Endia M. DeCordova

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Age: 37

Title: Dean of Institutional Advancement and Community Engagement

Company: Manchester Community College

Location: Manchester

Hometown: Windsor

College: University of Hartford (MBA); Morgan State University, Baltimore (undergraduate)

Bio

Endia DeCordova is the dean of Institutional Advancement and Community Engagement for Manchester Community College (MCC). She provides overall leadership and management of the college's comprehensive fundraising and development programs, community engagement and public relations, special events management, alumni relations, scholarships and economic business development.

DeCordova manages the MCC Foundation and provides leadership to a team successful in stewarding more than $2 million in funding to support its $5.2 million endowment. Under DeCordova's leadership the MCC Foundation's major fundraising gala, Evening of Fine Wines, increased its annual goal to exceed $260,000.

DeCordova is the chairwoman for the CT American Council on Education (ACE) Women's Network. She also serves as a member of the board of directors for the National Council on Black American Affairs (NCBAA) and Northeast Region Board for the American Association of Community Colleges. She is a member of the board of directors for the East Hartford Chamber of Commerce and a corporator for Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN). DeCordova is the recipient of the 2015 MCC African-American History Month Employee Leadership Award.

Q&A

Who gave you your best career advice? The best career advice I received was from Veronica Leonard, former vice president of human resources for Fleet Bank now Bank of America. She passed away a few years ago and was my very first boss and mentor. She was the first African-American woman I saw in a leadership positon and my role model. She stated, “We each have to find our unique purpose, there will be setbacks, but pick yourself up and move on. Never make someone else's opinion of you more important than your good opinion of yourself; stay open to new opportunities and don't be afraid to take risks.”

Which destination has most shaped who you are in business and life today? Jamaica. My family is from Jamaica and I take great pride to see how hard my parents worked and the sacrifices they made to get me and my family where we are today. Education has always been an important part of who we are. My passion for helping others see their potential through education has a direct link to my family and our upbringing. I have learned that no one makes it on their own. The journey can be difficult, but the key is to surround yourself with a supportive team, seek information that strengthens you and encourage growth.

Life's Journey:

During my off time, I am most passionate about... Mentoring young people to become leaders in our community, exploring and finding their passion and living out their dreams.

What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? St. Maarten

Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? South Africa

Favorite destination: Miami

Favorite Connecticut destinations: Mystic and my hometown, Bloomfield

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