CT NOW believes it is important to recognize the work of individuals and community activists across Connecticut who are leaders for women’s rights. Each month CT NOW will highlight a local CT resident who has displayed extraordinary dedication to advancing women’s rights.

Each winner will receive a certificate of appreciation and formal letter from the CT NOW Board of Directors. They will be featured on the CT NOW website and may even be highlighted in their local paper.

If you know someone who would be a great candidate for the

CT NOW Activist of the Month Award send your nomination to: lbachman32@yahoo.com

Check back to this page each month to learn about our winners!

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April 2012

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

 The Parent Leadership Training Institute

CT NOW is recognizing the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) and its facilitators this month for their commitment  to empowering parents to advocate for their children.

PLTI is a 20-week program offered by the Connecticut Commission on Children.  It encourages parents to become leaders in their communities by focusing on the needs of their kids.  Facilitators teach parents skills such as public speaking and give them the necessary information about how decisions that impact their children are made.  This gives participants the courage to speak up when they want to see a change in their local, state or federal government to help their kids.

To learn more about PLTI, please visit their website here .  PLTI is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year!

We are very impressed with the Parent Leadership Training Institute and hope you are too. Congratulations to all who have worked with this important program over the past 20 years!

March 2012

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

 Dr. Linda Meyer

Dr. Linda Meyer is being recognized this month for her commitment  to educating prisoners and for advocating for educational institutions to be able to continue to do so. Her recent support of S.B. 286, an act exempting higher institutions of higher education that offer free courses to inmates from state contracting requirements is inspiring.

The most important outcome of this bill  is the recidivism rate of prisoners will be reduced if these educational opportunities continue to be available in prisons, which will save the state of Connecticut  a great deal of money. The bill will exempt educational institutions from entering into contracts with the CT Dept. of Corrections, which will allow them to conitue to offer these opportunities.

To read the text of the bill that Dr. Meyer advocated for please click here!

We are very impressed with Dr. Meyer and hope you are too. Congratulations Linda!

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February 2012

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

 Representative Mae Flexer

Representative Mae Flexer is being recognized this month for her commitment  to advancing the rights of victims affected by domestic violence. Most recently she has been a leading force on the General Assembly’s Task Force On Law Enforcement Response to Family Violence and on the Speaker’s Task Force on Domestic Violence. Through these task forces she was able to help develop a statewide law enforcement model policy, establishment of a Family Violence Model Policy Governing Council to provide for an annual review of our state’s mandatory arrest law and other statutes concerning domestic violence and be a part of the creation of improved monitoring and enforcement of orders of protection. Additionally she helped recommend extending the maximum allowable length of restraining orders to up to one year and an increase to the accountability of batterers enrolled in the Family Violence Education Program and worked with state police to include mandatory domestic violence training for police officers. These are just a few of the many amazing recommendations she helped to create. Most important to me was that Mae recently said that she wants to change the public’s perception of domestic violence from ‘Why does she stay with him?’ ‘Why does she put up with it?’ to ‘Why does he think he can treat her that way.”

To read the article that was written about her recent in the Norwalk Plus Magazine work click here!

We are very impressed with Representative Flexer and hope you are too. Congratulations Mae!

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January 2012

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

 Jo Lynn Wilson

Jo Lynn Wilson is helping moms cope with the stresses of motherhood by working as a community mental health ambassador for the New Haven MOMS Partnership, which is just getting off the ground with a $2.5 million, five-year federal grant that she helped get funded. The program, the first of its kind in the state, is a joint effort of the city, the Yale Department of Psychiatry and moms like Jo Lynn to tackle mental health concerns among mothers.

After Jo Lynn’s son suffered injuries from a shooting, she was left with anxiety concerned for his safety. She was not afraid to get help from mental health professionals and wanted to spread the word on the street that it was okay for others to do so as well. She interviewed over  200 moms about their needs and the stresses in their lives. Those conversations formed the basis of the research for the program grant.

The MOMS Partnership set up empowerment groups where women come together to share stories and take part in workshops on topics like finance literacy and Zumba. Jo Lynn serves as a facilitator in these empowerment groups.

To read the article that was written about her in the New Haven Independent click here.

We are very impressed with Jo Lynn and hope you are too. Congratulations Jo Lynn!

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December 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

 Jessica Fenner

Jessica Fenner was chosen as Activist of the Month for December because of the amazing work she did to organize the 3rd annual Love Your Body 5K this past October. She did this in addition to serving as President of CT NOW.

