in hypertension among African Americans. Her interest developed from research experiences early in her career and clinical practice. Her long-term goals are to develop nursing interventions to prevent and reduce gene-environment risks associated with hypertension.

The New Haven Clubs of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs named Jeffie Frazier, retired New Haven Public Schools Educator and Administrator, a Trailblazer for her outstanding work with children and the community.

Gateway Community College President Dr. Dorsey Kendrick and Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean were two of the 100 most influential African-Americans in the state. In December of 2013, the Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP Branches honored this elite group excelling in education, government, business and communications.

Under Sondi Jackson's leadership, the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Conference has grown exponentially not only in the number of participants, but also the number of community organizers, volunteers, sponsorships, and media coverage. The conference is designed to be a fun and educational day of service for all ages. Speakers and workshop presenters provide information on a variety of topics to educate and enhance the experience.

Congratulations, Ladies! Stay tuned for more news about our members.

Remembering Troy Davis, One Year Later

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:42:59 GMT

September 21, 2012 marked one year since Troy Davis was executed by the State of Georgia despite strong evidence and questions about his innocence.

People nationwide protested, rallied, held vigils and engaged in public debate on the inequities and failures of the death penalty hoping to stall the execution.

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean, member of Theta Epsilon Omega, was instrumental in helping to lead this effort in

Connecticut. In November of 2011, she played an important role in promoting Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter as a lead sponsor of A Community Discussion on the Death Penalty. The chapter joined with other organizations and concerned citizens such as the Connecticut Network to Abolish the Death Penalty and the Connecticut State Conference of the NAACP.

Unfortunately, Troy Davis could not be saved, but the movement lives on.

Dr. Brown-Dean testified before the Judiciary Committee in March of this year in support of An Act for Revising the Penalty for Capital Felonies, a bill that would replace the death penalty in Connecticut with a penalty of life imprisonment without the possibility of release for certain murders committed on or after the effective date of the act. The bill was passed and signed by Governor Malloy (D-Connecticut) in April of 2012.

On the anniversary of the execution, Ebony.com published an article co-authored by Dr. Brown-Dean, “A Call to Community: Why We Cannot Wait for the Next Troy Davis.” Please read, post a comment on the article's site, and share the article with your networks. Dr. Brown-Dean says, “Last year we wept. This year we work!”

The movement lives on...

Dr. Tucker-Sims, 2012 Salute to Excellence Awardee

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 23:34:08 GMT

Congratulations to Theta Epsilon Omega member, Dr. Shuana Tucker-Sims on receiving the 2012 Salute to Excellence Award. The award was given earlier this month in Providence, Rhode Island at the annual Salute to Excellence in Community Education Awards and Luncheon hosted by the sorority's North Atlantic Region. The event was chaired by the chapter's First Vice President, Ashika Brinkley, who is also a member of the North Atlantic Region Educational Advancement Foundation (EAF) Committee.

The award recognizes and acknowledges those in the community that have made a difference in creating a love of lifetime learning. Dr. Tucker-Sims is the Director of Adult & Continuing Education in Danbury Public Schools and is an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership department of the University of Connecticut. She prides herself in being able to do four specific things which are directly tied to lifelong learning and leadership - mentoring, leveraging resources, innovation and encouraging others. Dr. Tucker-Sims helps her mentees to overcome challenging situations outside their academic environment by using all experiences as learning ones and instilling confidence in them to be solution-oriented.

Another 2012 Salute to Excellence Award recipient was Theta Epsilon Omega's nominee, Mr. Erik Clemons, Executive Director and President of the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology (CONNCAT). CONNCAT’s mission is to collaborate with area employers and academic institutions to develop and deliver market-relevant job training for the poor, unemployed, and under-employed in Greater New Haven; and to leverage the transformative power of the arts to stimulate, motivate, and inspire at-risk students toward a new appreciation for learning. Mr. Clemons is a lifelong Connecticut resident and active member of the Greater New Haven community. He is devoted to education, young people and excellence in all facets of his life. In his words, adult literacy is “the anchor” and serves as the gateway to the success of our community.

All proceeds from the luncheon benefited the Constance R. Pizarro EAF Endowment Fund. EAF, the sorority's charitable arm, provides scholarships, fellowships and community assistance awards to undergraduate and graduate students internationally. These programs are open to any student without regard to sex, race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or disability.

