By Taylor Hartz
State Representative Betty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain) and Bristol City Councilor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu were among nine women honored at the Exceptional Women Concert held in New Britain this weekend.
The concert, named after Constance “Connie” Renee Wilson Collins, is hosted by the Queen Ann Nzinga Center, Inc., (QANC) a nonprofit organization that hosts youth programs, a musical ensemble and several multi-cultural events annually. The center operates three youth programs, Nzinga’s Watoto, PRIDE, and the Male Mentor Program, all focused on children in the Plainville, Bristol, and New Britain communities.
The annual concert is held during Women’s History Week in honor of Collins, who demonstrated women’s empowerment and education in the New Britain community. After leaving New Britain schools before receiving her high school diploma, Collins continued on to earn a master’s degree from Harvard University, tri-found the Opportunities Industrial Center of New Britain, and served as an alderwoman for the City Planning Commission and on the New Britain Common Council.
QANC recognized Collins in the event for “creating vehicles for empowerment” for women in Connecticut. “If anyone deserves a title of exceptional she does” said Boukus, “we just follow in her footsteps.”
This year’s concert, held at the Raymond Hill School Auditorium in New Britain, honored nine women involved in local politics, education and community organizations who aim to inspire and educate young women in Connecticut.
Executive Director of QANC Dayna R. Snell said she considers Women’s History Week an important reason for the organization’s choice to recognize women annually – “Remembering and recounting tales of our ancestors’ talents, sacrifices, and commitments inspires today’s generations and opens the way to the future,” said Snell in her explanation of the concert. The emphasis on the history and growth of women inspires the event, with musical selections including traditional African drumming, songs from the recent Black-American heritage film “Selma,” and pieces performed by QANC’s multi-cultural ensemble, Nzinga’s Daughters. Between musical acts youth involved in QANC’s three programs recognized each of the nine women, sharing their accomplishments and success stories.
Two local women leaders, Boukus, the state representative for the 22nd District, and Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, elected member of the Bristol City Council, were honored for their work in local politics and involvement in the Bristol, Plainville, and New Britain communities.
“When I was young, it’s the things I couldn’t do that stand out, for the young people today, it’s the things they can do,” said Boukus, who was recognized for her work as a state representative, Director of the Boards for Wheeler Clinic, Family Services, Inc., membership with the Plainville Women’s Club, Lion’s Club and her charitable efforts organizing the annual State Capitol Secret Santa Collection for the Rocky Hill Veterans Home and Hospital. “Today, the opportunities are limitless,” said Boukus.
Bristol City Council Member Ellen Zoppo-Sassu said such an event recognizing local women leaders is inspiring because “it’s important to show other women that it’s doable to play multiple roles and balance them successfully.” Zoppo-Sassu was recognized for her work as the director of communications and marketing for the Connecticut Pharmacist’s Association, development director at the Boys and Girls Club and Family Center, and work with the New Britain Chamber of Commerce.
Zoppo-Sassu attended an event at the QANC event earlier this month where she worked one-on-one discussing career goals with young women, was impressed by the inspirational teaching methods the QANC offers to help them develop self confidence and take the initiative to follow their dreams, “a woman’s place is any venue where decisions are being made that affect her, her family and her community” said Zoppo-Sassu.
After each honoree’s accomplishments were shared by youth members, Whitney Houston’s power ballad “I’m Every Woman” echoed through the auditorium as QANC Director Dayna Snell invited the honorees to join her and the members of their youth programs on stage. Snell distributed certificates to each honoree, and thanked them for their contributions to the community.
Boukus said the best benefit of receiving the award was that it allows the honorees to “ serve as role models for others and get to meet young people that we wouldn’t ordinarily get to meet.” While she said there are many other women in the community who deserve to be recognized, she appreciates the ability the award offers her to meet younger members of the community and help encourage and foster their development.
