Featuring:
"Women Who Inspire-2022"
A 2022 Exhibit by
Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits
Celebrating women of Connecticut during Woman's month is a wonderful privilege. Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits captured each woman in their own unique way. With many women their heart is their children. With others they are a strong independent women paving the way to success and innovation. These women are inspirational and a very important part of their communities.
From doctors to nurses to the first African American Fire Chief of CT, there is a wide range of women who are all the definition of success and deserve to be celebrated. They are an essential part of their families and communities.
While we are celebrating so many women on this online gallery; women in this exhibit are also celebrated with their portraits and a plaque with each of their biographies at the State Capitol March 16-March 30.
Rebecca is pleased to present the following portraits and biographies of the women featured in this exhibit and is deeply thankful for their participation and support. It is her hope that this exhibit will be an inspiration to others. Please come and view the exhibit which is located at the Connecticut State Capital, Hartford, CT.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Angela Perry
Angela Perry, LNHA is a skilled nursing facility administrator with over 15 years in the healthcare industry and Founder/CEO of CODE W (Connecting Opportunities with Determined and Empowered Women in healthcare). Background includes operating skilled nursing facilities that provide long-term care and specialized units with focus on sub-acute rehabilitative services, memory care, and behavioral health in both Connecticut and Georgia. She is presently Administrator of a 150-bed facility in the Greater Hartford area.
CODE W was founded by Ms. Perry in 2017 to encourage women in healthcare administration to enhance professional development and pursue executive/ leadership, and/or entrepreneurial roles within the healthcare industry to promote diversification. Ms. Perry coined the phrase “ Breaking the CODE” to magnify the importance of women to break through barriers and evolve within the workforce.
Ms. Perry is presently co-chair for the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, Board of Director Member for the CT Chapter of the ACHCA, and serves on the Member Experience Committee with ACHCA National. She has been featured in several national healthcare publications describing the environment of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as various panels in the same regard.
Overall, Ms. Perry enjoys spending time with family, mentoring women in healthcare, attending symphonies and plays, and mountain climbing.
Barbara McClane
Barbara McClane is a passionate Connecticut based photographer who connects, captures, and creates meaningful memories of families, friends, pets, and loved ones. Barbara believes that the perfect photography captures the energy that is felt through the camera viewfinder and connects her to the subject. Barbara has worked as a Mental Health Assistant with the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for over 16 years. In that capacity, she has dedicated herself to caring for, training, and assisting folks with daily life skills. A mostly self-taught photographer, Barbara has channeled her commitment to social justice and humanity into creating art that showcases the complexities and beauty of the human experience. Her recent projects have focused on highlighting members of her local LGBTQ+ community, and people of color. Her more recent photography projects include:
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“LGBTQ Pride Stories of 2021” (2021)
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“History Makers Now” (2021)
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“Dope Dads” (2021)
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“I am Woman” (2019, 2021,2022 )
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“HIS Project: History Impactful Story” (2019, anticipated 2022)
Barbara is working on a memoir titled “Blessed, Not Bitter”. The book details her personal journey from surviving addiction, prison, physical and sexual abuse to reconnecting with her biological family and inspiring others to find the joy and hope in life. Barbara is the recipient of several awards, including the “2022 Nomination for MLK Award at Connecticut Valley Hospital, 2021 100 Women of Color” and the “2021 Working Women in Networking Business”. Barbara resides in Cromwell, CT with her wife and their two cats. For more information, visit
barkelmcclanephotography.com.
Dr. Krista Cooper
Dr. Krista Cooper is a Connecticut native, a creative, social work educator and practitioner, women’s health researcher dedicated to advocating for women’s health and trauma education and healing. She believes that creativity is central to the healing process. She is a graduate of Oakwood University, The University of Michigan, and The University of Alabama, where she obtained her Ph.D. in Social Work.
While obtaining her Ph.D., and studying the lived experiences of Afro-Caribbean immigrant women with HIV, hearing the stories of these women planted a seed for future research and work. As a first-generation Caribbean American woman, and survivor of reproductive trauma, she recognized the inequities that often exist for women of color with regard to equitable access to care and having their voices heard. She subsequently established Reproductively Yours, LLC, a reproductive story coaching business that assists women impacted by reproductive trauma to reframe their reproductive narratives.