The mission of the EAF is to pursue lifelong learning. Alpha Kappa Alpha and EAF recognize that it takes a village to raise a child, and as such, it takes more than just the schools and traditional education methods to create a love of lifetime learning. As EAF Captain, Theta Epsilon Omega member, Marlene Graham facilitates the support of the EAF mission through chapter and individual member donations.

For more information about the Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation, visit www.akaeaf.org.

Panel Chat on the N-Word

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:56:13 GMT

Dori Dumas, member of Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter and First-Vice President of the Greater New Haven NAACP, participated in a panel chat on the n-word.

Shahid Abdul-Karim, staff reporter for the New Haven Register, facilitated the discussion. It streamed live over the Internet on Saturday, September 1, 2012 and is available to view online.

The n-word was used for generations to subjugate black Americans. Although the word has become a mainstay of comedic routines and a term of endearment within some groups, many still find it unacceptable in any context and it continues to cause conflict when used as hate speech. The panelists discussed the word's history, its use today and whether it is unacceptable in any context.

The other panel members were Gary Highsmith, Hamden High School principal; Clifton Bush, social scientist and professor at Springfield College in Massachusetts; Rich Hanley, Quinnipiac University associate professor of journalism and director of the graduate journalism program; and Stanley Bernard, assistant professor of public health and human services at Southern Connecticut State University.

Members rewarded for good deeds

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:21:19 GMT

Theta Epsilon Omega members are shining this Spring! Congratulations to the following members for being recognized for their commitment to service.

The New Haven Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. bestowed their Community Service Award to Cathy R. Patton.

Kimberly Carolina became a member of the West Haven Hall of Fame at the West Haven Black Coalition's Annual Awards Dinner.

Dr. Dorsey Kendrick received the Liberty Bell Award from the Connecticut Bar Association.

Sondi Jackson received the Community Service Award from the Elm City Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. Marlene Graham was honored with their Club Appreciation Award.

The Chi Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. awarded Dr. Deborah Desir and her husband their Community Service Award.

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean was invited by the Connecticut Network to Abolish the Death Penalty to speak at a press conference at the state capitol on behalf of the families of murder victims.

Connecticut NAACP Honors Two Members

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:42:57 GMT

Dr. Dorsey Kendrick and Attorney Moy Ogilvie were each named on the 2011 list of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut. The list from the Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches includes judges, commissioners, sports figures, lawyers and educators.

Dr. Kendrick is the President of Gateway Community College in New Haven, CT. Under Dr. Kendrick's leadership, the college has experienced a 90% increase in enrollment through enhanced program offerings and community partnerships. Dr. Kendrick recognizes that many students are often faced with challenges that prevent them from going to college. She says, "they need strong support systems" and she believes that "every human being should have the opportunity to realize their full potential."

Attorney Ogilvie is a litigation partner at McCarter & English in the firm's Hartford office. She handles product liability and toxic tort cases and business litigation matters. She also handles pro bono matters for Lawyers for Children America and other organizations. Attorney Ogilvie currently serves as the President of Lawyers Collaborative for Diversity, and in 2011, Governor Malloy appointed her to the distinguished Connecticut State Criminal Justice Commission.

Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter congratulates Dr. Kendrick and Atty. Ogilvie. Click here for a complete list and bios.

Diane Y. Turner Named Chairman of the Board of Directors

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 19:34:52 GMT

Congratulations to Diane Y. Turner on being named Chairman of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater New Haven.

Read the announcement from the United Way of Greater New Haven...

United Way of Greater New Haven is proud to announce that Diane Young Turner has been named Chair of the Board of Directors. Turner, Yale University’s Associate University Librarian for Human Resources & Organizational Development, is no stranger to United Way. Turner served as the Campaign Chair in 2009 and has been on the United Way Board of Directors since 2009. She also served as a member of United Way’s Success By 6 Advisory Council from 2007 to 2009 and was a co-recipient of the 2007 Champion for Advancing the Common Good Award for her outstanding work in leading the Yale Book Drive for three years, collecting thousands of children’s books for New Haven Reads and Read to Grow. As part of United Way's Days of Caring, Diane helped expand the book drive to include Albertus Magnus College, Gateway Community College, Southern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University, and Yale, which collected over 4,000 books that were distributed throughout the Greater New Haven community.

