Member of the Month - HYPE Hartford - Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs

Ken Zielinski

My favorite things about HYPE are the events to meet others in the area, especially as an individual who moved here from out of state. HYPE has been a great way to meet new people.

Annie Fazzano

Being new to the Hartford area it has been a great way to meet people my age and network in this new city. HYPE members are incredible ambassadors for the city, and it’s been encouraging to see a new side of Hartford.

Rachel King

Since joining, everyone has been so open, welcoming, and encouraging. Even though we all come from diverse backgrounds, industries, and ages, it feels good to be a part of a group of like-minded individuals who share similar interests and are trying to make an impact in the community.

Cassandra Eilers

I am a Registered Nurse in the Operating Room at Hartford Hospital. I am responsible for the safety of my patients during invasive surgical procedures and I fulfill the role of patient advocate while they are in my care.

Octave Muhirwa

I love how diverse Hartford is; I can splurge on different cuisines within a few minutes' drive. Second, I love Hartford’s history; You can see it in the many buildings around that tell a story of its glorious past and a hope for the future.

Fabjola Qosja

My favorite thing about HYPE is definitely the professional and personal connections I’ve made with other members by attending events and being involved in the HYPE committees.

Christy Corey

I love the creative energy here. There are a lot of people working to make new and exciting things. I am always inspired to see how people re-purpose spaces, collaborate and find new ways to bring people together.

Janine Belsky

I first learned about HYPE several years ago when I saw it posted on social media. Since then, I always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to join. It seemed like a great opportunity to meet other young professionals in the area, get involved in volunteer projects within the community, and have an overall positive impact on the Hartford region. In the past year that I’ve been a member, HYPE has proved to meet these expectations and exceed them in proving the city’s motto, “Hartford Has It.”

Jesse Imse

HYPE provides so many unique opportunities for young professionals in the Hartford region. My favorite aspect is the diverse offerings of events the organization provides. Event themes range from general networking with fellow young professionals to larger scale events where you gain valuable access to leaders, dignitaries, and stakeholders from across the region.

Billy Grant IV

Meeting like-minded people is my goal every day. Any job has its pros and cons, but when you have an organization like HYPE where I can meet energetic young professionals like myself, it makes coming into Hartford immensely more enjoyable.

Lauren Angat

My favorite thing about HYPE are the relationships that you develop and the new people you get to meet. Also, being a part of a committee has allowed me to grow professionally and personally. Recently moving from Miami to Hartford was a huge change and being able to network with young professionals have greatly impacted me.

Dyani Williams

I love the fact that my role at Foodshare enables me to be creative, and engage in a variety of projects and events that consist of promoting Foodshare’s mission; to lead a coordinated response to the issue of hunger.

Alex Peterson

HYPE is a great way to meet young professionals in the area who want to turn a region into a community. Whether that is through networking, community service, or political engagement, HYPE gives us the means by which to organize and make things happen.

Julia Class

I love the rich history of Hartford and the hidden gems it has to offer. At this time, with the increase in young professionals to the area and passion of those who live here to rejuvenate the area, Hartford is poised to grow and become more competitive with its New England counterparts.

Jason Styra

People from CT are fiercely prideful of their towns/cities and I’m proud to say I am a Hartford resident.

Stephanie Knightly

I originally joined HYPE to meet some other young professionals in the non-profit sector, but have stuck around and become more involved because of the welcoming/inclusive atmosphere and the like-minded passion the 4,000+ HYPE members share for the city of Hartford.

Daniel Zakin

I lead a team that reviews data from the operational fleet of Pratt engines to assist with data analytics and respond to airline requests. Each day is different, leading to new and exciting work opportunities. My team is amazing and I LOVE planes so the job and company is awesome.

Krista Reynolds

I love that HYPE is so casual – you get out of it what you put into it. If you’re just there to make some new friends, that’s cool. If you’re there because you’re trying to grow awareness of your own business, that’s also cool! There’s no wrong way to be a HYPE member. I also love that it gives me access to events and networking opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise.

Ryan Baldassario

My entire professional career to date has been within public institutions – whether I was in higher education or supporting local government offices – so I’ve never been exposed to many environments in the private or non-profit space. At Get HYPEd or Civic meetings, or any number of fundraising events like Tee It Up, I enjoy getting to meet people whose way of professional life can be so far different from my own, yet we can still bond over common interests.

Jennie May

My favorite thing about HYPE is meeting individuals who work in different professions, from teaching to waste management. Committee meetings and monthly events provide an outlet for me, a transplant to the Hartford area from Florida, to meet young individuals who enjoy learning more about one another and putting on events to better ourselves and the community around us.

Tyler Losure

Hartford adopted me in 2009 when I moved on campus to attend the University of Hartford and I moved here full time just before graduating in 2013. There’s so much to love about Hartford. While I firmly believe that Hartford is on the cusp of establishing itself as one of the next great young-professionals hub, like an Austin, Charlotte, or Buckhead (Atlanta), there is still so much to enjoy as it is now!

Dara DeCroce

I love HYPEs commitment to its members. The attention to detail on the events they host is amazing. You can tell a lot of thought went in to their creation. It all equals a very welcoming experience to people who are new to the area, new to the work force, or just looking for personal enrichment.

