United Way Wi-mentor Awards Dinner

I was invited by Cathy Greco from United Way - Coastal Fairfield County to speak at the awards dinner for their Wi-mentor Program. I met Cathy at the Fallen Heroes ceremony at Hall School in Bridgeport while I was there with Claudia, one of our Diamonds. I explained to her the purpose of our Miss Connecticut's Diamond program and my role as a mentor to the Diamonds.

She thought it was a perfect example of how children can benefit from the different role models they can have in their lives and exactly what the Wi-mentor program encourages. So I brought two of my Diamonds with me, Claudia and Haley. The theme was "A Night in Hollywood" and many characters like "Audrey Hepburn" and "Sherlock Holmes" showed up!

I spoke about the importance of mentoring and how role models positively impacted my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today or have accomplished what I have if it weren't for my mentors - parents, family, friends, teachers, teammates, colleagues, etc. I also urged each and every one of the mentees to give back by becoming a mentor to someone else whenever possible.

We had a blast! I had to drag the girls off the dance floor because it was a school night and getting late! Thank you to Cathy, Malin Olofsson & Maria Tolzmann the Wi-mentor program coordinators, as well as Merle Berke-Schlessel, the President & CEO of UWCFC for inviting me and the girls to an event fit for celebrities!

Claudia Capozzo and Haley Capozzo, two of our Miss CT's Diamonds

Yours truly, speaking to mentors and mentees

Me and the girls at our VIP table ;)

Aren't they too cute?!

Future Miss Connecticuts right here!

My girls <3>

Claudia dancing to the "Cha-Cha Slide"

(When I was little we danced to the "Electric Slide")