Her work organizing, planning, fundraising, promoting, etc. were truly inspiring to the board of CT NOW and everyone who attended the race.  Although never done before we thought she was the perfect candidate for Activist of the Month.  Her ability to pull together funders and community groups and even board members was amazing. Even in difficult times she was helpful and persistent, which ensured the success of this year’s race. Everyone at CT NOW feels very lucky and thrilled to have her in this leadership role.

We are very impressed with Jessica  and hope you are too. Congratulations Jessica!

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November 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

Gissou Nia

Gissou Nia was chosen for Activist of the Month for November because of the amazing work she has done to protect human rights and women’s rights around the world.  Gissou recently accepted the Executive Director postion for The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center (IHRDC).  She rejoins IHRDC from her recent posting on a trial team at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, The Netherlands. Prior to that, she was a Legal Analyst at IHRDC and led field investigations in Turkey and Europe to collect documentation and interview 150+ survivors of human rights abuses perpetrated by the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI). She produced comprehensive reports on human rights violations of the rights of women and ethnic and religious minorities in Iran. She also advised governmental and regional bodies, policy makers, and non-governmental organizations on the human rights situation in Iran and the larger region.

Prior to her tenure at IHRDC, Gissou worked on war crimes trials at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) where she represented former government ministers from Bosnia and Kosovo in pre-trial, trial, and appellate proceedings. In her post at the ICTY, she conducted field investigations in the former Yugoslavia, and specialized in the doctrines of joint criminal enterprise and command responsibility liability.  Most recently, she assisted in proceedings at the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to allegations of crimes against humanity committed during the 2007/2008 post election violence in the Republic of Kenya.

To read the article that was written about Gissou click here.

We are very impressed with Gissou Nia and hope you are too. Congratulations Gissou!

October 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

Theresa Conroy and Mary Deming

Theresa Conroy and Mary Deming were chosen for Activist of the Month for October because of the amazing work they have done to raise awareness about breast cancer. Seeing that October is breast cancer awareness month, we thought they were  perfect nominations. Mary spearheaded the movement in 2009 to bring awarness to the issue and raise funds and created Seymour Pink, Inc., with the mission to unite a community in the fight against breast cancer. Theresa handles public relations for the organization. Through fundraising efforts, the organization’s goal is to fund breast cancer research, provide education and to empower and assist breast cancer victims and their families.

In October they are selling banners to be displayed around Seymour in memory of lost loved ones. They are organizing other events in October including a 5K run, a concert, and a wine tasting.  They were even able to convince local businesses to dress in pink and offer specials for one day in October. Theresa has been a huge part of this work being a success.

To read the article that was written about them in the New Haven Register click here.

We are very impressed with Theresa Conroy and Mary Deming and hope you are too. Congratulations Theresa and Mary!

September 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

Rear Adm. Sandy Stosz

Rear Adm. Sandy Stosz took over as superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, becoming the first woman to run a military academy in the nation’s history. She was the first woman to command a military ship on the Great Lakes and was the first female academy graduate to make admiral.  She loves helping young women find their passion and believes the Coast Guard is one of the best places to do that. Sandy is an inspiration to women!

To read the article that was written about her on NPR click here.

We are very impressed with Rear Adm. Stosz and hope you are too. Congratulations Sandy!

August 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

 JoAnne Grabinski

JoAnne Grabinski created a bee and buterfly garden in Meriden, with a grant from Yankee Gas and the help of many volunteers.   This garden will provide for shrinking butterfly and bee population and the flowers will be a source of nectar for bees, which will make honey. She also organized the Quinnipiac River Watershed Association’s Midsummer Celebration, where where speakers from the Yale Peabody Museum and other garden enthusiasts gave lectures throughout the day and vendors sold popcorn, homemade jewelry, cards and birdhouses.

In addition to helping the bees and butterflies, this garden is a peaceful place that residents can enjoy and provides master gardener students a place to complete their community service hours.  To read the article that was written about her in the Record Journal click here.

We are very impressed with JoAnn and hope you are too. Congratulations JoAnn!

July 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

 Amy Russell

Amy Russell created Walk4Water, an organization who’s  mission is to bring awareness and funds to the cause of clean water. In January she is planning a 7,000-mile, two-year trek across Africa in an effort to raise money to help provide clean drinking water for people in underdeveloped countries. Her goal to raise $8 million for wells, filtration systems and for other water-related projects in underdeveloped countries and do volunteer work with organizations already in Africa, learning about their work and meeting the people they help is truly inspiring.