Central to her life story and mission is her faith. With God all things are possible and she owes it all to Him. Krista loves to travel internationally, write poetry and spend time with family and friends.
Wendy Tyson-Wood
Wendy Tyson-Wood was Born and Raised in Waterbury. She is a mom, grandma, wife and friend to all. As a Deaconess, Sunday School Teacher and Home Missionary; her faith is her foundation. Currently Wendy is the Treasurer of Waterbury Democratic Town Committee, NAACP Greater Waterbury Branch Secretary, and a State of Connecticut Justice of the Peace, Wendy serves as a board member on Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute and Lift2Enrich. She also attended the EMERGE - class of 2020, and The Campaign School at Yale University Class of 2017. Finally, Wendy believes beauty may fade, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be greatly praised. Proverb 31:30
Catherine Palmer Paton
Catherine Palmer Paton promotes living life as team players with health, safety and respect at each stage of life. Over many years, Catherine was inspired to create A-2020 FUN: Acorns to Oaks Team Outreach & Friends United Network to promote caring and sharing resources for people in each state and town.
She encourages support for everyone, especially parents and children, caregivers and those needing personal care. Catherine explores advocacy efforts, ideas, resources as well as local and world events on her blog Livfully.org and public FB page. She is a member of Toastmasters, Rotary, and does permaculture to keep the connections growing!
Her late parents Mary and Dale Palmer, Srs. were both born in 1922 and met on a beach when her father served in the Coast Guard in WW2. Catherine feels blessed to know and have helped dozens in her family tree (with ties to New Mexico and Lebanon), her schools and communities in CT, MA and NY (Vassar in the 1980s and Brooklyn in recent years.)
Catherine's life and experiences with spiritual groups, education, caregiving, folk music and the arts, nature center programs enhanced her parenting of her four offspring. That also helped her face great challenges including a difficult divorce and the accidental drowning of her heroic teen son Kaelan in 2009. His memorial is on youtube with music and sharing among many who loved him. Catherine is also an EOLD, End of Life Doula and hopes to help others face challenges with forgiveness, growing wisdom and grace.
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Christina Clark
Christina Clark earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Houston at Clear Lake, Masters in Business Administration with a Specialization in Leadership from New York Institute of Technology and a Certification in Management from James Madison University. She has worked in various industries from Space Exploration to Manufacturing, Energy, Gaming, Natural Foods and Defense.
In addition, Christina is part of three non-profits. She is the Co-Founder, Business Director and Instructor at Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (www.vetsct.org). She also is the Vice President of Women in Defense – New England Shoreline Chapter (www.wid-nesc.org) as well as the Board of Director’s Secretary at Guardians of the Purple Heart (gotph.org).
Christina is very passionate about helping others. In addition to the non-profits, she reads to kids on Read Across America Day as well as on Dr. Seuss’ Birthday and builds homes for Habitat for Humanity – Women Build. She loves animals and children.
In Christina’s spare time, she enjoys: being in nature, working out, being by the water, listening to music, spending time with loved ones, hanging with her precious fur babies, learning, etc. She really enjoys musicals, art, cars and motorcycles.
Christina currently resides in Mystic, CT.
Shelly L. Carter
Shelly L. Carter is a 20-year veteran with the City of Hartford Fire Department who is currently assigned as the House Captain at Engine Company 5. Captain Carter began her career with the department in July of 1999 as a structural firefighter and has been promoted to Driver/ Engineer, Lieutenant/Fire Marshals Office, Executive Officer, and currently Engine Co. 5 House Captain. Captain Carter has received numerous certifications in her career as a firefighter and officer with ambition of becoming a Chief Officer. She is the first African American Female Captain of Suppression in the State of Connecticut. She is the first African American Female instructor for the Connecticut State Fire Academy and spends a lot of time teaching diversity and inclusion around the country. Captain Carter is the Founder and CEO of Girls Future Firefighter Camp. “GFFC” is an interactive camp for girls ages 13-18 that teaches young ladies everything there is to know about public safety. Captain Carter is the Connecticut State Representative for the International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services. Shelly is the daughter of Mother Leona Wilson of Hartford CT, and the youngest of 3 daughters. She is a member of Crown of Glory COGIC in Hartford CT. She is the first Female Captain in the COGIC organization. Shelly is married to retired Firefighter Brainard ”B.C” Carter. Together they have a blended family of seven children and five grandchildren. Shelly is also a part time optician and photographer. Finally, Captain Carter has an Associates degree in Journalism, and Photography, a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration and will be finished with her Masters degree in Public Administration on May 9, 2020.