Santa Claus

While much of his work is done globally, Santa considers Hartford one of his favorite places to visit.

Jessica Hinman

As a life-long Hartford area resident, I can honestly state that I love the history, passion and resilience that Hartford represents.

Mia Sinatro

Hartford truly has it all! The vibrancy, culture and opportunities Hartford has to offer are unique; there is something for everyone no matter what interests or hobbies.

Michelle Rose

I am quite the foodie, so what I love most about Hartford thus far, has been exploring all the restaurants, coffee shops, and searching for the best chicken wings in the region, (I am a Buffalo girl, home of the chicken wing!).

Niccola Castro Del Rio

I like how HYPE combines several social events with the opportunities to teach about Hartford and bring new people and give them the opportunity to network with each other.

Andrea Hartman

I volunteer as a tour guide with the Bushnell Park Foundation do mentoring/math tutoring through the United Way, participate in various advocacy efforts for local women's causes, stay involved with the Hartford Marathon Foundation (both as a runner and as a volunteer), and attend as many local arts-related events as I can squeeze in!

Phil Blonski

Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, skiing, watching and attending sporting events, following politics, volunteering in the community, and traveling. I’m also addicted to board games, puzzles, UNO and Sudoku. Most importantly, I try to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends.

Charmaine Mullings

My favorite thing about HYPE is the diversity it offers in all the events and activities which gives you the opportunity to meet different people from varying backgrounds.

Matt Hankins

I love all of the possibilities and potential of the Hartford Region. There are plenty of events and things to do if you just look for them. There's also tons of history.

Jocelyn Hillard

As a nearly three-year resident of Connecticut, I enjoy exploring the area and finding new ways to get involved.

Kel Thomas

For me, I have always been drawn towards the business aspect of the law. My goal is to create jobs and mentor new graduates about how to navigate their respective fields.

Stephanie Berman

I travel as often as I can, visiting Italy, England, France, Mexico, and Canada over the last couple of years. I also love to read, bake, dance, collect and play board games, and spend time with my cats.

Janet Vamos

HYPE has shown me that there is a very diverse, exciting, and constantly evolving neighborhood in my own backyard.

Divyam Garg

Moving from a small town in Florida, I love that Hartford has the developing bustle of a city, yet keeps its identity through a very Suburban feel. All the vibrant events all year long keep me very engaged in the Hartford Region. Also, they have some of the best local restaurants around.

Mabel Santiago

I love that HYPE creates a sense of community in the Hartford area among young professionals.

Greg Calnen

I love the history, passion and beauty that Hartford provides. From the historic neighborhoods, the beautiful buildings, the majestic river and of course to the passionate residents supporting numerous diverse initiatives.

Isabelle Miner

If someone gave me one million dollars I would move to Cape Town, South Africa and purchase a bungalow on a cliff side overlooking the ocean and spend my days taking hiking groups up and down Table Mountain.

Nicholas Weston

I am currently enjoying the thrills of home ownership along with my girlfriend Keight. We also enjoy touring all the breweries and distilleries that seem to be popping up all over the state.

Gillian Stone

I really enjoy studying music as culture and Japanese language.

Mark Zipadelli

When they let Software Engineers leave the office, you can find me involved in cooking, hiking, New England sports, technology consulting, ballroom dance, yoga, music and many other things that would reveal my not-so-secret nerdiness.

Kristyn Neal

I would gladly live in a suitcase if it meant I could see the world. It's my goal to visit all the continents.

Klejdis Radomi

I have become a very big vocal advocate for the city of Hartford and the region as a whole. One of the main reasons why I love Hartford is the people!

Olivia Astle

In addition to my active lifestyle, I love antique shopping and doing DIY re purposing projects for my home.

Aaron Knight

I'm an avid sports fan. Especially, Uconn Men's Basketball and the Dallas Cowboys. I enjoy cooking. And I like catching live music whether in Hartford or when I’m traveling.

Amanda Trothier

Throughout the 17 neighborhoods in Hartford I’ve come to find numerous hole-in-the-wall lunch locations, small coffee shops and a strong sense of community! I love that Hartford has so many hidden gems.

Aaron Eicoff

I enjoy cooking, weight lifting, training in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and practicing yoga.

Corrine King

I love to hang out with friends and enjoy everything Connecticut and New England has to offer.

Andrew Stipicevic

My hobbies and interests outside of work boil down to two things: Cars and Skydiving

Kelly Conrad

I try to say "yes" to as many things as possible; you never know what opportunities may come your way and it's more fun than sitting on your couch.

Dan Castle

Though I work in the engineering and aerospace world now, my Architecture and Animal Science background from Cornell still leaves an animal/outdoors itch I need to scratch.

Alisha C. Pierce

During my spare time I enjoy salsa dancing, traveling around the globe and I also have recently started to collect vinyl.

Charles Logue

I volunteer very frequently including recently spending a month in Africa rehabilitating big cats and other African wildlife.

Katherine Donovan

For as long as I can remember I've been interested in pictures and cameras, and recently, I started photography as a part-time business in addition to my full time job in accounting.

