Waterbury's Leaders

Contemporary Thought Leaders
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  • Dr. Fumiko Hoeft
    Director of UConn Waterbury and a world-renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Hoeft is recognized for her leadership in higher education and efforts to create career opportunities for students in the region4.
  • John Hopkins
    CEO of Post University, Hopkins is rethinking higher education and implementing innovative strategies that benefit both the university and the broader Waterbury community4.
  • Molly Kellogg
    As the sixth-generation owner of Hubbard-Hall, Kellogg is leading one of Waterbury’s oldest companies through innovation and sustainability, ensuring its relevance in the modern economy4.
  • Frank Monteiro
    International CEO and local philanthropist, Monteiro is known for his business acumen and his commitment to giving back to Waterbury through various charitable initiatives4.
  • Bob Burns
    Executive Director of the Mattatuck Museum, Burns is expanding the museum’s role as a center for storytelling, culture, and community engagement4.
  • Frank Tavera
    CEO of the Palace Theater, Tavera has elevated the theater’s profile as a premier performance venue, drawing attention to Waterbury’s cultural assets4.
  • Cathy Awwad
    Workforce development leader, Awwad is known for her work carving career pathways and building partnerships that support Waterbury’s workforce and economic growth4.
  • Celina Caetano
    Physician and faith leader, Caetano is recognized for her impact in medicine and her broader vision for community health and wellness4.
  • Fred Spagnolo
    Chief of Police, Spagnolo is a thought leader in public safety and community-police relations, focusing on trust and collaboration4.
  • Saran D. White
    CEO of the Leever Foundation, White is a strategist in equity, philanthropy, and civic engagement, supporting transformational change and justice in Waterbury78.
  • Kelonda L.
    Nonprofit and community engagement leader, Kelonda has worked across Connecticut to advance educational and philanthropic initiatives, including at Waterbury Promise6.
  • Noelia Giusti
    Leader in scholar outreach and post-secondary success, Giusti is known for her work supporting Waterbury students and families through Waterbury Promise6.
  • Leah Juliett
    LGBTQ+ activist, spoken word poet, nonprofit leader, and philanthropist, Juliett is nationally recognized for their advocacy and leadership, and was born in Waterbury5.



Historical Thought Leaders
  • Jahana Hayes
    U.S. Congresswoman and former National Teacher of the Year, born in Waterbury, Hayes is a prominent voice in education and social justice5.
  • John S. Monagan
    Former Mayor of Waterbury (1943–1948), U.S. Congressman (1959–1973), and prolific author, Monagan was a thought leader in politics and literature5.
  • Annie Leibovitz
    One of the world’s most celebrated portrait photographers, Leibovitz was born in Waterbury and is renowned for her creative vision and influence in the arts5.
  • Samuel Hopkins
    Theologian and early American religious leader, Hopkins was born in Waterbury and contributed significantly to Congregationalist thought5.



Community and Philanthropic Leaders
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  • The Leever Family
    Through the Leever Foundation, the family has supported transformational change, equity, and community development in Waterbury for decades78.
  • Angela Ciochetti
    Leader in nonprofit operations and communications, supporting educational and community initiatives in Waterbury6.

Other Leaders

Achievers Gala and Awards Ceremony
Madre Latina
Leadership, Growth, and Self-Improvement
Ron Napoli
Boys and Girls Club Promotes Leadership
Leadership, Growth, and Self-Improvement
Waterbury's Beamon Honored
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