“To God Be The Glory For The Things He Has Done!” –Shelly
Dr. Camelia Lawrence, MD
Dr. Camelia Lawrence, MD, FACS is a board-certified surgeon specializing in benign and malignant breast disease. She has fellowship training in advanced breast cancer surgery, including skin and nipple-sparing mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy and oncoplastic techniques. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Fordham University and her medical degree from the University Of Rochester School Of Medicine. She completed her residency at New York Medical College. She then entered her fellowship training at the John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica in Breast Surgical Oncology. She currently serves as the Director of Breast Surgery for the Hospital of Central Connecticut and Midstate Medical Center tasked with the responsibility of further developing their breast programs. She serves as Assistant Professor of Surgery at UConn School of Medicine, where she works with medical students and surgical residents nurturing her personal interest in teaching and education of the future generation. She has received numerous awards for her commitment to service including the Dr. Kenneth Woodard Memorial Award and the Carrie-Ann Smith Award. She was awarded the 2017 Doctor of Distinction Award for Fairfield County, the American Cancer Society Award for Women Leading the Way to Wellness and the Susan G. Komen Inaugural More Than Pink Honor for her commitment to breast cancer care. Most recently she received the 100 Women of Color Award in Hartford, CT and the Southern CT Black Chamber of Commerce Business Woman of the Year Award. Dr. Lawrence believes in the importance of service and volunteers her services locally through numerous organization . She is happily married and the proud mother of two beautiful children, Ashley Jane and Nathan Phillips.
Tabitha Shustock
Tabitha Shustock is a leader, learner, and an active member of her community. She strives every day to be and become the woman of her dreams, who speaks her powerful truth, seizes grand opportunities & loves big and unapologetically. Tabitha is thrilled and motivated to be working toward her bachelor’s degree in Marketing at Bay Path University, expecting to graduate in the Spring of 2020. Currently she holds a position as Executive Assistant for Grossman Solutions, A Public Affairs Firm based in Downtown Hartford, Connecticut and Washington, DC, where she helps make positive change through advocacy, grassroots mobilization, executive search, and strategic advising. Outside of the office she has a passion for the human condition and participating in social justice efforts through volunteering and leadership. She serves as a mentor for women in her network, sharing her experience in what it takes to strive for a life of passion and purpose. She finds great joy in fashion, pop-culture, art and all things beautiful. She is also vastly interested in the inner beauties consisting of health, wellness & spirituality. Each day she works to make sure the lives of others may be filled with as much wonder and possibility as her own has, regardless of circumstance. Grit and determination motivate her to spread a message that each of us is a strong and vital piece of the puzzle—we just have to find that perfect, authentic fit.
Maura Aaberg
Maura Aaberg, a lifelong animal lover, is happily married to Jonas, with whom she shares two human children and three fur babies. Once described as a "preppy hippie", she is a certified nurse-midwife, whose professional life centers around women's wellness. In her spare time, she loves reading and playful diversions. Much more comfortable in an all inclusive hotel, she will camp outside- if the company is right. Maura is empathetic and deeply spiritual, so she was thrilled to capture the bonds shared with beloved cat, Amadeus, as well as faithful pups, Sappo and Meeko.
Scotia Daugherty
Scotia Daugherty (born 1974) is a New England based artist and educator. She received a Masters of Science in Museum Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City. Years of teaching students how to observe, question and seek pattern and iterative design in their world inspired her to focus her eye and record her own perspective. Scotia’s paintings are multilayered images that emerge from explorations of color and texture. By exploring the concept of portraiture and landscape she investigates the interplay of color, movement, and emotion. Painting her world from an abstract impressionist viewpoint, Scotia conveys the feel and spirit of her subject within the vivid color and texture she uses to represent them. Scotia’s work is held in private collections in NYC, Houston, Dallas, and Connecticut. She currently works and resides in West Hartford, Connecticut.
