2024 STRONG, SMART, AND BOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS
Non-profit announces chosen recipients to be recognized at 23rd Annual Strong, Smart, and Bold Awards Celebration
MERIDEN, CT, APRIL 9, 2024— In 2024, Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central Connecticut (GIMCC) will present the prestigious Strong, Smart, and Bold Woman of the Year Award to an accomplished woman who exemplifies confidence, strength, perseverance, and impact in the communities it serves, in addition to newly added award categories at the Annual Awards Celebration on May 8, 2024. GIMCC is proud to announce this year’s honorees:
- Hilda Santiago, Connecticut State Representative – Strong, Smart, and Bold Woman of the Year
- Yvette Highsmith Francis, Regional Vice President of Community Health Center Inc. – Strong Award
- Donna Hylton, Board of Directors Chairman, President, and CEO of STEAM Train Inc. – Smart Award
- Nickimmy Hayes, AFT Connecticut Organizer, Meriden Board of Education Member – Bold Award
GIMCC’s award selection committee (comprised of staff, board members, alumnae, and past award recipients) convened in the week after nominations closed to discuss the more than 40 nominations submitted for this year’s awards. The nominees come from many different fields including education, politics, advocacy, healthcare, finance and operations, entrepreneurship, and community service, among others. While many communities directly impacted by these nominees’ professional endeavors exist within central Connecticut, various other communities in further-reaching areas of the state are impacted by their work as well.
“It was wonderful to see so many submissions praising such committed individuals in our central Connecticut communities across all four award categories this year,” says Laura Tiedge, GIMCC Executive Director. “The diversity in professions, as well as areas and avenues of impact will bring outstanding examples of inspiration and dedication to an Annual Celebration that has been part of our affiliate’s history for almost a quarter of a century. We are delighted to honor Hilda, Yvette, Donna, and Nickimmy for all their meaningful efforts to improve the lives of women and girls in Connecticut.”
The honorees are impeccable role models for girls who have demonstrated their leadership through service, and who are positively impacting the lives and futures of Connecticut’s girls, mirroring what Girls Inc. wishes for every girl to be: Strong. Smart. Bold. Award recipients will be honored, and all nominees acknowledged, at the Annual Strong, Smart, and Bold Awards Celebration on May 8, 2024.
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About Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central CT
In partnership with schools, community-based organizations, and at Girls Inc. centers, Girls Inc. focuses on the development of the whole girl. Girls learn to value themselves, take risks, and discover and develop their inherent strengths. The combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and evidence-based programming equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Each day, Girls Inc. inspires ALL girls to be strong, smart, and bold.
Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central CT Website
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