Born and raised in Greater New Haven, the grand-daughter of Italian American immigrants, I grew up in a working class family, the oldest of eight children, and have watched the people I love work hard to find stability and build beautiful lives in Connecticut. My upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of collaboration, resiliency, and an understanding of how to get people to work together toward a better tomorrow for all of us, even when we may have different goals and points of view.
I have spent my entire adult life fighting for systemic change that upholds the values I was taught in Connecticut including equitable access to quality jobs and catalytic education (including apprenticeships, trade schools, and higher education), reproductive rights, poverty alleviation, equity and dignity, evidence-based public safety, and ending mass criminalization and incarceration.
My career spans more than 20 years in economic and workforce development fighting for workers and learners. My expertise lives at the intersection of government (all levels), our education and workforce systems, and the private sector. In 2013, my work designing initiatives for dislocated workers during the 2008 recession was recognized by the Obama Administration as a best practice and in 2021, before moving back home, I was recognized by City & State NY as one of the most impactful people driving Economic Development in New York. I work closely with local, state, and federal policy makers to advocate for high-quality, sustainable policy that includes accountable implementation and quality assurance.
I am also honored to be one of the founders of North Haven Pride where I have been a co-chair since its launch. The impact of this work on our community has been incredible and we've been able to bring together a bipartisan team to make North Haven a better place for all of us, including the LGBTQ+ community.
All of that being said, being called “mom” is the greatest title I’ve ever held and my husband Steve and I have two brilliant daughters who keep us on our toes.
I haven't ever had political aspirations. This specific race at this specific moment in time has truly resonated with me. I believe I can be of service to the people of District 34 and, as a mom, wife, oldest daughter, and big sister, I do not want to see another election pass where our voices are silenced and accountability shrinks. I hope you agree.