Susan Eaccarino
Susan grew up in Old Saybrook CT, taking the leap at eighteen to be an au pair in Rome before attending Emerson College in Boston. She remained in the Boston area for the next decade, working in arts administration for a regional theatre before going back to school to pursue a MSW from Boston University. She began her career as a clinical social worker focusing on working with brain injury survivors and Veterans. She returned to Connecticut in 2015 to be closer to her family; currently, she has the privilege of working with patients and families at a hospital in Hartford.
Susan has recently realized a long term goal and commissioned into the Army as a clinical social worker. She will be stationed at Fort Bragg as part of the 82nd Airborne, supporting servicemen and women and their families.
Away from work she is involved with the Junior League of Hartford which has afforded her the opportunity to volunteer with local organizations and connect with many strong, inspiring women. She is honored to be part of this exhibit.
Elaine J. Faulise
Elaine Jolly Faulise is a Connecticut native born and raised in East Lyme, CT. She graduated from Northeastern University in 1992 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Elaine has been a Police Officer for over 27 years, serving 7 years with the City of Norwich Police Department, and is currently serving over 20 years with her current police department. Elaine started police work to help others in their time of need. She stated, “There is nothing more satisfying then to help someone get the justice they deserve after a crime or any traumatic event”. Elaine is a single mother who has raised her children on her own since 1997. Her daughter is in college studying to be a nurse and her son recently entered his basic training for the Connecticut National Guard; both following in their parent’s footsteps to serve in public service careers.
Elaine strives to inspire others, her motto pay it forward, you only get one life, use it wisely. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, traveling, and dog training. Elaine’s father died when she was 12 years old, so she is very conscious of health and wellness; she collaborated with the Isagenix a health and wellness company. Elaine love to ask strangers, how old do you think I am? Most responses are late 30’s early 40’s. She loves to say, “No, this is what 52 looks like”.
Since her early twenties, Elaine has enjoyed raising several dogs. Currently Elaine and her family have a three and a half year old American Rottweiler named Gabriel “Gabe”. Gabe is the family pet who has to share his home with his family’s 13-year-old barn cat, Oreo. Elaine has been training Gabriel to be an outstanding ambassador for his breed. Gabe does not realize his size or that he is classified as a dangerous breed. Gabe is a sweet gentle giant, who loves play and to say hi to everyone he meets, including other dogs.
Eva Libitzky
Out on a Ledge is a widely acclaimed book about a teenaged Chasidic girl (Eva Libitzky). She demonstrates rare courage, resilience, and cleverness as she struggles to survive the worst horrors of Nazi-occupied Poland. Despite the deepest suffering and the most profound loss, Eva was able to rebuild her life, and with her husband, also a survivor, raise a family in America – in the city, suburbs, and on the farm in Colchester Ct.
She is currently living in Florida with one of her daughters while her other two children are in California. She has 5 grandchildren and 3 great grand children.
Irene Berman
Irene Levin Berman was born in Oslo, Norway. Her first conscious recollection of life goes back to 1942, when as a child she had to escape to Sweden, a neutral country, with her immediate family. Germany had invaded Norway and the persecution of the 2000 Norwegian Jews was initiated. 771 persons were sent to Auschwitz, including seven members of Irene's father’s family. Forty percent of the Norwegian Jews were annihilated.
As a child, Irene had no understanding of the meaning of the Holocaust, but as she grew older she became familiar with World War II. Her family returned to Norway in 1945 when the war ended and the Norwegian Jews had to rebuild their lives in Oslo.
Irene remained in Norway with her family until she moved to the United States as a young bride. In the United States, she wrote two books “We are going to Pick Potatoes” and Norway Wasn’t Too Small, one of which was endorsed by Elie Wiesel, Nobel Laureate, who encouraged her to tell her story. Irene’s first story was published both in Norway and the United States.
For many years Irene wondered why Americans had no knowledge about the horrible events in Norway, and she began to write a book about her family. Once she started with this unknown story, she couldn‘t stop. Losing her parents at an early age forced her to delve into the tragedy of the Jewish people not just in Norway but also in other countries.
Irene’s books became successful, as the story of Norway and the Holocaust became Irene’s priority. She has spoken to groups all around the country informing them of the horror of World War II in Norway.
