Theme: Hello, World!

Imagine, for a moment, the world screeching to a standstill, as it did during the global pandemic. That moment of pause led us to introspect, to reconsider our perspectives and redefine our understanding of the world. This world, however, isn't a singular entity but rather a kaleidoscope of unique visions, each colorfully varied based on individual experiences. Every one of us carries a unique image of what our world encapsulates, a mosaic of distinct fragments that together shape our reality.

Now, let's shift our lens to a different realm, a world forged by syntax and logic: the realm of computer programming. Herein, the phrase "Hello, World!" is a beacon of accomplishment, often being the first phrase ever uttered by a novice coder's program. It is a simple but significant stepping stone that confirms that a program is functioning as expected. A small triumph, you could say, in an ocean of complex algorithms and rigorous coding logic.

Yet, this seemingly modern phrase, "hello", traces its roots back to the late 19th century, much before the dawn of digital technology. This is where we find Thomas Edison, an inventor of myriad breakthroughs, who also played a part in shaping our everyday language. He campaigned for the use of "hello" as a telephone greeting, countering the proposal of "ahoy" by his rival, Alexander Graham Bell. Subsequently, the first telephone book, circulated by the District Telephone Company of New Haven, Connecticut, also championed "hello". This humble endorsement paved the way for the word to engrain itself in common parlance and evolve into the universal greeting it is today.

Each facet of our theme signifies a different narrative, reflecting the multi-dimensional world we are all part of, both in our personal experiences and as part of the broader spectrum of history and innovation. Welcome to our story, where the past, present, and future intertwine, saying a vibrant "Hello, World!".

Shubert Theatre
247 College St
New Haven, Connecticut, 06510
United States

Adam Christoferson

CEO and Founder of Musical Intervention

Adam Christoferson, founder and director of Musical Intervention™, was influenced by his challenging childhood in a financially struggling family battling mental health and substance abuse issues. After being placed in foster care, Adam discovered solace in music, leading to his commitment to harness music's transformative power. After earning a degree in Recreation and Leisure studies, he worked for 5 years in the Child Psychiatric Inpatient unit at Yale New Haven Hospital, where he introduced songwriting sessions. This had a significant positive impact on patients and was featured at the World Congress of Adolescence and Psychiatry in Beijing, China. Adam founded Musical Intervention™, a community-based music program in New Haven, CT. The program provides a drug and alcohol-free space for people to create and perform music, winning an award from the Arts Council of Greater New Haven and recognition from Yale University’s Program for Recovery and Community Health (PRCH).

Andrea Barton Reeves

Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Social Services

In a career dedicated to mission, Andrea advocates for improving the lives of those in need. After practicing law in large firms in New York and Connecticut, Andrea felt a strong calling to serve the underserved, leading her to establish her own practice dedicated to children's rights in high conflict cases. This experience combined with her operational skills and deep compassion led to her role at Harc, Inc., as In-House Counsel and VP of Administration, eventually rising to the position of CEO. Later, she became the inaugural CEO of Connecticut's Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance Authority, where she deftly launched a comprehensive $400M program, impressively achieving this during a pandemic, within budget, and on schedule. She has been recognized in the Hartford Business Journal's Power 25 in Healthcare (2021), Top 25 Women in Business (2022), and being distinguished as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut by the Connecticut NAACP (Class of 2021).

Dr. Mehul Dalal

Health and Human Services Director, Physician

Trained as a primary care physician, Dr. Mehul Dalal left the traditional career path to work on the big things that impact our health. Early in his medical training he arrived at the unshakable conclusion that more than any pill he could prescribe, it was peoples’ circumstances that shaped their health. He currently serves as the Community Services Administrator for the City of New Haven overseeing the City’s Health and Human Services Departments where his teams have focused on local pandemic response and reimagining public services through a community resilience lens. Previously, Dr. Dalal served as the Chronic Disease Director at the Connecticut Department of Public Health where he supervised health programs and helped implement components of the Affordable Care Act. He holds an undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from Brown University, a Doctor of Medicine from Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and completed a primary care internal medicine residency at New York University.