Turner has long been active in the community and in addition to United Way, she serves on several other Boards and commiunity organizations. Diane is leader and philanthropist both here and abroad. Several years ago, as a member of the Sister Cities/Freetown Board, she visited Sierra Leone and has spearheaded several missionary projects in Togo, West Africa, Sierra Leone and Sudan.

Elicia Pegues Spearman Elected to James W. Cooper Fellows Program

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:55:13 GMT

Congratulations to our Silver Star President, Attorney Elicia Pegues Spearman.

Press release issued by the Connecticut Bar Foundation on June 23, 2010:

ATTORNEY ELICIA PEGUES SPEARMAN ELECTED TO THE

CONNECTICUT BAR FOUNDATION

JAMES W. COOPER FELLOWS PROGRAM

Attorney Elicia Pegues Spearman of Cheshire was elected a 2011 Fellow of the Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows Program, according to Timothy S. Fisher, President of the Connecticut Bar Foundation.

The James W. Cooper Fellows Program was established to honor the leading members of the legal profession and the Judiciary in

Connecticut. Membership in the Fellows is by invitation only and is evidence of professional distinction. Sixty-Eight new Fellows were elected this year. “We are pleased to recognize our new Fellows for their distinguished services to our legal system, and for their commitment to the principles of equal justice and the rule of law,” said Attorney Fisher.

Attorney Spearman is a Human Resources Business Partner at Aetna Inc. in Hartford. She received a B.A. from Wellesley College in 1987 and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve School of Law in 1990. She was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 1991. She is also admitted to the bars of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington D.C., and the United States Supreme Court.

Attorney Spearman is a member of the George Crawford Black Bar Association. She also served on the following organizations: Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. as President; Children in Placement (CASA affiliate) as Board President; Lawyers For Children of America as a Board Member; and on the Executive Board for the Hartford Stage.

Attorney Spearman has received many honors and awards including: the Phenomenal Woman Award 2009, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; the Professional Award 2007, The New Haven Club of National Association of Negro Business Professional Women’s Club, Inc.; the CWRU Law Alumni Association's Distinguished Recent Graduate Award (11/2000); the FBI Dedicated Service Plaque (2/1998); and the Community Service Award, Legal Advisor to the Miss Black Connecticut Scholarship Pageant (4/1995). She was featured in the following publications: General Counsel, New England (1Q 2009) "Reacting to Violence in the Workplace”; Connecticut Law Tribune’s 12/22/08 edition “Dozen Who Made A Difference in 2008”; and on the cover of General Counsel, New England (Q2 2005) "Diversity by the Numbers”. She is a published author in Dear Sisters, Dear Daughters Words of Wisdom from Multicultural Women Attorneys Who’ve Been There and Done That (Copyright 2000 American Bar Association).

Attorney Spearman resides with her husband, Livie, in Cheshire. They have a daughter, Kaila. Attorney Spearman was honored at a reception at Bushnell Autorino Great Hall on May 10, 2011. The Fellows Program, now in its 17th year, has 831 members. In addition to lawyers in private practice, the group consists of U.S. Court of Appeals judges, U.S. District Court judges, Connecticut Supreme, Appellate, and Superior Court judges. It also includes corporate counsels and attorneys at corporations, heads of associations and corporations, directors and attorneys at legal services agencies, and lawyers in government. Finally, it includes the deans, former deans, and professors of law at Connecticut's law schools, past and current leadership of the Connecticut Bar Association, and numerous present and former government leaders.

The purpose of the Fellows Program is to promote better understanding of the legal profession and the judicial system and to explore ways to improve the profession and the administration of justice in Connecticut. The Fellows help advance the mission of the Connecticut Bar Foundation to further the rule of law in Connecticut. This mission is based on the fundamental premise that the rule of law is essential to an orderly and just society and must be available to all, regardless of power or resources. The Foundation serves this mission in part by working to secure and administer a reliable and sufficient flow of funds to support legal services and access to justice for persons of limited means.