Tutti Fishman
Ruth Lichtenstern was Born in 1935 in Germany. Her nickname was Tutti. In 1936, Tutti and her parents, Heinz and Margret, left Germany for Amsterdam. “They saw the writing on the wall,” Fishman explained. “And the company my father worked for moved the main office from Cologne to Amsterdam. It was a Jewish company and my grandfather went with the move.”
The Lichtensterns’ life in Amsterdam was good for a couple of years – Tutti’s younger brother Robbie was born there in 1938. Then in 1940, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands.Things were okay for the Lichtensterns for a time. “It started out normal even though the Germans were there. They way the Nazis invaded the Netherlands was that they made their changes really slow,” Fishman said. “It wasn’t like a Kristallnacht where they just came in and started knocking down all of the synagogues and arresting people. It was slow, insidious changes. Little things. ‘Register your bike, register your car. Now you can’t have your car. Now you can’t have your bike.’ It was little things like that and it slowly crept up on them.” Fishman’s grandfather worked as a metals commodities trader. The family was sent twice to Westerbork, a transit camp in the Netherlands, the first time in October 1943. “My mom’s memories are really child memories. She saw it through a child’s eyes. Her mother…my grandmother is my hero in this. She protected the kids so much,” Fishman said.
After the war, Tutti, now known as Ruth to many in the community, settled in West Hartford – her husband Herbert’s hometown – to raise Heidi (The author of Tutti's Promise) and her brothers, Peter and Toni.
Sabrina Forsyth
Sabrina Pray Forsythe started her philanthropic career by following in the footsteps of her father, a famous car collector and community activist. Sabrina knew that her father was taking steps to create a legacy by building a facility that would emphasize his belief that anyone can achieve their goals. Therefore she decided to become proficient in fundraising in order to be able to maintain her father’s desire to keep his dream alive.
Among her many accomplishments are chairing the largest fundraiser for the Convent of the Sacred Heart three times. She has also chaired the Greenwich Historical Society’s major fundraiser, Antiquarius. The Bruce Museum benefitted when Sabrina chaired the Renaissance Ball. Sabrina chaired the YWCA’s Persimmon Ball, three times. Sabrina chaired the Old Bags Luncheon twice, which raises funds for domestic abuse. Sabrina has chaired the Greenwich Riding and Trails Association Ball. The daughters of the American Revolution asked Sabrina to run their antique show for four years in a row. A proud Republican, Sabrina was vice chair of the young republican group in Greenwich. As an advocate for older people, Sabrina ran the fashion show for the Greenwich Adult Day Care Center eight years in a row.
Sabrina’s board service includes the Bruce Museum, Greenwich Green and Clean, the Greenwich Adult Day Care Center, the Russell Maguire Foundation, the Friends of Nathaniel Witherell and almost a decade of work for the YWCA.
The memories that Sabrina‘s father created are being passed down to her daughters. Their enthusiasm for all things automobile are endless.
One of her greatest honors was to win the Spirit of Greenwich Award. This award is given to community volunteers who have given selflessly. All this has led her to where she is today, a trustee of the family foundation that her father created There is nothing that Sabrina won’t do to realize her father‘s legacy. It is her fervent desire to insure that the mission her father set out upon be continued in perpetuity.
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Paula Orange
Realtor and Sports & Entertainment Entrepreneur has lived in Connecticut for 14 years. Originally from historic Tuskegee, Ala, Paula is the daughter of the late Dr. Ann Marie Depas-Orange, published English Professor, and Walter Orange, founding member of The Commodores. She personifies perseverance with life’s obstacles she’s overcome and has learned one must embody strength, be tenacious, and persistent to go far beyond goals set in life. Positive and forward thinking, Paula rarely accepts no for an answer and likes to be a problem solver. She finds strength in prayer and enjoys helping others. Paula has been a long time volunteer in Hartford County schools mentoring young adults. She values her family, friends, mentees, real estate clients, and colleagues. Together, we all WIN! Active in her community, church, Impact Church Now of Hartford, and sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Paula likes to lead by example and looks forward to paving the way for young women for generations to come.
instagram.com/paulaorangeofficial/
Cathy Weiss
Connecticut artist, poet laureate, and gerontologist Cathy Weiss is inspired to solve problems by initiating and collaborating on unique projects. She has a long list of firsts and has helped many Connecticut non profits thrive! Her driving mantra during the 2020 pandemic was “Do Good Recklessly.” So she partnered with three foundations and raised money to help with the immediate needs of people during the pandemic.
