Our Staff  |  Community Impact  

Willona joined the Hartford Foundation in May 2022. In her role, Willona combines her artistic and social work experience to help improve the social determinants of health and improve access to basic human needs. For 20 years, Willona has practiced in nonprofit clinical settings to provide counseling services, crisis intervention for adults and children, and program development in various positions including Wheeler Clinic and the Urban League of Greater Hartford. Most recently, Willona served as a strong advocate for improving maternal health outcomes and developing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) committees at Hartford Healthcare.  Willona earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University in Biology and Education and a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.

What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
What I love and appreciate about the Greater Hartford area are the many opportunities to meet people with such beautiful, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.

What quote best represents your personal philosophy? “Prepare yourself so that you can be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.” -Maya Angelou

Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
I volunteer in the children’s video ministry at my church, Crossroads Community Cathedral in East Hartford, CT.