Bill Cosby Visits Beecher Magnet School

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:29:20 GMT

Bill Cosby, who is best known as a comedian, actor and activist, visited Beecher Magnet School where Theta Epsilon Omega member, Kathy Russell Beck, is the Principal. Cosby was in New Haven and met with the Beecher students to promote academic achievement. Mrs. Russell Beck had the distinct opportunity to meet Mr. Cosby and photograph with him. Read the article and view the photograph of Russell Beck with Cosby in The New Haven Independent.

Khalilah Brown-Dean Writes for Uptown Magazine

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:17:40 GMT

UPTOWN Magazine publishes Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean's article, "Are HBCUs Still Relevant?"

Moy Ogilvie Named President of the LCD

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:40:14 GMT

Attorney Moy Ogilvie will serve as President of the Lawyer's Collaborative for Diversity (LCD) for 2011-2012. The organization was founded in 2003 by concerned lawyers to address issues of diversity within Connecticut's legal profession. Since then, the organization has made its mission to galvanize the legal community to make the state "a more attractive place for attorneys of color and women to practice law and find satisfying professional opportunities." In a press release issued by the LCD, the Executive Director said, "With Moy's professionalism and the respect that she has in Connecticut's legal community, I can only imagine the possibilities during her tenure."

For more information about the LCD, visit www.lawyerscollaborativefordiversity.org.

Evelyn Streater-Frizzle, Two-Time Awardee

Sun, 08 May 2011 02:17:37 GMT

Congratulations to Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter member Evelyn Streater-Frizzle who was recognized twice in one month by two outstanding organizations.

On April 27th, Start Community Bank bestowed one of its first annual "Community Catalyst" awards to Ms. Streater-Frizzle for her involvement in the New Haven community, particularly for her contributions to the Whalley, Edgewood and Beaverdale neighborhoods. It was said that the recipients of these awards are members of the New Haven community who lead lives of powerful example, and who, with little fanfare or recognition, serve as positive role models and agents of change.

Then, on April 28th, Ms. Streater-Frizzle received a Special Recognition Award from Marrakech, Inc. for her advocacy in her neighborhood. Marrakech recognizes individuals for seeing a need in the community and for doing something to address it. Like Ms. Streater-Frizzle, the individuals they recognize take on the responsibility to improve the lives of those in need, reflecting the mission and vision of the founders of Marrakech.

Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter is proud to have Evelyn Streater-Frizzle as a member. Just as she gives of herself to her community, she does the same in the name of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Jade Gopie Featured in National TV Commercial

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:55:38 GMT

Theta Epsilon Omega member Jade Gopie was featured in her own television commercial sponsored by ExxonMobil and The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI). The NMSI was launched in 2007 by top leaders in business, education, and science to reverse the United States' troubling decline in math and science education. They find proven programs that are producing real results in the lives of students and teachers and expanding them across the nation. One of those remarkable teachers is Jade Gopie who is the Advanced Placement (AP) Biology teacher at Wilby High School in Waterbury, CT. Ms. Gopie's commercial televised nationally for the first time during the Masters Golf Tournament in April of 2011. Click here to watch what she has to say about her AP program and students.

Gov. Malloy Appoints Moy Ogilvie to Criminal Justice Commission

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:02:56 GMT

GOV. MALLOY APPOINTS MEMBERSHIP OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSION

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has appointed six highly respected lawyers and jurists to the state’s Criminal Justice Commission. Governor Malloy named Justice Richard N. Palmer of Cromwell; Judge Juliett L. Crawford of New Haven; Mary M. Galvin of West Haven; Maura H. Horan of South Windsor; Moy N. Ogilvie of West Hartford; and Ann G. Taylor of Weatogue.

“These members will lead the effort to recruit a diverse group of highly qualified attorneys from around the state as candidates for appointment as prosecutors,” Governor Malloy said. “I have no doubt these nominees understand the needs of our criminal justice system, specifically when it comes to selecting prosecutors who will lead the fight against crime, focus on the public safety needs of our state and the enforcement of crime victims’ rights.”

Governor Malloy also announced he has re-appointed Justice Palmer to serve as Chair of the commission, a position he has held since 2006.

The Criminal Justice Commission is an autonomous body constitutionally charged with appointing all prosecutors of the Division of Criminal Justice, including the chief state’s attorney, deputy chief state’s attorney, and state’s attorneys for judicial districts, along with their deputies and assistants. It is composed of the Chief State’s Attorney and six attorneys nominated by the Governor, two of whom must be judges of the Superior Court.

