In addition to inducting Rosa DeLauro, Barbara Hackman Franklin, Linda Koch Lorimer, and Augusta Lewis Troup at its 20th Annual Induction Ceremony & Celebration, “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment,” on November 6, 2013, the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame (CWHF) will recognize 10 Education and Empowerment Honorees for 2013. Stratford resident and Domus associate executive director Julie DeGennaro is one of those Honorees.
Julie DeGennaro is Associate Executive Director for Domus, a Connecticut-based organization that provides residential programs, charter schools and community programs to vulnerable youth. Upon joining Domus twenty years ago, DeGennaro realized quickly that most programs focused on the needs of boys. To address this problem, she developed and established gender-specific programming that better serves high-risk girls. These evidence-based programs provide a safe place for young women to get help tailored to their specific needs and experiences while building social skills, addressing relationship challenges among girls, and developing emotional intelligence. When Domus opened its first charter school for middle school students, DeGennaro developed a class specifically geared toward young women where they not only learn about health and hygiene but also hear from female mentors within a supportive, encouraging environment. She has also established the Women’s Leadership Group for Domus employees, which has implemented solutions to workplace challenges identified by employees and builds an environment where female employees are supported, challenged, and developed.
“As we mark 20 years of highlighting remarkable women’s stories, we celebrate the incredible community we are building to inspire the next generation and women of all ages,” says Katherine Wiltshire, executive director of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame. “This year’s honorees are leaders throughout the state who have devoted their careers to educating and empowering women and fostering their advancement.
The other nine Education and Empowerment Honorees for 2013 are:
Andrée Aelion Brooks - Celebrated journalist and author committed to increasing the number of women running for public office; founder and first president of Women’s Campaign School at Yale.
Carmen Cid - Long-time educator committed to advancing women and minorities in the field of science; Dean of Arts & Sciences, Eastern Connecticut State University.
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Merle Harris - Pioneer for on-line education and promotion of women moving back into the workforce; retired President, Charter Oak State College.
Donna Palomba - Award-winning advocate improving society’s response to victims of sexual assault through education, legislation and training; founder, Jane Doe No More, Inc.
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Fran Pastore - Leader promoting women’s economic empowerment and self-reliance; Founder, President, CEO, Women’s Business Development Council.
Alice Pritchard - Nationally recognized expert empowering women and girls to achieve equal opportunities in their personal and professional lives; Executive Director, CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund.
Jessica Sager/Janna Wagner - Innovative leaders lifting standards and availability of childcare, empowering women to become child care providers; Executive Director/ Chief Knowledge and Learning Officer, Co-Founders, All Our Kin.
Lynne Williamson - Creator of The Sewing Circle providing support and skills for immigrant women; Director, CT Cultural Heritage Arts Project, The Institute for Community Research.
Made possible by platinum sponsor The Hartford and other distinguished sponsors, the CWHF’s 20th Annual Induction Ceremony & Celebration which will take place on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. Inductees are: Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Representative of Connecticut’s 3rd district since 1990, sharp political strategist and champion of women’s causes; The Honorable Barbara Hackman Franklin, President and CEO of Barbara Franklin Enterprises, 29th U.S. Secretary of Commerce, led the first White House effort to recruit women for high-level government jobs; Linda Koch Lorimer, Vice President of Yale University, visionary leader in higher education, spearheading strategic partnerships locally and abroad; and historic Inductee Augusta Lewis Troup, union organizer, journalist and promoter of the suffrage movement, beloved educator and advocate for teachers and minority groups.