To read the article that was written about her in the Boston Herald click here.

We are very impressed with Amy and hope you are too. Congratulations Amy!

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June 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

 Olivia Baker

Olivia Baker is a thirteen year old who has been fundraising since she was eight years old.  She began by raising money for Windham Area Interfaith Ministry’s (WAIM) Walk for Warmth and in the last five years has raised $9,550.  She sets an example for her peers by setting fundraising goals and creating a system that will ensure success.

She even asks for donations of clothing for children in Africa instead of birthday presents and then uses her birthday parties to arrange their shipping. Her spare time is spent volunteering in local soup kitchens and with her church’s mission projects.  To read the article that was written about her in the Hartford Courant click here.

We are very impressed with Olivia and hope you are too. Congratulations Olivia!

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May 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

Ellen Billard

Ellen Billard is a graduate of the UCONN School of Social Work. She is presently employed at the Legal Assistance Resource Center of Connecticut as the Coordinator of the Connecticut Alliance for Basic Human Needs. She plays a huge role in improving the lives of low-income women and children. She has been instrumental in getting legislation introduced which will enable women who are TANF recipients to receive higher education and college credit in lieu of work force participation.

We are very impressed with Ellen and hope you are too. Congratulations Ellen!

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April 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

Shannon Knall

Shannon Knall plays a huge role in making sure kids and adults with Autism receive the care and education they deserve.

Not only is she a great role model to her child who has Autism, she also has managed to get many state representatives and senators to support rights for people with Autism.  Furthermore, she has been and  continues to be to be a leader in the organization Autism Speaks.

Since April is Autism Awareness Month, we thought this was a very fitting nomination.  We are very impressed with Shannon and hope you are too. Congratulations Shannon!

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March 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

Mary Jones

Mary Jones hosts a show “The Mary Jones Show” on WDRC-AM 1360 and  “All That & More” spot on WVIT-TV, NBC 30.”  This show is geared to women and is about living your life as confidently as you can.

Recently Jones was invited to be part of a book on women and friendship. Due out in April, “Women and Friendship” will include stories that detail special connections and friendships among women.

Jones is involved with several programs that bring women together, including  her Believe Team, which was featured at the upcoming Connecticut Women’s Conference on March 24th at the Marriott Hotel in Farmington. This event was designed to bring women in the business community together for a day of networking and professional development. Jones  invited women to nominate themselves, a friend or a colleague to receive a makeover by her team.  This included bringing in a fitness coach, fashion consultant, life and success coach and a financial adviser to help the women who nominate themselves or others.

We are very impressed with Mary and hope you are too. Congratulations Mary!

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February 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

Lily Tomey and Dawn Manogue

Lily Toomey had open heart surgery when she was 18 weeks old for a congenital heart defect.  Her mother Dawn Manogue went into heart failure after she gave birth to Lily and was not expected to live.  She was diagnosed with Peripartum cardiomyopathy.  Today, both Lily and her mother are well, but are still monitored by doctors.

Because of this the mother and daughter pushed for Connecticut Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day in February.  They have also volunteered for groups that focus on heart disease and defects.  They constantly raise money and awareness.

We are very impressed with Dawn and Lily and hope you are too. Congratulations Dawn and Lily!

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January 2011

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

Tessa Marquis

Tessa Marquis has been critically active in fundraising for CT NARAL, as well as working consistently and effectively with CT state government.  In addition to fundraising, her political support has involved meaningful action for women.  She has sponsored female interns at her Milford business, and recently successfully supported a young woman to become Rep. DeLauro’s Congressional intern. Her work includes initiating a program to recognize and affirm Milford residents as Milford Treasures, including Claire Coulombe Phelan. We are very impressed with Tessa and hope you are too. Congratulations Tessa!

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December 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes To:

Judy Noble

Judy was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1998 and recently found out her 14-year-old daughter also had the disease. Judy formed the Team Noble for the Walk MS the year she was diagnosed which her daughter participated in until last year when she formed her own team called Lyndsay’s Loafers. Because of their dedication Judy and her daughter Lyndsay were named spokespeople for the 2011 Travelers Walk MS, presented by North American Power, which takes place Sunday, April 3, and Sunday, April 10, at 11 sites across Connecticut. To read a recent article about Judy click here.