The Honorable Richard N. Palmer was appointed as member and chair of the Criminal Justice Commission by Governor M. Jodi Rell in April 2006. He has served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court since 1993. From 1991 through 1993 he was the Chief State’s Attorney for Connecticut, and in 1991 he was appointed to the position of United States Attorney for Connecticut.

The Honorable Juliett L. Crawford has served as a judge of the Superior Court since 1998. In addition to her experience as an instructor in trial advocacy at the Yale University School of Law, Judge Crawford served as Assistant State’s Attorney and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney from 1984 through 1998. Prior to that, she worked as a legislative assistant to Senator Lowell Weicker, worked at the U.S. Social Security Administration, and served in the United States Army.

Mary M. Galvin is senior counsel at the Travelers Indemnity Company in Hartford. Previously, she served as Dean of Education for the National District Attorneys Association in Columbia, South Carolina. She was State’s Attorney for the judicial district of Ansonia/Milford from 1988 through 2006, Chief Assistant State’s Attorney in New Haven from 1985 through 1987, Assistant State’s Attorney from 1977 through 1985, and was an Assistant Prosecutor from 1975 through 1977.

Maura H. Horan was appointed to the Criminal Justice Commission in 2007 by Governor M. Jodi Rell. She currently works as an attorney for Ruben, Johnson, Morgan & Horan, P.C., practicing in the areas of civil litigation, commercial leasing and real estate and mortgage transactions. Her experience includes loan transaction documentation, leasing, complex commercial litigation, pre-judgment remedy proceedings, mortgage foreclosures, contract disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, summary process actions and property tax appeals.

Moy N. Ogilvie is a partner at McCarter & English, practicing in the area of product liability, toxic tort matters and pharmaceutical matters. She has handled state and federal court matters involving exposure to various chemicals or products, and has served as national coordinating counsel for a chemical manufacturer’s benzene docket. She currently serves on the Federal Grievance Committee for the United States District Court for Connecticut, which handles attorney discipline in the Connecticut federal courts.

Ann G. Taylor has served as a member of the Criminal Justice Commission since 1999. She is General Counsel for the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. She is a former Commissioner of the Connecticut State Ethics Commission and also has served as an Alternate Member of the State of Connecticut Judicial Review Council.

###

For Immediate Release: March 30, 2011

Contact: David Bednarz
David.Bednarz@ct.gov
860-524-7315 (office)
860-770-9792 (cell)

Click here to read press release at the Office of the Governor website.

Gateway Community College Helps People in Need

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:29:39 GMT

Gateway Community College hosted its annual Holiday Dinner for the less fortunate. "Events like this one let people know that we really care," said Dorsey Kendrick, member of Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter and President of Gateway Community College. The event attracted over 700 people, including 280 children. The college donated the dinner, warm coats, hats and scarves, and toys for the children. Click here to read the news article reported by The New Haven Register.

Krissie Williams, Accomplished Author Does It Again

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 18:13:57 GMT

Krissie Williams publishes her second novel, Breath. Purchase the e-book here to enjoy this spine-tingling must read. Print copy will be available Summer 2011.

Moy Ogilvie, Connecticut's High Achiever in Law

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 20:27:27 GMT

Moy Ogilvie is featured in the Connecticut Law Tribune's 2010 Edition of Women in the Law. This special biennial section of the Tribune features a diverse group of high-achieving women in the field of law. Attorney Ogilvie is a Partner in the Product Liability Practice Group at McCarter & English LLP where she handles a wide array of business litigation, and has significant experience in product liability, toxic tort and pharmaceutical matters. She has tried state and federal court cases. Attorney Ogilvie is a past recipient of the Hartford Business Journal's 40 Under Forty award, a distinction given to members of the Greater Hartford community who are committed to business growth, personal excellence and deep community involvement.

United Way Says Thanks to Yale

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 02:39:51 GMT

The New Haven Register, Wednesday, June 23, 2010

By Mark Zaretsky, Register Staff

NEW HAVEN — To say Diane Turner led the United Way of Greater New Haven’s 2009-10 Community Campaign during a challenging time is a bit of an understatement.

