Rooted in Impact: A United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut Podcast

United Way of Coastal and Western CT

Rooted in Impact is the official podcast of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Join us as we explore the people, programs, and partnerships driving positive change in our community— and learn how United Way is creating change locally! 

  1. Episode 13: Developing Diverse Leaders with Kim Bianca Burgess of SEAT

    MAY 20

    Episode 13: Developing Diverse Leaders with Kim Bianca Burgess of SEAT

    In this episode of Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with to discuss how SEAT is building stronger, more representative nonprofit leadership by preparing residents from Black and Latino communities for board service. Kim shares the importance of diverse voices in decision-making spaces, the impact of board training and leadership development, and how empowering community members to lead can create more equitable and responsive organizations. The conversation highlights the power of representation, civic engagement, and community-driven leadership to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve.

    40 min
  2. Episode 12: Expanding Access to Local Food Through Community Partnerships with Sean Fitzpatrick

    MAY 6

    Episode 12: Expanding Access to Local Food Through Community Partnerships with Sean Fitzpatrick

    In this episode of Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Sean Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of Real Food CT, to explore how community partnerships are expanding access to fresh, locally grown food across Connecticut. Sean shares how Real Food CT’s Food Hub, farm operations, and collaborations with local farmers are helping bridge gaps in the food system while strengthening both community health and the local economy. The conversation highlights the power of innovative, community-driven solutions to build a more equitable and resilient food system.  To learn more about Real Food CT visit: https://realfoodct.org/

    25 min
  3. Episode 11: Building a Culture of Service and Leadership Across Connecticut

    APR 21

    Episode 11: Building a Culture of Service and Leadership Across Connecticut

    This week on Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Andrew Ferguson to explore how leadership development and community connection can strengthen a culture of service across Connecticut. Andrew shares the vision behind Redwood Endeavors, including the launch of Redwood Fellows and The Neighborhood—a statewide network designed to connect, support, and celebrate volunteers and civic leaders. The conversation highlights how investing in people and building strong networks can drive long-term impact. Listeners will gain insight into how leadership, volunteerism, and community engagement intersect—and how individuals and organizations alike can play a meaningful role in fostering a more connected, service-driven state.

    21 min
  4. Episode 10: Advancing Equity and Opportunity Through Community Leadership with State Representative Corey Paris

    APR 7

    Episode 10: Advancing Equity and Opportunity Through Community Leadership with State Representative Corey Paris

    This week on Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano interviews State Rep. Corey Paris to discuss leading with purpose in public service, nonprofit work, and advocacy. Representative Paris explains how he weaves equity, opportunity, and community impact into his professional and governmental roles. The conversation delves into persistent systemic barriers affecting families and children, and explores how collaborative, long-term solutions can overcome these challenges. Through examples of cross-sector partnerships and community-centered leadership, the discussion illustrates how meaningful change results from coordinated efforts between people and institutions. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how leadership rooted in service and equity drives lasting impact, and how both individuals and organizations can help build more stable, opportunity-rich communities for everyone.

    23 min
  5. Episode 9: Cradle to Career: Building Pathways to Opportunity Across Connecticut

    MAR 24

    Episode 9: Cradle to Career: Building Pathways to Opportunity Across Connecticut

    This week on Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Lauren Scopaz-Daunais, Senior Vice President of Collective Action, for a conversation about how communities across Connecticut are coming together to improve outcomes for children and families—from early childhood through career. Lauren shares insights from the Connecticut Cradle to Career Coalition, highlighting how cross-sector collaboration, shared data, and community voice help align local efforts and inform statewide policy solutions that advance economic mobility. From schools and nonprofits to government, businesses, families, and youth, she explains how the cradle-to-career model creates a unified approach to supporting children’s education and long-term success. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why collective action matters, how communities can work together around shared goals, and the strategies driving lasting opportunity for children and families across Connecticut.

    23 min
  6. Episode 8: Public Service That Moves the Needle with Damika Richardson

    MAR 10

    Episode 8: Public Service That Moves the Needle with Damika Richardson

    This week on Rooted in Impact, we explore what it truly means to live a life of service — across career, community, and family. Host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Damika Richardson, Associate Group Practice Manager at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Captain in the Air National Guard, for a conversation about leadership rooted in commitment and purpose. From overseeing operations within a federal healthcare system serving veterans to volunteering in her community and mentoring the next generation, Damika’s story highlights how public service can take many forms — and why it matters. Together, they discuss the often-unseen leadership that keeps complex systems running, the lessons military service brings to civilian leadership, and the importance of modeling service for the next generation. As a mother, community volunteer, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Damika shares how service isn’t confined to a title — it’s a mindset that shapes how we show up every day. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead within institutions that support communities at scale, while staying grounded in local impact and personal responsibility. This episode of Rooted in Impact is made possible by Newtown Savings Bank, whose long-standing commitment to Connecticut communities helps strengthen the partnerships and programs that allow individuals, families, and neighborhoods to thrive.

    21 min
  7. Episode 7: Building Strong Communities Through Access and Innovation with CIFC President & CEO, Katie McKeon Curran

    FEB 24

    Episode 7: Building Strong Communities Through Access and Innovation with CIFC President & CEO, Katie McKeon Curran

    This week on Rooted in Impact, we’re exploring what it truly takes to build strong, resilient communities, especially in moments of uncertainty. Host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Katherine McKeon Curran, President & CEO of CIFC Health, for a conversation on expanding access to quality health care, early learning, and comprehensive family support systems. Together, they examine how community-based organizations respond to shifting policy landscapes, evolving funding environments, and growing local needs without losing sight of the people at the center of their mission. From innovation in integrated care to leading through complexity, Katherine shares what it means to stay adaptive, strategic, and deeply rooted in community voice. This episode highlights a central truth: strong communities are built through access and through leaders who are willing to evolve in order to protect and expand it. Learn more about CIFC Health and their work at https://www.cifc.org/.

    24 min
  8. Episode 6: Grassroots Advocacy & Educational Equity with Maya Donald Spruill of CORNERS Community

    FEB 10

    Episode 6: Grassroots Advocacy & Educational Equity with Maya Donald Spruill of CORNERS Community

    This week on Rooted in Impact, we’re digging into the power of community-led advocacy and what it takes to advance educational equity for young Black children. Host Ashley Gaudiano is joined by Maya Donald Spruill of CORNERS Community for a conversation rooted in lived experience, collective action, and systemic change. Together, they explore how inequities show up in education, why organizing families, parents, and youth is critical for accountability, and how CORNERS Community is building pathways for youth leadership and workforce development.  Learn more about CORNERS Community and their work at www.cornerscommunity.org.

    26 min
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About

Rooted in Impact is the official podcast of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Join us as we explore the people, programs, and partnerships driving positive change in our community— and learn how United Way is creating change locally! 

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