Dear Friends, Partners, and Community Members,

It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I write to you, on the occasion of The People's Place's official launch. As the Executive Director, I am honored to lead this new endeavor, one that has been born out of a shared commitment to fostering innovation, cooperation, and sustainable change within our communities.

The People's Place is not just an organization — it's a vision realized through the collective efforts of many dedicated individuals who believe in the power of community. Our purpose is clear: to build critical infrastructure that facilitates the kinds of justice work that can only be achieved through organizing and movement building. We exist to empower emerging leaders, trained organizers, and social change entrepreneurs as they continue their ongoing transformation of Connecticut. 

This work would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our founding board members, funders, contractors, and many others who have invested their time, resources, and energy into bringing The People's Place to life. I thank each of you for your vision and dedication to making our communities more equitable and just. Your contributions have laid down a foundation that is strong, resilient, and ready to support the ingenuity and rigor of our communities’ fiercest leaders.

I am also deeply grateful to the mentors, champions and challengers throughout my career who have gifted me clarity in times of uncertainty and purpose amidst chaos. I have written many chapters throughout my 10+ years of social change work and across organizations whose stories I am proud to have been part of. The People’s Place marks a new chapter, and I take seriously the responsibility that lays ahead and the charge that has been entrusted to me to lead with integrity and curiosity, to make informed and courageous decisions that reflect our core values. To this, I am committed.

Our journey has only begun and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together. Thank you for being part of The People's Place family. 

With deep appreciation and in solidarity,