“In case you haven’t heard, it’s tough,” United Way board Chairman Al Smith told over 100 campaign supporters Tuesday night at a reception at the New Haven Country Club to honor Turner and her employer, Yale University, for their commitment to the community.

The reception also celebrated that in the midst of that tough environment, the campaign was able to raise $5.2 million.

When Turner, Yale’s associate university librarian for human resources, took the position as United Way campaign chairwoman after being recommended to Smith by Yale Vice President for New Haven and State Affairs Bruce Alexander, “She brought her incredible gifts to the campaign,” Smith said.

“She opened doors that had not been open before” and “introduced us to new donors,” said Smith, managing partner of the Murtha Cullina law firm. “She helped us raise $5.2 million in an extraordinary fundraising environment.”

Turner called it “interesting and extremely challenging” to lead the past year’s campaign, but said the end result shows the strength of the community. “We can achieve anything if we work united” and draw upon the community’s resources and knowledge, she said.

President Richard Levin accepted the United Way’s thanks on behalf of Yale after being introduced by United Way of Greater New Haven President and CEO Jack Healy.

Healy said that under Levin’s leadership of Yale, “We have seen amazing changes in the city” and its relationship with the university.

He talked about the many ways Yale helps the city, from the School of Management giving advice to nonprofits, to the School of Law working with groups to help keep homeowners out of foreclosure, to the Yale Home Buyers Program, which gives Yale employees assistance to buy homes in New Haven.

Levin said that every citizen is in the debt of those who work to make the city a better place. With regard to Yale, he said, “It does make me proud as the head of the university to know that the actual individuals at the university are in the mix” when it comes to making New Haven a better community.

“It has been a challenge,” said Smith. But “the great thing about the community ... is that those who are able to at all dig a little deeper” during challenging times “because they realize” that those in the most difficult situations have it even harder when times are bad, he said.

Heidi McIntosh Receives Casey Fellowship

Tue, 25 May 2010 02:59:57 GMT

Heidi McIntosh has been chosen by the Annie E. Casey Foundation as a member of its prestigious 2010-2011 Children and Family Fellowship Class. The Casey Foundation, a nationally-renowned child welfar organization, established the fellowship "to increase the pool of leaders with the vision, drive, and ability to create and sustain major system reforms and community initiatives that benefit large numbers of children and families." Only 18 leaders across the nation were chosen for this honor. Ms. McIntosh, a Deputy Commissioner for the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families, has assisted many states, including Connecticut, with improving the quality of child welfare practice. The 20-month fellowship offers the opportunity for professional development through executive seminars and site visits to learn about innovative agencies and organizations across the country. In addition, resources to apply effective service delivery models are also offered as part of the fellowship, which will allow Deputy Commissioner McIntosh to focus on specific program improvement initiatives here in Connecticut.

Theta Epsilon Omega Recognizes Member Graduates and Retirees

Fri, 21 May 2010 22:01:32 GMT

Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter congratulates its members who have graduated or retired in 2010. All of the graduates and retirees will be officially recognized at the chapter's annual Dinner Dance on Saturday, June 5, 2010. The Dinner Dance is the chapter's largest fundraiser to support its scholarship and community service programs. For tickets, please e-mail fundraising@akanewhaven.org.

Kelly P. Brett, advanced graduate study at the Parsons School of Art and Design in Paris, France
Darcey Cobbs-Lomax, Walden University, Masters of Public Health
Stacy Risco, University of New Haven, Masters of Business Administration
Chereece Smith, Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy, Licensed Massage Therapist
Althea Norcott, James Hillhouse High School, 38 Years of Service
Evelyn Streater-Frizzle, Yale University, 38 Years of Service
Sheila Saunders, Yale University, 26 Years of Service

Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean on C-SPAN, Discussion on Race

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:04:18 GMT

In November of 2009, the Congressional Black Caucus held a forum to examine the critical role of race in our society. Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean joined several esteemed members of a panel on Capitol Hill to participate in the "Discussion on Race" that was televised on C-SPAN. Click here to view a segment of the video.

United Way Celebrates 2009 Campaign Chair

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 23:14:24 GMT

Diane Y. Turner is the 2009 United Way of Greater New Haven Campaign Chair. The United Way previously recognized Ms. Turner as a community champion. Under her leadership, the Days of Caring Book Drive held annually at Yale University was expanded to include other area colleges and universities, thereby doubling the number of books collected. Well over 4,000 books have been collected and donated to New Haven Reads and Read to Grow.