In 2020 She developed The Cathy Weiss Sunrise Fund with The Community Foundation of Middlesex County with the purpose of supplementing existing non profits with the challenges of the pandemic, focusing on single women, children, and community stability. Her research showed that in 2022 we are left with the remnants of the pandemic, a collective grief and anxiety as we move into a “re-entry.” So she is supporting more programs for mental well being. Many of these will be through new artistic partnerships because she believes “art heals.”
In 2020 She received a lifetime achievement award from the Towers Foundation where she has been a friend to the staff and residents for years. She was on the Towers Great Give Team which helped to fund their project that is now sustainably feeding hundreds of seniors two meals a day in perpetuity, all while saving electricity and reducing the carbon footprint…the first and only in the State of CT! A gerontologist and artist, she has The Catherine Weiss Gallery at The Towers that raises money for evidence based senior arts programming with its beautiful showcase of senior art and outside artists. She is an elected artist at The Mystic Museum of Art, and other art organizations, and her artwork is part of a public display on a CT transit bus.
She also is a consultant to private foundations and facilitated several major donations to non profits all across Connecticut. She has mostly worked anonymously for the past twenty years. Now that she is retired she hopes touting her life work will inspire other women. “I did not have a silver spoon childhood with anything handed to me, I believed in the good and true motives in myself to give back and visualized making it happen!” As a senior citizen mentoring has become her main passion.
This year, serving as Poet Laureate for the Town of Clinton, she was asked to teach some classes as a guest author on zoom. The students really responded to the community connection. They wrote poems based on her artwork and she helped them get published. With all her accolades, she will say the thank you poems they wrote her are among her greatest treasures. She has developed “Portraits of Clinton,” a town wide poetry project. Additionally, she will be reading her poetry May 1, at a Fundraising event for P.S. It Hurts, a non profit that serves families affected by loss from loved ones self termination. For more information on this event, her poetry readings, or art shows contact her though her website www.cathyweiss.info Or, Cathy North of Sixty Facebook Page.
Marcelle Applewhaite
The parable, never judge a book by its cover, becomes challenging when gazing at the beauty that artist Rebecca Rose has brought out in this portrait. Each of us is a book, which is too often judged by its cover. Some of us will go further and read the inside flap to get a glimpse of what is inside or the back to see what others have said. But the entire book, until completely read, will still escape us. We are like books, with individual and unique stories. My story contains blessings and triumph along with failures and pain. This year of challenging times across our globe with the Covid-19 virus and within our nation with racial reckoning conjuring strong emotions in us all. The virus and the need for racial equality highlights our commonality, it did not discriminate between hosts. And we should follow suit. We must take the time to read the individual books, even those we think we already know. We must avoid categorizing people and judging them without bothering to open the cover or even turning the page. The beauty of our lives is that we are all different books made in the image of God.
Shakira Perez
Shakira Perez was born and raised in Hartford. She lived in the Rice Heights Housing projects in the Behind the Rocks section of Hartford and attended Hartford Public Schools all her life. Shakira attended Capital Community College for a year before transferring to Saint Joseph College, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English. She later returned to Saint Joseph College to complete her Master’s degree in Education.
Shakira is a true believer in being a lifelong learner. In 2007, she became a fellow of the Central Connecticut Writing Project, where she remains heavily involved with the reading department at Central Connecticut State University. Through the CT Writing Project, she has had the opportunity to present at CCSU’s Literacy Essentials Conference, Idea Share and the Latinos in Action Youth Conference. In July 2017, Shakira, along with the director of the CT Writing Project, led a workshop on promoting reading and writing in and beyond the classroom at the European Literacy Conference in Madrid, Spain. In 2019, she was a recipient of the Funds for Teachers grant and travelled to Oxford, England and Copenhagen, Denmark to attend and present workshops on creating possibilities for writing at the International Roundtable Symposium and the European Literacy Conference, respectively. This summer, she is traveling to Dublin, Ireland to present a workshop on “Growing Student Writers in a Creative and Collaborative Digital Community/Environment” at the European Literacy Conference.
