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About Us

The Women’s Advancement Initiative benefits the University of Hartford by challenging and supporting today’s students in the Hartford College for Women tradition.

Through scholarships, leadership development programs, grants, and events, the Women’s Advancement Initiative:

  • Enhances access to educational opportunities
  • Empowers students to lead
  • Enriches the greater University community and beyond

Women's Advancement Initiative Staff

Amy Jaffe Barzach
Executive Director, The Women’s Advancement Initiative
President’s Office

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Glandina (Dina) Morris
Director, The Women’s Advancement Initiative
President’s Office

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Christina Stone
Assistant Director, The Women's Advancement Initiative
President’s Office

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Saskia Butler
Administrative Assistant, The Women’s Advancement Initiative
President’s Office

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Meet our Board Members

BOARD OFFICERS
Pearl Douglas, Chair
Kim Barberi ’99, ’02 (HCW), Vice Chair
Mary Ellen Ladieu, Vice Chair and Treasurer
Judy Casperson, Treasurer
Karishma Pinto ’17, M’18 (LEAD), Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lynn Baronas
Deb Cerwinski ’85
Amy Chorew
Barry Lastra
Karen Gibbs Orefice ’65 (HCW)
Katharine A. Owens
Molly O’Shea Polk
Sabrina Streeter ’18 (LEAD)
H. Frederick Sweitzer
Dr. Nicole Turnbow

Founding Board Chair: Lucille M. Nickerson

Support The Women's Advancement Initiative

There are many ways to support The Women’s Advancement Initiative. You make the difference in our initiatives by contributing your financial support, time, and expertise.

Volunteer

Community members are welcome to attend our leadership sessions, outings, and events. If you are interested in volunteering, please get in touch with Executive Director Amy Jaffe Barzach.

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Mentor

Students in the LEAD Program are looking for mentors in all career fields and opportunities to do short-term job shadowing. If you are interested in helping in either capacity, please get in touch with us.

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Hire An Intern

The students who participate in The Women’s Advancement Initiative are highly capable, intelligent, and talented, seeking internships and career placement with local companies. This is mutually beneficial for companies looking to attract and retain talent. If you are interested in hiring a student or alumnae, please contact us.

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Give to Our Programs

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Unrestricted annual gifts provide essential support for the day–to–day needs of The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s programs, including LEAD, Dorothy Goodwin Project Grants, Laura Johnson Leaders, and our events.

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