Katurah A. Bryant Joins National Board

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:15:32 GMT

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) welcomed Katurah A. Bryant, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, to its board. NADA conducts training and provides public education about the use of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for addictions and mental disorders. Ms. Bryant is a certified Acupuncture Detox Specialist and trainer of the NADA method derived from the Chinese medicine theory of detoxification.

Dr. Deborah D. Desir Featured on Panel, Women and Health

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 23:07:55 GMT

Dr. Deborah D. Desir of the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center, appeared on a televised panel entitled, “Women: Maintaining Health and Well-being” on Citizens Television’s 21^st Century Conversations. Click here to read more about what Dr. Desir says about women of color and osteoporosis.

Katurah A. Bryant, Featured Writer

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:52:26 GMT

Katurah A. Bryant, LMFT shares her insight on relationships in her article As Is... written for The FLOW.

Krissie Williams Publishes First Novel

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:55:40 GMT

Krissie Williams publishes her first novel, Adventures in Martyrdom. To purchase copies of her book, visit http://krissietheauthor.com/.

Khalilah Brown-Dean, Soros Foundation Fellow

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 21:01:46 GMT

The Soros Foundation awards Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean the Justice Advocacy Fellowship. This fellowship funds outstanding individuals to initiate innovative policy advocacy projects that will have a measurable impact on the United States criminal justice system.

Junior League of Greater New Haven Names New Leader

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:17:27 GMT

The Junior League of Greater New Haven inducted Ashika Brinkley as its new president for 2009-2010. Founded in 1923, the non-profit women's organization provides leadership, volunteer training, and service opportunities to its members.

Shuana Tucker-Sims, In the Alumnae Spotlight

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:08:17 GMT

Ursuline Academy of New Orleans, Louisiana interviews Dr. Shuana Tucker-Sims for her current research on issues related to urban schooling.

Khalilah Brown-Dean, Race and Justice Panelist

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:06:15 GMT

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean speaks about race and justice and the presidential election on the panel "On Victory: Have We Won the Race?"

Elicia Pegues Spearman Leads Workplace Violence Initiative

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:14:19 GMT

Elicia Pegues Spearman leads workplace and domestic violence initiative at The Aetna, Inc.

Ashika Brinkley on the "Asthma Beat"

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 21:18:09 GMT

The New Haven Independent interviews Ashika Brinkley for her work assisting minorities and low-income people better manage their asthma.

Rising Leaders in the Hartford Community

Sun, 30 Nov 2008 21:20:12 GMT

Rising leaders, Moy Ogilvie and Evelyn Williams, are graduates of the 2008 Quest Program sponsored by the Leadership Greater Hartford.

Doris Dumas Speaks on the 2008 Election

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:23:00 GMT

Doris Dumas speaks to The New Haven Register about Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter's Voter Empowerment Campaign for the 2008 Presidential Election.

Jacquelyn Wilson, Marathon Runner

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:27:23 GMT

Jacquelyn Wilson runs 26.2 miles in 5 hours and 4 minutes in the ING New York City Marathon raising $4,100 to benefit Hole in the Wall Camps, Inc.

Vanessa D. Roberts, CT's High Achiever

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:36:53 GMT

The Connecticut Law Tribune recognizes Attorney Vanessa D. Roberts as one of Connecticut's high achieving women in the field of law. Attorney Roberts, this year, also received the Alumni Legacy Award from the New Haven Public School Foundation, Inc. and the Professional Award from the Elm City Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.

Jeffie Frazier, New Haven's Living Legend

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:30:08 GMT

Wexler-Grant Community School honors retiring principal, Jeffie R. Frazier, by dedicating the school library and media center in her name.

Jonnie Lewis-Thorpe, A Good Egg

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:34:15 GMT

Jonnie Lewis-Thorpe receives the Community Good Egg Award from the Greater New Haven Community Loan Fund. She was recently named the 2008 Photojournalist of the Northeast District of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.

Khalilah L. Brown-Dean Receives Organization's Highest Award

Thu, 01 May 2008 21:44:00 GMT

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean receives the Sojourner Truth Award from the New Haven Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc.

