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To develop, connect and inspire diverse and effective leaders to build inclusive, vibrant communities.
What does your organization do?
We believe that the ability to lead effectively is not contingent on titles or positional influence. Rather, everyone has the capacity to influence positive change at any age. Our programs empower leaders to drive transformative change in the world around them, creating more just and caring communities.
LGH is Connecticut’s premier leadership development organization and one of the most well-regarded community leadership organizations in the country. We are a capacity builder in the Greater Hartford region serving individuals and organizations across industries.
For nearly half a century, we have served high schoolers, college students, mid-career professionals, senior executives and retirees through our programs and consulting and training offerings. These programs connect individuals from different backgrounds, sectors and communities, forging connections through shared experiences and learning. Investment in our programming allows organizations and businesses to invest in both their people and in the Greater Hartford community.
Our annual fundraiser, the Polaris Awards, honors exemplary leaders who are guiding lights in the region. Award recipients traditionally have been unsung leaders and community builders embodying the type of leadership and collaboration we teach in our programs.
The event itself is designed to build community as a celebratory evening with time for attendees to network, build new connections and friends, and meet others who are deeply invested in making our region more inclusive and vibrant. Businesses can sponsor this event, as well as our other hosted member events, to earn visibility within our broad professional and community networks. The Polaris Awards also often feature an online auction, so businesses and the public can contribute to the fundraiser’s success by donating auction items, such as gift cards, or participating as bidders.
Our community faces an unprecedented leadership gap as long-time leaders retire at the same time that new generations question traditional ways of working and seek to improve their work-life balance. Leaders today need to be agile, curious and collaborative as organizations and businesses evolve. This moment presents an incredible opportunity for LGH to change the face of leadership in our region. We are committed to empowering a racially and ethnically diverse spectrum of communities and seek to expand the representation of traditionally underserved and marginalized populations in regional leadership positions. Our programs develop adaptive, inclusive servant leaders who are acutely attuned to the world around them and understand the importance of collaboration, partnership and civic engagement. We instill an awareness of the complex challenges and opportunities in our region, inspiring participants to pursue leadership opportunities at work and in their communities.
While our in-person programming returned this year, numerous pandemic impacts are still being felt across the organization. Nonprofits — a key audience for our programs — are still reeling from the pandemic. They face staffing challenges, increased service demands and financial limitations. Our programs support nonprofits by developing their established and aspiring leaders and helping them network with cross-sector community leaders. Generous donations from individuals and corporations help us provide nonprofits and small businesses with a deeply discounted rate to access our programs, education that would otherwise be out of reach.
We were able to weather the pandemic’s financial strain thanks to one-time federal relief funding and continued investments from individuals and corporations. While we have returned to offering our full slate of programming, continued community investment will ensure we can fulfill our mission of developing the leaders critical for our community’s future.
"LGH’s 2022 Quest program radically shifted my thinking and revolutionized how I engage with others on every level. I have learned to embrace the uncomfortable, welcome change and stand in my executive presence! Initially, I was intimidated by the 'titles' in the room … but soon realized I was in fellowship with like-minded, engaging and supportive individuals who contributed to my overall success. This has been an invaluable experience!"
Janine McMahon
Former Parent Leadership Coordinator and Financial Stability Specialist, Catholic Charities
Year established: 1977
Annual revenues: $1,163,073
Total number of employees: 7
Greater Hartford
Federal relief funds: 31%
Program tuition: 15%
Grants: 14%
Consulting and training: 12%
Individual giving: 12%
Corporate sponsorships: 10%
30 Laurel Street, Hartford, CT 06106
860-951-6161
Larisa Kottke, President & CEO
Jennifer Sager, Board Chair, Travelers
Dan Noonan, Vice Chair, Goodwin University and University of Bridgeport
Preksha Palmer, Secretary, Aetna, a CVS Health Company
Christopher A. Jackson, Treasurer Marcum, LLP
Sara Allen, Evernorth Innovation
Liany E. Arroyo, City of Hartford
Michael Avicolli, Standard Builders, Inc.
David I. Brandwein
Nadine Brennan, UConn Hartford
Aaron D. Levy, Shipman & Goodwin LLP
Karen Lott, Women’s League Child Development Center
Adam B. Marks, Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.
Nikoleta McTigue, CLA
Rosaida Morales Rosario, Rosario & Associates, LLC
Ryan Taylor, Eversource
Chad Turner, GO agency
Sumakshi Vali, Webster Bank
Mary A. Williams
Mana Zarinejad, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
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The Hartford Business Journal 2025 Charity Event Guide is the annual resource publication highlighting the top charity events in 2025.
Hartford Business Journal provides the top coverage of news, trends, data, politics and personalities of the area’s business community. Get the news and information you need from the award-winning writers at HBJ. Don’t miss out - subscribe today.
Delivering vital marketplace content and context to senior decision-makers throughout Connecticut ...
All Year Long!
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