Dr. Sana Shaikh

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Expert

As the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Manager at Curriculum Associates, Dr. Sana Shaikh drives and scales the company's DEIB strategy and programs. An immigrant and child of immigrants, she brings a unique perspective and a passion for uniting people through authentic relationships. With extensive educational qualifications, including two Bachelor's degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, and multiple master's degrees and a PhD from prestigious institutions, Dr. Shaikh has a deep understanding of social policy and management. Her diverse experiences as a former Teach for America corps member, Aspen Institute Fellow, and more have shaped her commitment to fostering culturally responsive spaces. In her spare time, she leads her own learning and development company, TimeED, and serves on the Connecticut Mirror's Community Editorial Board. Dr. Shaikh is dedicated to building bridges through authenticity, empathy, and intentionality as a hyphenated Pakistani-American.

Jason Few

President and CEO at FuelCell Energy, Inc.

Jason Few is the President and CEO of FuelCell Energy, Inc., a global leader in manufacturing fuel cell energy platforms for decarbonizing power and hydrogen production. Throughout his 30-year career, Jason has demonstrated exceptional leadership and entrepreneurship in various industries, including technology, energy, and telecommunications. He has held influential positions in esteemed companies such as NRG/Reliant, Continuum Energy, Motorola, and Sustayn Analytics L.L.C., where he successfully spearheaded transformative projects. Notably, at Reliant Energy, he orchestrated a billion-dollar turnaround, propelling it to become a diversified consumer services company. Jason has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Computer Systems from Ohio University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Northwestern University's J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Jeffrey S. Bravin

Executive Director at The American School for the Deaf

Jeffrey S. Bravin is the Executive Director of the American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, CT. Since joining ASD in 2002, he has been instrumental in overseeing the school's operations, including educational development, admissions, finance, faculty development, and public relations. Mr. Bravin previously served as the Assistant Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer and played a key role in the construction of ASD's state-of-the-art educational facility. He brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at the Lexington School for the Deaf and holds multiple degrees in government, deaf education, and school administration. Currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Education Leadership, Mr. Bravin actively contributes to advisory boards and councils related to disability services and educational administration for the deaf community.

Jonathan Q. Berryman

Musician & Educator

Jonathan Q. Berryman, a renowned educator, scholar, and musician, has dedicated over two decades to the New Haven Public Schools (NHPS), serving in multiple roles at several schools. He is also the Vice President of Elementary Schools for the New Haven Federation of Teachers. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Berryman holds degrees from Princeton University, Yale University, and Southern Connecticut State University. His research primarily focuses on talent management in teacher diversity. Berryman contributes to the community as Director of Music for Messiah Baptist Church, Director of the Heritage Chorale of New Haven, and a member of the Board of Directors for the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. His work has been recognized with many awards, including the New Haven Arts Council Award and the Phi Delta Kappa Golden Apple Award. He's also featured in the documentary film "You Can’t Sing it for Them" and was recognized by the Dalio Foundation's Teachers of Connecticut.

Laila Smith

Student in Psychology

Laila Smith, a current student at the University of Southern California, demonstrates strong leadership as a member of the NHA Black and Brown Student Union's Leadership Team, BLM@NHA. Her impactful initiatives include organizing district-wide and school-wide conferences to educate teachers on anti-racist and anti-bias initiatives. Additionally, Laila actively participated in the New Haven Academy Facing History Council, affiliated with Facing History and Ourselves, where she hosted engaging events and led panels to foster open discussions on important topics within the school community. Her exceptional achievements have garnered recognition, including being a recipient of the Edward A. Bouchet Scholarship, Anna Louise James Awardee, and the Greater New Haven NAACP 2022 Scholarship.

Laura Pirie

Architect & Founder of Pirie Associates

Laura Pirie, founder of Pirie Associates Architects, has spent 30 years revolutionizing client-architect interactions. She invites clients and communities to actively participate in designing their spaces, fostering empowerment with the built environment. Her multi-disciplinary design practice in New Haven, CT, integrates planning, community engagement, strategy, interiors, architecture, and landscape. Known for its craftsmanship, focus on occupant well-being, and evocative design, her studio has won numerous awards. Pirie also serves as an educator at the Yale School of Architecture, an executive board member of the CT Main Street Center, and co-chair of the CT AIA Design Knowledge Community.