Ashika Brinkley, Head of the Class

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:40:15 GMT

Ashika Brinkley graduates from the sorority's Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Leadership Academy and received Dean's List Award. Ms. Brinkley was a member of the inaugural class of the leadership academy.

Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter AKAlades

Executive celebrated for nurturing next generation of leaders

Biden nominates associate state Attorney General Vanessa Avery as Connecticut’s first Black female U.S. attorney

Biden nominates associate state Attorney General Vanessa Avery as Connecticut’s first Black female U.S. attorney

Moy Ogilvie Selected as one of Hartford Business Journal's Power 50 Class of 2021

Deborah Dyett Desir, MD, Joins ACR Executive Committee as Secretary

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean Appears on MSNBC

Jeffie Frazier Way Unveiled

Jeffie Frazier Way Unveiled

Referrals rise, shortage remains for speech-language pathologists in Connecticut

Filling positions

Moy Ogilvie-Johnson, appointed Hartford Office Managing Partner

Hundreds Bid Godspeed to "Dr. K"

Shelly Daniley Hicks, Sisters' Journey February Survivor of the Month

President Obama honors federally-funded early-career scientists

Elicia Pegues Spearman receives lifetime humanitarian service award

New Haven NAACP celebrates stamp for black church founder

Dr. Khalilah L. Brown-Dean co-authors 50 Years of the Voting Rights Act report

Dr. Camille Cooper featured in PBS documentary, 180 Days: Hartsville

Yale University's Working Women's Network Spotlight on Dori Dumas

Dr. Jacquelyn Y. Taylor earns tenure and awarded $3.4 million grant

New Haven NAACP’s 1st elected female President Dori Dumas called a ‘born leader’

New Haven NAACP’s 1st elected female President Dori Dumas called a ‘born leader’

DORI DUMAS CALLED A ‘BORN LEADER’

RACIAL EQUALITY AND LEADERSHIP

EYES ON GOVERNOR’S RACE

SPEAKING OUT ON IMPORTANT ISSUES

FEMALE IN CHARGE

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Member nominated for People's Choice Award

Members recognized for outstanding work

Remembering Troy Davis, One Year Later

Dr. Tucker-Sims, 2012 Salute to Excellence Awardee

Panel Chat on the N-Word

Members rewarded for good deeds

Connecticut NAACP Honors Two Members

Diane Y. Turner Named Chairman of the Board of Directors

Elicia Pegues Spearman Elected to James W. Cooper Fellows Program

Bill Cosby Visits Beecher Magnet School

Khalilah Brown-Dean Writes for Uptown Magazine

Moy Ogilvie Named President of the LCD

Evelyn Streater-Frizzle, Two-Time Awardee

Jade Gopie Featured in National TV Commercial

Gov. Malloy Appoints Moy Ogilvie to Criminal Justice Commission

Gateway Community College Helps People in Need

Krissie Williams, Accomplished Author Does It Again

Moy Ogilvie, Connecticut's High Achiever in Law

United Way Says Thanks to Yale

Heidi McIntosh Receives Casey Fellowship

Theta Epsilon Omega Recognizes Member Graduates and Retirees

Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean on C-SPAN, Discussion on Race

United Way Celebrates 2009 Campaign Chair

Katurah A. Bryant Joins National Board

Dr. Deborah D. Desir Featured on Panel, Women and Health

Katurah A. Bryant, Featured Writer

Krissie Williams Publishes First Novel

Khalilah Brown-Dean, Soros Foundation Fellow

Junior League of Greater New Haven Names New Leader

Shuana Tucker-Sims, In the Alumnae Spotlight

Khalilah Brown-Dean, Race and Justice Panelist

Elicia Pegues Spearman Leads Workplace Violence Initiative

Ashika Brinkley on the "Asthma Beat"

Rising Leaders in the Hartford Community

Doris Dumas Speaks on the 2008 Election

Jacquelyn Wilson, Marathon Runner

Vanessa D. Roberts, CT's High Achiever

Jeffie Frazier, New Haven's Living Legend

Jonnie Lewis-Thorpe, A Good Egg

Khalilah L. Brown-Dean Receives Organization's Highest Award

Ashika Brinkley, Head of the Class