November 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes to:

Susan Kiddy

Susan Kiddy is a mother, wife, PR specialist, photographer and much more. She is a person who loves life and takes time out to experience it. On several accounts Susan has volunteered to take pictures of priceless events. Recently, she was involved with the 5K “Love Your Body” campaign, where she donated her time to photograph the event.Congratulations Susan!

October 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes to:

Jaime Lazarus

Inspired by her mother’s battle with polycyclic kidney disease, Jaime Lazarus coordinated a walk last year to raise money for research into the genetic disorder. Lazarus is organizing another walk this year, this time with the knowledge that she also has the disease. Congrats Jaime!

September 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes to:

Lori Nacca

After Lori Nacca’s nine-year old daughter noticed that autistic classmates at her elementary school couldn’t play at the school’s playground because it was unsafe for children with any type of “atypical development” she helped to create Playground Pride Partnership. Together with staff members from the school they are leading a group aiming to raise $160,000 for a handicapped-accessible playground they would like by 2012. The new playground will be handicap accessible and will have sensory toys, and elevated areas. It will also give students with special needs the ability to practice social play skills that they have learned in class and have not been able to fully use at recess. Congratulations Lori!

August 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes to:

Janice Smolinksi

Janice, of Cheshire, has been an advocate for missing persons and crime victims since her son Billy Smolinski went missing in August 2004 from his Waterbury home. Most recently Jan helped introduce “Billy’s Law”. Billy’s Law secures funding for the only federal missing persons and unidentified remains database that can be cross-searched, accessed and added to by the public – the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs). The legislation helps to streamline the reporting process for law enforcement and medical examiners by connecting two major federal missing persons and unidentified remains databases - the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the NamUs.

Congratulations Jan!

July 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes to:

Maggie Luddy

Maggie, of Watertown, is a black belt in karate and teaches other children and adults about self-defense and self-awareness. Her program and website, called Maggie’s Mission, www.maggiesmission.org started after her aunt was killed as a result of an arson fire. Her goal is to bring useful assemblies into our schools and communities about safety and the need for ID KITS. Congrats Maggie!

June 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes to:

Anessa Haney

For her dedication to the empowerment of women and children in CT. First off, Anessa was the first woman EVER to run for the office of Mayor in Putnam, CT. Additionally, she inspires us by her ability to bring good into the world. Anessa lost her husband, Edward John Haney, to a malignant brain tumor in April 2007 and decided to help others who also are struggling with a sick family member. She decided to raise bunnies and provide them at no cost to children who are dealing with the stress of a sick parent so that they will have something positive and comforting in their lives to help them cope. We are so inspired by Anessa and hope you are too. To read a great article about her click here.

May 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Awards Goes to:

Julie Morrison

For her dedication and commitment to humanitarian causes. Julie, a 16-year-old young woman from Glastonbury, was recently featured in a news story in the Hartford Courant. She has inspired many of us with her leadership in raising funds to support Haiti. She continues to organize a “Hope for Haiti” can drive and is using her musical talent to organize an upcoming benefit concert that will also support Haiti. We believe that one person can make a difference and Julie is a terrific example of how one individual can have a big impact not only on her local community but the world as well. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do! You are an inspiration to women (especially young women!) everywhere.

April 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Awards Goes to:

Wanda Cobbs

For her leadership advocating for paid sick days for Connecticut workers. As a mom, Wanda understands the importance of having paid sick days to care not only for herself but for her children as well. She recently spoke at the Capitol about the need for paid sick days legislation and said “I’m a single mom raising three kids of my own, and money is always tight. I can’t afford to stay home.” Wanda, your courage to speak moved us – thank you for working on this important reform!

March 2010

CT NOW’s Activist of the Month Award Goes to:

Laura Cordes

For her leadership around protecting victims of sexual assault. During her time at CONNSACS, Laura was instrumental is passing Connecticut’s EC in the ER bill and in the establishment of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner’s program (just to name a few of her accomplishments). She also served as a vocal and active member of the Commission on the Standardization of the Collection of Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigations. Laura has continued advocating for women in the state since leaving CONNSACS and now lobbies at the capital on a variety of important progressive issues.

Congrats Laura!

February 2010

CT Activist of the Month Award Goes to:

Gretchen Raffa

In recognition of her leadership, dedication and passion for protecting and ensuring women’s access to vital reproductive health services. Gretchen is the Community Organizer for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. She is a leader in the pro-choice community both in Connecticut and nationally.