Connecticut

Grow Love, Plant a Tree

Peace Islands Institute (PII) Connecticut, in partnership with Yale University’s Urban Resources Initiative (URI) celebrated the Earth Day on April 20^th 2013.  In order to have a contribution in building a green world, members of PII CT and interns of URI's GreenSkills program planted six trees in East Rock Park, New Haven.  

An informative introduction was made by URI members to the participants of the event about healthy plantation of trees, adequate watering, as well as maintenance for successful growth.  During the plantation, a short break was given where participants shared with each other the homemade cookies they had prepared for this event. 

Along with an understanding of nurture for nature:  the local organizations shared their own efforts, teamwork and communication to raise awareness about our environment.  The PII CT would like to thank the participants for their hard work! Happy Earth Day!

For Women by Women: Ways to Rise Above the "Glass Ceiling"

On February 27th, PII Connecticut hosted a panel on “Success stories of women” panel

in company with Rumi Intercultural Dialogue Club at University of Connecticut (UConn).

The distinguished guest speakers were Special Agent in Charge of FBI Kimberly Mertz,

State Representative Peggy Sayers, Dean Emerita of Eastern Connecticut State

University Shelly Gimenez, and Dean of Saint Joseph’s University Sandra Affenito. The

title of the panel was “For Women by Women: Ways to Rise Above the ‘Glass Ceiling’ ”.

Moderator Oksan Bayulgen, professor of Political Science at UConn made an

introductory speech about Facebook’s CEO, Sheryl Sandberg’s women in leadership

book and discussed the topic on why a smaller percentage women than men reach the

top of their professions. Later the panelists shared personal experiences in their career

fields and words of wisdom with the younger generation.

First speaker, Special Agent Kimberly Mertz started her speech by giving broad

information about the history of women in FBI. She explained the regulations applied

to the first women in FBI Joanne Pierce and Susan Roley on 1972. She expressed the

challenges experienced, as well as percentage of women working for FBI from past

throughout today. Referring to these numbers, she lastly explained the importance

of women’s success in society and the role of determination in the path leading to

success.

Second speaker, State Representative Peggy Sayers began her speech with

inspirational words for women in general by advising women to be supportive of

each other. She quoted that men complement each other on their skills but women

complement each other by their looks and appearances. She later explained that

women are likely to play the helping role and hold back instead of moving on the ladder

of life. She was a working mother and advised working women to not feel guilty for

being away from their children, on the contrary, she stated that children feel proud when

they see the accomplishments of their own mother.

Later she shared anecdotes of being a woman in politics and contribution of women to

the field of policy making. She started her career in politics as a campaign manager and

succeeded to become a State Representative in the general assembly.

The third speaker, Dean Emerita of Eastern Connecticut State University Shelly

Gimenez started her speech by explaining her situation and the world’s view during the

time when she was very young. She explained how life gets more challenging without a

college degree by giving examples from her own experiences. Then she briefly touched

upon how she decided to go to college at the age of 42, while working day and night to

support her family and pursue her education. She told about her life after master degree

and the risks that she took on the way to success.

The fourth speaker, Dean of Saint Joseph’s University Sandra Affenito began her

speech by giving keynotes from the other speakers’ speeches and made a great

summary about the role that women should play in the society. Then she explained

how her passion about helping others have lead her to the path of having her PhD to

be an academician. Her words of wisdom for the audience is to be authentic, balance of

private and work life, as well as managing stress in a healthy way.

The main theme of all the four distinguished speakers was the obstacles they faced on

their journeys to establish themselves in successful careers. The take home message

of the night was to reach out for your best potential in the journey of life and cooperate

with both men and women to become successful.

Peace Islands Institute (PII) Connecticut hosted the 3rd Annual Friendship Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Hartford Marriott Downtown Hotel

On February 28, Peace Islands Institute (PII) Connecticut hosted the 3rd Annual Friendship Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Hartford Marriott Downtown Hotel. The theme of the event was “The Role of Media in Peacebuilding” .The keynote speaker was Al Terzi from Fox News and the guest speaker was Usame Tunagur from Ebru TV.

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PII Connecticut hosted Special Agent Timothy J. Carrol

On February 6^th, PII Connecticut hosted Special Agent Timothy J. Carroll from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) at a luncheon. The topic of the program was “Current Firearms Laws in the US”. 

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PII Connecticut Held Its First Abraham’s Table About The Story of Noah

On Thursday, January 24^th, PII Connecticut held its first Abraham’s Table about the story of Noah. The featured speakers of the panel, which was moderated by Reverend Lisa Hahneman, were Rabbi Dr. Herbert Brockman, Pastor William Goettler and Dr. Nazif Muhtaroglu. 

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Condolences to Victims of Sandy Hook Shooting

As The Peace Islands Institute, we were deeply saddened to learn the horrific event that tragically took so many beautiful little lives and lives helping our children fulfill their dreams in Newtown, Connecticut. It is as profoundly disturbing as it is impossible to fully understand.

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