Latina Empowerment & Waterbury Make Music Day

June 17, 2024

I was proud to see Latina empowerment on full display as a group of women became the first in our state to graduate from a prestigious organization. Please keep reading below to learn more about the Latinas in Leadership Institute.

Get ready for a big party on Friday! Waterbury Make Music Day promises to be a fun event full of music, dance, and great food! Performers will be singing every genre all over the city. You will find the full music lineup below!

I was honored to attend a military funeral in which a veteran was laid to rest 80 years after serving our country. You can learn more about Sergeant Kenneth McKeeman's life below.

You will find the following sections below:

  • Latina Empowerment
  • Waterbury Make Music Day
  • Fallen Soldier Buried 80 Years After His Death
 
Latina Empowerment
It is amazing to see Latinas coming together and showing the world what they can do! I was in Hartford at the Latinas & Power Symposium to celebrate the first class in Connecticut to graduate from the Latinas in Leadership Institute. It was a great opportunity to listen to inspirational speeches and panels, take part in breakout sessions, and network with experts.
The Latinas in Leadership Institute recognizes the urgency of getting more people of color and women in leadership positions. Everyone deserves a voice, and this organization is working to address that challenge head on. It strives to cultivate a robust pipeline of talented Latina leaders prepared to succeed in leadership and management positions within their companies and as informed advocates in their communities.
 
Waterbury Make Music Day
You’re invited to join the party at Waterbury Make Music Day, which is part of a worldwide celebration of music! There will be live, outdoor performances on Friday, June 21 from 5 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. at various locations throughout the city. The biggest shows will be at Waterbury City Hall on Grand Street. Admission is free and food trucks are on-site.
Other venues include the Love and Care Community Garden, St. John's Episcopal Church, Central Square, and Silas Bronson Library.
Click here for the full lineup
Make Music Waterbury will feature musicians of all abilities and music from any genre. Sidewalks, parks, front porches, and public spaces throughout the city will become stages for local musicians to perform and for all to enjoy. Everyone is invited to participate in this international day of music by performing, providing an outdoor space, appreciating, or volunteering. It’s all for the love of music!
 
Fallen Soldier Buried 80 Years After His Death

I had the honor to attend the burial of a veteran who died 80 years ago fighting for our freedoms in World War II. Sergeant Kenneth McKeeman was laid to rest with full military honors at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.
The burial was timely and heartfelt considering that D-Day took place 80 years ago. Sgt. McKeeman’s family was there to honor and remember his life. Thank you to Sgt. McKeeman, our veterans, and active-duty military members for all that you do to protect our democracy.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Sgt. McKeeman, to listen to family reaction, and to see more of the touching funeral.