We’re on a Mission
in the Hartford Region

Staff & Board

Working together, our staff and Board are improving the lives of women, girls, and families in our community. We are committed to ensure our vision becomes a reality for all.

Our vision: To become a community with unlimited opportunities to un-limit opportunity.

Our Leadership

Adrienne W. Cochrane, J.D.
Chief Executive Officer

Adrienne has devoted her career to ensuring racial and social justice, and gender equity prevails for all. For more than 20 years, she has boldly led organizations committed to improving lives, specifically for women and people of color. Prior to joining YWCA Hartford Region, she served in leadership roles within the National Urban League, including as President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Hartford.
Read her full bio here.

Derek Stubbs
Chief Financial Officer

Derek oversees YWCA Hartford Region’s financial, facilities and technology operations. He brings over 30 years of financial experience, with half of those years spent in the nonprofit sector.

Catherine Zeiner, CMA, CPA
Chief Strategy & Operations Officer

Cathy oversees YWCA Hartford Region’s strategic plan, housing programs, grants and compliance and Persimmon Petals. She brings more than 20 years as a nonprofit leader, including as Executive Director of Safe Futures and as chair of numerous statewide boards.

Donna Sodipo
Chief Program Officer

Donna brings more than 25 years of expertise building programs and initiatives benefiting underserved communities. Her background includes strengthening partnerships to scale program offerings within education, youth and workforce development and women’s empowerment.

Sharon Bellinger
Chief Development Officer

Sharon leads efforts to elevate YWCA Hartford Region’s brand by increasing awareness of the organization’s impact in the community and raising critical funds to support its programs and services. Prior to joining YWCA Hartford Region, she served as Chief Marketing Officer for Girl Scouts of Connecticut.

Christina Gregoire
Chief Human Resource and Training Officer

Christina brings extensive experience in talent management, diversity, equity and inclusion, career development, and business acumen to her role. Currently, she is responsible for developing and implementing all HR practices within the organization, creating career pathways and professional development opportunities, and educating all employees on their roles in advancing the mission, vision and values.

Tina Gladden
Director, Early Learning & School Age Programs

Tina brings more than 25 years of experience in the child development field. She currently oversees YWCA Hartford Region’s four Early Learning Centers and five Before and After School programs throughout the Hartford Region.

Melinda Johnson
Director, Community Engagement & Advocacy

Melinda brings more than 12 years of passion and expertise to her work dismantling racial, social, and economic inequalities. Prior to joining YWCA Hartford Region, she served in advocacy and policy roles with the Connecticut Women’s Educational and Legal Fund and the Urban League of Greater Hartford.

2023 Board of Directors

Officers:

Andrea Barton Reeves, Department of Social Services
Chair

Racquel Santana, Chubb
Vice Chair

Lisa Maguire, AIG
Treasurer

Chasity Roberts, CVS Health
Secretary

Directors:

Melissa Appleby, Town of Simsbury

Marissa Badgley, Reloveution

Erica Dean, Comcast

Dawn Lazarus, Lindberg & Ripple

Eileen Madden, Voya Financial

Wanda Ramos, Pratt & Whitney a Raytheon Technologies Company

Kayla Reasco-Bumgardner, Intersect Public Solutions Public Relations Firm

Richa Srivastava, Travelers, Inc

Margaret J. Strange, Esq., Jackson Lewis, LLP

Natalie Weaver, Liberty Bank

Kristen Weisensee, Travelers, Inc.

Dantaya Williams, Raytheon Technologies

Yvette Young, Village for Families and Children

Board Nominations