Maryam Elahi receives Transformative Leadership Award from Connecticut Voices for Children

Community Foundation President and CEO Maryam Elahi was honored to receive the Transformative Leadership Award from Connecticut Voices for Children (CT Voices) at their First for Kids event, held on April 13th at the Pond House Café, West Hartford.

First for Kids is an annual event hosted by CT Voices to celebrate honorees across the state doing important work on behalf of children and families in Connecticut.

CT Voices Board Member Shenae Draughn presented the award to Maryam and noted, "As the recipient of this award, President Elahi has demonstrated a deep commitment to the advancement of philanthropic advocacy in Connecticut. She is able to look at her community with an eye for the big picture and a solutions-driven approach — bringing together Eastern Connecticut nonprofits, leaders and community members to collectively advocate for policy change." 

During the evening, CT Voices highlighted some of their advocacy goals for this year: direct more money to hardworking families; build a strong and diverse workforce; create more affordable housing in every town across the state; and ensure every zip code has safe and healthy communities.

In accepting the award and addressing the attendees, Maryam emphasized, “It is not acceptable in the wealthiest country in the world that some children live in squalor and receive poor health care and education. To create a better world, we need to think of every child as our very own and provide love, support and opportunities for growth so they can all excel. This is the right thing to do... and it's an investment in our country’s future.”