Together, we explore Diane’s journey from a career in computer engineering and information technology into museum leadership, along with the Historical Society’s efforts to create more inclusive and accessible storytelling. We also discuss upcoming America 250 events, the significance of Juneteenth, and initiatives including the Portrait of Diversity exhibit, the permanent townhouse exhibit addressing Indigenous history and slavery in Connecticut, the Norwalk Quilt Trail, and programs that help younger generations engage with local history.

This conversation highlights how preserving local history can deepen community connection and ensure that the stories of Norwalk continue to be shared for generations to come.

Together, we explore the critical role mentorship plays in shaping the lives of Norwalk’s youth, how mental health support is evolving within our schools and community, and what it truly means to show up for young people in a meaningful way. Jasmine shares insights from her work across education and clinical spaces, offering a powerful perspective on the intersection of mentorship, mental health, and equity.

This conversation highlights the importance of community driven support systems and the impact of investing in the next generation, right here in Norwalk.

As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches, we discuss the work being done to support children and families across Norwalk, from social emotional health initiatives to collaboration across schools, city leadership, and community organizations.

This conversation reflects on what it takes to build stronger systems of care and how real support is created, sustained, and felt throughout a community. Together, they share their personal journeys, the challenges facing youth and families today, and how Norwalk ACTS is working to turn data into meaningful action.

The conversation explores his path into public service and what it means to serve in a local government role where community voice, accountability, and compromise all play a critical part in decision-making. He shares how residents can better prepare themselves to engage in civic spaces, and why early participation matters before issues reach formal council discussions in Norwalk.

Sead also opens up about the personal side of leadership, including fatherhood, maintaining his health, and prioritizing mental wellness while balancing the demands of public service.

The conversation offers a grounded look at leadership as both a public responsibility and a personal practice, shaped by lived experience and ongoing commitment to community.

His perspective reflects what it means to stay rooted while navigating the complexity of service, and to continue showing up for a community in ways that are both intentional and human.

They share how, in the face of unimaginable loss, they were able to build something that now provides scholarships, programs, and opportunities that support healthy, fun, and connected families throughout Norwalk.

They also open up about what it looks like to build this work together as a couple while balancing careers, family life, and a strong commitment to their community. Through it all, they continue to grow their impact with initiatives like the R.Y.T.E. Program.

Their story reflects perseverance, purpose, and creativity. It shows what it means to move through challenging moments and still find a way to pour into others.

Iliana shares how expectations around who we are supposed to be can take root early in life, and how choosing to speak up with intention has shaped her leadership and advocacy. She reflects on the power of being authentic, the selfless nature of showing up for community, and the pride that comes with supporting local youth as they exercise their rights and find their voices.

The conversation also explores the balance of being a parent, a spouse, and an active presence in the community, as well as what it takes to sustain that work with care and integrity. Recorded during Women’s History Month, this episode honors the ways women lead with purpose, courage, and deep commitment to community, right here in Norwalk.

------
En este episodio de Community Ties, la presentadora Romney Donald conversa con Iliana, esposa, madre, defensora comunitaria y creadora de Latinos Unidos, en una charla reflexiva sobre la voz, la autenticidad y el cuidado comunitario en Norwalk.

Iliana comparte cómo las expectativas sobre quiénes se supone que debemos ser pueden formarse desde una edad temprana, y cómo elegir hablar con intención ha influido en su liderazgo y labor comunitaria. Reflexiona sobre el poder de ser auténtica, la naturaleza desinteresada de presentarse por la comunidad y el orgullo que surge al apoyar a la juventud local mientras ejercen sus derechos y encuentran su propia voz.

La conversación también aborda el equilibrio entre la maternidad, la vida en pareja y una participación activa en la comunidad, así como lo que se necesita para sostener este trabajo con cuidado e integridad. Grabado durante el Mes de la Historia de la Mujer, este episodio honra las formas en que las mujeres lideran con propósito, valentía y un profundo compromiso con la comunidad, aquí mismo en Norwalk.

Not only did he beat Senator Boucher, but he notched an endorsement from President Obama along the way, who Will credits for inspiring him to run. He published a book, 100,000 First Bosses: My Unlikely Path as a 22-Year-Old Lawmaker, chronicling his experience campaigning and governing, and left the office in 2023 optimistic about the direction of our politics.

But since then, our politics, even on the local and state level, have taken a turn. Whatever you think about what's going on in our country, it reflects peoples' deep cynicism with political systems' ability to deliver. That sentiment is particularly prevalent among young people. Will perhaps best represents what we thought Gen-Z was in 2018 -- but does does that identity still make sense in 2026?

Eva’s work in Norwalk spans generations. Beyond supporting older adults with dignity and care, she has created and led spaces as an American Sign Language instructor and worked with the city to teach etiquette classes to young teens through Parks and Recreation. Eva shares her journey into community service. and the defining moments that led her to work with senior populations.

In this conversation, Eva reflects on community care, accessibility, and intergenerational connection, as well as what it means to live Black history through service, leadership, and joy. This episode invites listeners to consider how showing up for one another across age, ability, and experience strengthens the fabric of our city.

Outgoing Communications Director at City Hall Michelle Woods Matthews has extensive experience in the field, from working as the spokesperson for former Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn Wooden to reproductive rights work and President Obama's 2012 campaign. Host Jack Pavia and Michelle discuss all of it, from the importance of seeing and hearing from your local government to honing the voice of the Mayor of Norwalk as she works to represent him publicly.

He reflects on the misconceptions people have about him, the responsibility of representing District B, and why creating spaces for young people to see their own potential matters now more than ever. This conversation is honest, grounded, and a reminder of what leadership looks like when it comes from lived experience.

Disclaimer: This episode includes profanities, discussion of mental illness, violence, suicide, and sexual assault. Not suitable for all audiences.