United Way and FOX61 Announce 2026 ImpaCT Award Finalists

Hartford, Conn. (July 21, 2026) – United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and FOX61 announced the 2026 list of finalists for this year’s ImpaCT Awards. The event honors individuals, groups and organizations who make a significant contribution to healthcare, housing, financial empowerment and/or education in Connecticut.

Nominations for ImpaCT Awards were submitted by the public through June 7, 2026. An impartial judging committee reviewed award nominations and narrowed down three finalists per award category.

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The finalists are as follows:

Unsung Hero Award: A person giving their all to their community in quiet and often thankless ways who may not be known outside of their community.

• Jon Paul Rivera, CT Beds;
• Soncerae “Missy” Cipriano, Southington Bread for Life; and,
• Trish Hesslein, Healing Meals, Make a Wish CT and Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford.

Impactful Woman Award: A female leader whose mission is to help and empower other women, a true mentor and has dynamic energy and drive.

• Cassandra Reyes, CJR;
• Jenn T. Grace, Publish Your Purpose; and,
• Sana Cotten, Unashamed, Inc.

Impactful Emerging Leader Award: An up-and-coming changemaker on the fast track to leadership with a proven record of giving back.

• Ryan L Cook, Caregiver;
• Sam Tapper, Camp Courant; and,
• Taylor Cicciarella, Ellington High School Student.

Impactful Educator: A teacher, professor, coach or tutor who has dedicated themselves to molding young minds.

• Catherine Pamelard, Boundless Literacy;
• Christopher Wisniewski, Berlin High School; and,
• Mike Festi, Eli Terry Elementary School.

Impactful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award: This award is given to an individual or a company that has a demonstrated track record of helping or working with underrepresented communities here in Connecticut.

• Connecticut Teacher Residency Program;
• Curtis Rodriguez-Porter, Capital Region Education Council; and,
• She Leads Justice.

Community Organization Making an ImpaCT: A grassroots community group that goes above and beyond to improve their surroundings and help others.

• Miracle 8 Foundation;
• Plate it Forward; and,
• New Horizons Village.

Small Business Making an ImpaCT: A small business that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture. This small business, with fewer than 100 employees, is innovative and helps create a better Connecticut.

• Cheshire Fitness Zone, Craig Goldstein, Founder;
• East Coast Training Systems; and,
• The Modern Woman Health and Wellness Center, Jeff Gonzalez, CEO.

Company Making an ImpaCT: A company that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture and invests resources into volunteerism and philanthropy, creating a place to work that allows employees a chance to do good along the way.

• Recovery 12 Solutions;
• Mintz and Hoke; and,
• Reynolds’ Subaru.

“It’s an honor to recognize the people, companies, and organizations taking action to create change in our communities. The ImpaCT Awards continue to elevate this important work, putting those transforming Connecticut in the spotlight,” shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “While we move our mission of mobilizing resources to end poverty in the 860 region forward, we are delighted to continue partnering with FOX61 on recognizing changemakers across the state.”

United Way and FOX61 will also recognize Bob Patricelli, a Connecticut-based executive and philanthropist, with the 2026 George Bahamonde Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes an individual who has dedicated their life to service with the goal of making futures brighter for generations to come. The award is named in honor of the late George Bahamonde, who served as the President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for 12 years and was passionate about educational outcomes and opportunities for local children. Patricelli’s professional contributions to our community through his federal government and health care career, and personal charitable support of strengthening education outcomes across the state through the Robert and Margaret Patricelli Family Foundation.

“We are proud to partner with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for the fourth Impact Awards,” said Chris Topf, President and General Manager, FOX61/CW20. “Every finalist is a great story to tell. These are people that are going above and beyond to make an impact in their communities. We invite the public to join us at the event in October along with watching our broadcast to celebrate and honor these individuals, organizations and companies.”

The 4th Annual ImpaCT Awards Ceremony will take place on October 28, 2026 at Hartford Marriott Downtown. Additionally, the ImpaCT Awards Ceremony will be broadcasted on FOX61 and will be streamed on FOX61+ in a one-hour special and available on FOX61+ to stream. Sponsorships, tables and tickets are on sale now at CTImpactAwards.org and sponsorships are eligible for charitable tax deductions.

Funds raised help close gaps and create opportunities through innovative, collaborative initiatives in child literacy, housing, wages, and life expectancy, with the goal of ending poverty in the 860 region.