Steven Hernández, Esq.

Where else can one talk shop with a lawyer, composition with a photographer, and the nuances of starting a new business with an emerging entrepreneur, all while enjoying the sights, sounds, and tastes of what the region has to offer? That’s HYPE.

Lisa Pawlik

I will jump at any opportunity to travel throughout the United States.

David Morse

I'm an avid sports fan, on and off the field.

Christina Lumbreras

I have so many hobbies I wish I had more free time!

Christopher Remo Pagano

I'm the third generation to belong to the St. Valentine Social Club, and I hope to someday have my future children run the organization.

Melissa Cahill

I love being able to give back to the community in a variety of ways.

Frank Hamer

I’m a bit of a gearhead, enjoy traveling (especially to Europe), and seeing live music.

Katie Kervick

I’m an amateur runner and craft beer enthusiast who also loves taking advantage of the fun things to do in Hartford!

Kevin Paro

I love spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, playing music, and reading.

Jessica Fenner

I am always on the hunt for the perfect cupcake!

David J. Rubin

I admire what everyone brings to the table to make Hartford life vibrant.

Rachel Santacroce

My favorite thing about Hartford is the fact that there is a constant feeling of progress and improvement.

Stella Szantova Giordano

I love theater - but I have a weakness for shoes and silk scarves!

Nick Pinto

Outside of work I am, to the core, a car nut!

Sugan Kumar

My favorite thing about HYPE is meeting new people at each committee meeting.

Steve Clayton

My favorite thing about HYPE is participating on a HYPE Cup team, especially Trampoline Dodgeball!

Colette Gregoire

What I like most about Hartford is that it is a hidden gem.

Brian Joel Waddell

What I like most about Hartford is that it is pretty tightly knit and there is always something that surprises you.

Beth Matonak

This year I have completed 17 races, and have 7 more that are scheduled for the rest of 20

Tyra Peluso

My favorite part about being a HYPE member is that I am able to give back to my community.

Kevin Ehrlich

In the Hartford community, I plan to be more engaged with the Hartford Camp Courant Board of Directors through my interactions with HYPE.

Michael S. Hill

I initially attended college to study music, and now have a Masters in Accounting and Taxation.

Christopher Woodhouse

I work alongside individuals to plan a comfortable retirement and assist in meeting their financial goals.

Amanda Girardin

I want to have a lasting impact on reducing systemic injustices that exist in our society.

Eliana Cardeño

I am a Program Manager that provides health resources, mentoring, and advocacy to communities in Hartford County.

Ryan O'Halloran

I ensure that KNOX, Inc. has the resources and the reputation necessary to do what's best for Hartford.

David King

I work with a small team in the area of Private Wealth Management.

Liz Slot

I am a high school English teacher..

Laura Dinan Haber

I am a solutionist.

Steven Zakrzewski

I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer...

Suzanne Truong Hoyer

I am a software engineer, working for a utility company...

Kelly Carter

I never thought I’d grow up to work for an insurance company. I always thought I’d be a reporter when I grew up.

Jon Aidukonis

I am the Director of New Media and Special Events for Hartford Restaurant Group.

Adam McLaughlin

I am a Relationship Manager in Webster’s Commercial Bank

R.C. Thornton

I am working on multiple entrepreneurial projects, which I got into after deciding to “do my own thing” after graduating.

Amanda Schoonmaker

I am the Communications Manager at the Connecticut Convention Center...

McKinley Albert

I am currently the Director of Development at Hartford’s Camp Courant, the largest and oldest free summer day camp in the country.

Ray Hernandez

I have wide ranging responsibilities that focus mainly on communicating business news to our more than 35,000 employees around the world.

Martha Paluch

Phoenix Manufacturing is a supplier of precision aircraft components for civilian and military aviation.

Alison M. Valerie

I communicate to participants of MassMutual retirement plans...

John Farrell

I talk to computers in languages they understand.

Robert Wu

As a Technical Analysis Manager, I provide jet engine performance analysis and maintenance forecasts to support sales campaigns

Kate Hayden, MPH

I started working in research when I graduated from UConn with an undergraduate degree in psychology.

Jeremy D. Race

I began my career at Junior Achievement in 2002 as a Program Manager.

Katie Carges

I have been the Associate Director for Corporate & Foundation Support at Hartford Hospital since April 2008.

Bobby Hensley

I provide insurance and financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the greater Hartford area.

Theresa Desilets

I’m an Account Manager with Cigna's internal marketing agency...

Mike Carucci

I am a Staff Chiropractor with the CT VA.

Alex Koenigsberg

I recently started October 2011 as an Event Coordinator.

Rachael E. Succo

I provide all the post-sales support for spare parts sales as well as general customer service.

Naomi Reid

I manage and facilitate the Connecticut Forum’s award-winning YOUTH Forum program..

Jeff Roux

In college I realized I could study and do something I love as a profession, exercise, and make a good living at it.

Frank Campailla

I have worked in journalism, public relations and marketing since graduating from college 14 years ago...

Erik Person

I am a Senior Analyst at Travelers. I was a finance major at Elon University in North Carolina...