Shakira is currently teaching 8th grade English and Reading Intervention at Classical Magnet School. She takes great pride in being a teacher at Classical having graduated from the program in 1995. She feels like she has come full circle and is now able to give back what she has received. In fact, in 2020, she was named Hartford Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year. She also serves as the senior advisor and an instructional leader. Shakira loves to attend the school’s sports games and can be seen driving teams to their games and rooting from the stands. In the spring, you can catch her coaching the girls’ varsity tennis team.
Shakira enjoys traveling, reading and DIY projects. She is an Executive Board Member of the Connecticut Institute for Community Development (CICD) and recently self-published a choreopoem called Brave Bird. Shakira lives in Hartford with her two children, Josiah and Scarlett.
Danuza Fazio
Danuza Fazio is a successful business owner in Connecticut. She has won numerous awards, including “Best Massage Therapist in Connecticut” by Health, Beauty, and Wellness award hosted by LuxLife Magazine 2022.
Danuza brings all the knowledge from Brazil where she grew up in the spa industry where her mom owns a very successful spa business. Danuza is a licensed Massage Therapist, Skin expert, and waxing specialist. She is a busy professional with a waiting list and loves what she does.
In her free time Danuza loves to spend time with her husband Francis on their lake house, spend time in nature, and read great books.
Danuza also volunteers her time at the Water- Oak Women’s Club in Watertown, an organization for women interested in serving the local community. The club meets once a month for volunteering activities to help the local community.
For more information on how to get in contact with Danuza her website is below:
Www. Facialsbydanuza.com
Jessica Rand
Jessica Rand is a 13 year member of the Old Lyme Fire Department, a Commercial Insurance agent, a wife, and most importantly a mother of two; a two year old son and newborn daughter.
She joined the Old Lyme Fire Department at 17, wanting to give back to her community while learning new skills that would challenge and empower her. She achieved a long-time goal in 2021 of being elected the Officer position of Lieutenant by her membership, the first step towards hopefully climbing the ranks to Chief. She is only the second female officer in the history of the department, which enters its centennial year in 2023.
She is admittedly independent, proudly strong willed, and highly motivated, but she never quite saw herself as inspirational to others. After achieving Lieutenant though, she began focusing on how to grow and positively impact her department with a personal touch. She joined the department's training division as the training officer for new members, grew the department's social media presence, campaigns for new members, and attends local outreach on behalf of the department. The membership has an unprecedented nine new members this term, and she is excited to think she had something to do with that.
She has inadvertently but proudly served her first term as Lieutenant while pregnant with her daughter. The symbolism of this is not lost on her. Currently, the fire service nationwide is about 7% female. Jessica hopes to continue to promote change and the growth of this percentage. She hopes, now more than ever, to be a role model for all women looking to enter the fire service and similar male-dominated fields.
Kimberlee Plude
Shari Cantor was born and raised in West Hartford. Her mother, Rose Granow, still lives in the house where she grew up. She met her husband, Michael upon graduation from UConn and have been married for 34 years. They have four sons – Josh, Sam, Ben, and Jacob – all graduates from West Hartford public schools. As Mayor of West Hartford Shari has devoted not only her time and energy but she has put her whole heart into serving in this position. Beyond that responsibility, she is a member of the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, a member of the boards of Foodshare, the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation, the West Hartford Art League, and the American School for the Deaf. She is a West Hartford Rotarian and have devoted time over the past several years to volunteering for a number of other non-profits
Crystal Shepard
Crystal Shepard is a 5th generation black female, born in Meriden, CT. She is a single Mother to 4 children, 3 beautiful girls and 1 handsome young man. Ms. Shepard is an active member of the Mount Hebron Baptist Church of Meriden and works in the healthcare system.
Of her family, Crystal says, “I have raised a generation of people that represent pride, endurance and fortitude. The smile on my face shows that we are family that we are a family that has survived hardship and was rewarded with love and joy”.
Natasha Mason
Natasha Mason grew up in Hartford, CT. Her mom moved her family to CA when she was 14 yrs old and remained there until she was 28 yrs old. From the age of 5yrs old to 28, she experienced domestic violence and child sexual abuse. She finally had the courage to leave at 28 yrs old. She started the healing process by telling her story and started writing. In October of 2017, she became a self published author while continuing to work in the domestic violence field. She developed a passion to helping survivors. As she continue with this passion I recently became a licensed insurance agent help people protect their families.
