Last year, Charter Oak State College was recognized nationally for advancing educational opportunities for women through an innovative program that was launched with support from the Hartford Foundation. At the awards ceremony, I had the pleasure of speaking with Astrid Hanzalek, a former state representative who, in the early 1970s, helped introduce legislation that established Charter Oak. We are also pleased to count Astrid and her husband, Fred, among the generous friends of the Foundation.

As I attend events throughout Greater Hartford, I am reminded of how connected we are – united by the common goal of improving life for residents of our region. This issue of “Conversations” highlights a few of the ways we accomplish this goal through education – by helping women obtain college degrees, bringing urban and suburban students together, and improving literacy skills.

I am honored to work alongside dedicated individuals like Astrid, members of our Catalyst and Latino Endowment Funds, and other friends in the community like Ophni Davis, who through his hair salon, spreads the word about Hartford Foundation scholarships. In this issue of “Conversations,” I hope you enjoy reading about the individual – but interrelated – efforts of inspiring people in this region.

Linda J. Kelly
President