Urban League Hartford's Equal Opportunity Gala Less Than 2 Weeks Away

The Urban League of Greater Hartford will host its 2024 Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Dinner & Gala on Thursday, December 5 at 6 p.m. at the Hartford Marriott Downtown at 200 Columbus Blvd. in Hartford, Conn. The annual signature fundraising event will celebrate 60 years of service, recognize six community leaders, and include dinner and dancing. Tickets, sponsorships, and program ad space are available at www.events.ulgh.org.

“For six decades Hartford has been the home of an Urban League affiliate,” explains David Hopkins, the non-profit organization’s President and CEO. “When I think of the Founders and these awardees, I am inspired and hope others are as well, to know the power we have to be the change we want to see in our communities.” The Urban League promotes racial equity through economic empowerment programs in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development, affordable housing, personal financial management, community health, and social justice, impacting more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year.

The 2024 Equal Opportunity Day awards will be presented to:·
Business Excellence –Travelers.·
Community Champion – Jennifer Wilder, Owner of Big Red Book Truck.·
Civic Impact – Brandon McGee, Executive Director of the Social Equity Council.·
Cultural Heritage – Howard K. Hill, Founder of the Hartford Renaissance District.·
Leadership & Service – Tiffany Donelson, CEO of Connecticut Health Foundation.·
Young Professional – Morgan Tuck-Sawi, Assistant General Manager of the Connecticut Sun.

The Honorary Chair of the gala is Glendowlyn Thames, Head of Amazon’s Economic Development for New York and Connecticut, “I am proud to be taking up the mantle carried so passionately by past gala chairs Alan Lazowski, Tom Barnes, Greg Toczydlowski, Sandy Cloud, and Nitin Mhatre,” says Thames. “It has been an honor to serve and I’m particularly excited to welcome the new and renewed contributions of companies, foundations, and individuals who believe in the Urban League mission.” Prior to joining Amazon, Thames served as Deputy Commissioner, COO & CFO for the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and President of Hartford City Council. She is a long-time supporter of the Urban League.

ESPN anchor Jay Harris will serve as host for the fifth consecutive year. DJ Ton the Don and Dr. Violin will provide the music.

“This event is always one you don’t want to miss, and I especially enjoy seeing the awardees being celebrated for the work they do in the community,” says Nicole Hughey, Chair of the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Board.

“It is an honor both professionally and personally to partner with the Urban League for this year’s gala in support of their critical programs and operations,” adds Theresa Hopkins-Staten, President of the Eversource Energy Foundation and VP of Corporate Citizenship and Equity for Eversource, the event’s Diamond Anniversary Sponsor. “We’re proud at Eversource to support organizations making a profound difference in our communities, and the Urban League’s core values align closely with our corporate commitment to equity, as well as deep and committed community and customer engagement toward established, trusting relationships in the communities we serve.”

Proceeds benefit the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s programs and operations.
To purchase tickets or sponsorships, contact Lois Stevenson at 860-728-4290 or events@ulgh.org.

Sponsors to Date Include: Eversource; Travelers; Pratt & Whitney; Comcast; Berkshire Bank; Amazon; Webster Bank; KeyBank; CVS Health; Liberty Bank; OTIS; M&T Bank; International Aero Engines; Hartford HealthCare; Dalio Foundation; Stanley Black & Decker; Cloud & Robinson Development; DoorDash; UCONN Health; Delta Dental; Citizens Bank; Root Center for Advanced Recovery; Zipcar; Saint Francis Hospital; The Cloud Company; and Hartford Region Open Choice Program.

The Urban League of Greater Hartford is a community-based, not-for-profit 501(c)(3), established in 1964 as the National Urban League’s 66th affiliate. Now celebrating 60 years of community service, its mission is to promote racial equity through economic empowerment programs in the areas of youth development, adult education, workforce development, affordable housing, personal financial management, community health, and social justice, impacting more than 3,000 individuals and their families every year. visit

https://linktr.ee/ulgh64 or call 860-527-0147. Follow us on social media @ulgh64.

Financial donations to support the Urban League can be made at: www.ulgh.org/donate.