Chrislyn Lewis
Chrislyn Lewis is a wife to her husband Josh and mother to her children Corey (27 years old) and Ava (14 years old). In her position at Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits, Chrislyn is one of the first points of contact for each client, connecting with each client, and learning about what is important to them. She loves seeing each family’s portraits come to life.
She is passionate about enriching the lives of other women by making each woman feel her absolute best. Her background is in insurance, but it is through her business with Mary Kay, Chrislyn shows each woman how to enhance her natural beauty and make her confidence soar. For Chrislyn, the best feeling ever is to lift other women up so that they can be and feel their best.
Bopha Smith
Bopha Smith's story began when her family fled their Cambodian village to escape the Kmer Rouge. Before immigrating to Long Beach, California, in 1980, they stayed in a Thai refugee camp.
Her formal art training began with acceptance to the Orange County High School of the Arts. She graduated with high honors.
Art and her Christian faith have always carried her through while she learned a new culture and language.
In 2007, Bopha and Vernon moved to Salem, Connecticut, where their three children were raised and homeschooled. The natural setting around their home stimulated her love of gardening and photography, resulting in several photo awards.
Currently, Bopha is honored to join the Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits team as lead photographer in Colchester.
Tamara Marcella
Tamara’s passion in life has always centered around three things: her loved ones, the arts, and her Christian faith. From adolescence through adulthood, Tamara has loved the vocal arts, performing in local theaters, acapella groups and women’s choirs. Tamara attended the University of Connecticut where she was part of the Worship Team for Campus Crusade for Christ. Through Campus Crusade, she met her husband, Matthew, with whom she has 3 beautiful children (Asher 9, Norah 7, and Micaiah 4).
As a wife, mother, singer and Sunday School teacher, there isn’t much spare time, but in what little she has, Tamara is an avid fitness junkie. For her, the gym is more than a place to get fit physically, but it’s where she has met her closest friends and has time to get ready for the day.
Currently, Tamara has had the privilege to be part of the Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits team as the Production Manager.
Jessica Santoro
Jessica Santoro is currently an Art Director with Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits Studio in Colchester, where she gets the ability to bring her passion of creativity and building connections and relationships with people by capturing portraits of families that will be treasured for generations to come. Jessica is also the Operations Manager of the Essex Paint and Sip as well the Secretary of the Timothy Edwards PTO and the Social Director of the South Windsor Swim and Tennis Club.
Jessica started her career in New York City where she worked for many years within the garment district and fashion industry. She continued to feed her love of fashion, creativity, and leadership when she moved back to CT and worked for Specialty Retailers such as GAP and Ann Taylor as a Store Manager. Jessica’s true passion is the ability to connect and inspire women and girls to look and feel their best version of themselves, whether for their first job or interview or in their everyday lives. Jessica has been lucky enough to be able to collaborate with such organizations as Bay Path University, with their Women as Empowered Learners and Leaders program. Jessica also has had the opportunity to be a guest at Bay Path University’s President’s Gala which raises funds for their scholarship programs for women as well as a guest at the Women’s Leadership Conference in Springfield, MA where she attended leadership workshops and presentations. Jessica’s biggest accomplishment to date is being a single mom and raising her two children Emma 15 and Andrew 11, who inspire her daily to lead by example and to strive to be a better version of herself than she was yesterday. “Life is a journey and has been full of peaks and valleys, but I am grateful for where I am and excited for what lies ahead.”
Rebecca Rose
Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits LLC
Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits, LLC., has a commitment to capturing the beauty of families that will be cherished for generations. Rebecca Rose born and raised in rural Connecticut studied art from the time she was 12. Throughout high school and college her passion was for art concentrating on painting. After graduating college, she taught art in a private school. After realizing that she had a passion for painting instead of teaching, she began painting murals for many local businesses. Her creative mind and entrepreneurial spirit lead her to picking up a camera. From there it became her new passion instantly. Within 3 years of her business opening she photographed hundreds of people as well as over one hundred weddings and events including the Harvard Business Gala. Since her degree was not in photography she found it of utmost importance to go back to school for photography and earned her diploma in photography from The Photography Institute. Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits was founded in 2017 after finding there was a need of traditional family portraiture displayed as a form of art. The process is a combination of photography and traditional painting through software editing. Rebecca Rose Fine Portraits' purpose is to encourage a deep appreciation of human beauty.
