Opportunity Programs director honored by Hartford Promise

Christina Irizarry, director of opportunity programs at Eastern Connecticut State University, was recognized by a local college scholarship program for her efforts in serving the interests of Eastern students. Irizarry was presented with the Hartford Promise Above and Beyond Award at a ceremony on June 5 at the historical Aetna building in Hartford.

According to Hartford Promise President Sivan Hines, this was the inaugural year of the award. “We chose two recipients who have gone ‘above and beyond’ in their support of Hartford Promise Scholars,” said Hines.

Irizarry was one of two recipients; the other was a corporate sponsor assisting Hartford Promise Scholars with internships. “It was truly such a special moment, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Hartford Promise for the recognition and for including me in such a meaningful way,” said Irizarry.

Rachel Taylor, a coach for the scholarship program’s Reaching Forward team, detailed Irizarry’s qualifications for the award. “Christina makes it her mission to get to know each Hartford Promise Scholar who attends Eastern,” Taylor wrote.

She continued: “When I email her to check in on a student, she gets back to me with thorough, thoughtful insights into the support they need. … She reaches out to professors, meets with students, and generally creates a safety net of support and advice to help students navigate the challenges they face in school.”

Irizarry was inspired by the ceremony, which also featured updates on the successes of several Hartford Promise Scholars. “It was inspiring to hear all the accomplishments of these amazing future leaders, and to know they are all children from our very own city of Hartford makes it even more special,” she said.

“I left the evening feeling incredibly hopeful and proud to be connected to this work.”