Louis L. Reed

Social Impact Expert

Louis L. Reed, a board-certified addictions counselor, leverages his personal experience and expertise in criminal justice, policy advocacy, and public health. Before joining REFORM, he directed National Organizing & Partnerships for Dream Corps JUSTICE, fostering a significant bipartisan grassroots coalition. He conceptualized and directed the Mayor’s Office for Reentry Affairs in Bridgeport, CT, supporting those impacted by the criminal justice system. Reed led advocacy for the First Step Act and worked on successful Connecticut legislation related to reentry services and practices. A Forbes Coaches Council Member and Huffington Post contributor, he's recognized as an influential leader by The Brigadoon and nominated for Ebony Magazine's Power 100. Based in Connecticut, he consults on strategic partnerships and frequently comments on the Law & Crime Network.

Maia Cook

Student in Ethics, Politics, & Economics

Maia Cook, an undergraduate researcher at Yale University, is studying the impact of the 2010 Supreme Court decision, Citizens United, on marginalized communities. She believes that legislative defection due to lobbying harms black, indigenous, and latine groups. Her interest began during her first political campaign in 2020. In 2021, after moving to Connecticut, she lobbied for increased campaign finance disclosure and testified before the state's General Administration and Elections Committee. Despite the defeat of the house bill she supported, she views its progress in a fiscal-focused legislative session as noteworthy. In 2022, she secured public statements on Citizens United's legacy from Noam Chomsky and former Attorney General Eric Holder. Convinced that justice cannot exist when corporations influence representatives, Maia aims to continue sharing her findings publicly in a comprehensible manner. She aspires to attend law school post-graduation.

Nelly Chatue-Diop

Co-Founder and CEO of Ejara

Nelly is a renowned Data leader and an outspoken advocate for African financial inclusion and the potential of blockchain to transform the continent. In 2020, she launched her start-up Ejara.io: Africa's first non-custodial cryptocurrency wallet and mobile investment platform uniquely tailored for Francophone Africa and the diaspora. After earning her degree in computer science and MBA from HEC Paris and London Business School, Nelly has spent the last 15+ years across Europe and the United States building expertise in emerging technologies, traditional finance, and Web 3.0 through her participation in several directorial boards and executive committees. She also leads the Tezos Africa foundation with chapters spanning several regions. In her own words, “Ejara came from a vision that I have, which is to allow everyone, no matter where they are in Africa, to be able to create, increase and protect their wealth and savings. The royal purple lion represents our form of the future.”

Neville Wisdom

Fashion Designer & Entrepreneur

Head Designer and Owner of the Neville Wisdom label, Neville Wisdom, hails from a small Jamaican town where he began creating clothing at 15. Mostly self-taught, his passion for unique designs has resulted in over 25 years of designing for both men and women. In 2008, he established his presence in the US fashion scene with a small boutique in Westville, CT, and has since opened two retail locations selling his clothing line. His label represents integrity, quality, and longevity, with all items made in the USA. He also gives back to the community through mentorship, teaching, hosting field trips, and organizing charity fashion shows.

Patricia Melton

President at New Haven Promise

As the president of New Haven Promise, Patricia Melton has disbursed over $25 million to 2,200+ city students, while also establishing career and civic launch programs that helped secure nearly 1,000 internships and full-time positions in New Haven. She has made a significant impact on thousands of students and has a background in creating Early College High Schools. Being the first in her family to attend college, Melton earned a bachelor's degree from Yale University and a master's degree from Arizona State University. She served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve during her time at Yale. Melton's athletic prowess and leadership skills have been instrumental in overcoming challenges. She received the Nellie Elliott award, the highest athletic honor in her Yale class, and was a finalist in the 800 meters at the 1988 U.S. Olympic trials. She has been recognized with awards, including the NCAA's Silver Anniversary Award and Yale University's George H. W. Bush Award.

Shawn Rochester

CEO and Chairman of Minority Equality Opportunities Acquisitions Inc.

Shawn Rochester, Chairman and CEO of Minority Equality Opportunities Acquisition Inc. (MEOA), has a distinguished career in business and diversity initiatives. Before MEOA, he served as CEO of Good Steward LLC and PHD Enterprises, advising Fortune 100 companies on creating inclusive, equitable economic frameworks. As the Global Director of New Business Development at Amphenol Corporation, he led mergers, acquisitions, and identified new growth opportunities. Rochester's tenure at IBM saw him working in Corporate Development, Finance & Planning, Treasury and the Emerging Business Opportunities program, contributing to business ventures generating over $10 billion in revenue. In 2018, he penned 'The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America,' which explored the financial burden on Black Americans throughout history. He holds degrees from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the University of Rochester. He's a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.