The 2015 honorees at the New Britain YWCA ‘Women in Leadership’ luncheon.
On Thursday May 21, the YWCA of New Britain hosted its 16th biennial ‘Women in Leadership’ luncheon, for the purpose of honoring extraordinary women in central Connecticut. Extraordinary women from Klingberg Family Centers have been recognized on multiple occasions at this prestigious event and 2015 is no exception. Christine Keys, LMSW, Director of Child Placing, and Rebecca Desautels, LCSW, Lead Coordinator Group Homes, were honored this year, after being nominated by KFC President/CEO, Dr. Steven Girelli.
According to Dr. Girelli, Christine has taken on a leadership role with several initiatives that deeply impact the lives of children and families generally, and young women in particular. She is responsible for revising and revitalizing KFC’s Therapeutic Foster Care Program, adding a teen pregnancy prevention program and greatly expanding the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids adoption initiative at KFC and throughout CT. The Women in Leadership Steering Committee selected Christine as an ‘Academy Honoree’, additional recognition reserved for women of distinction who share a commitment to encouraging other women to fulfill their dreams, and to excel in their careers and communities.
Likewise, Dr. Girelli explains that Rebecca is a skilled leader and model to her staff. In addition to difficult and demanding job as Lead Coordinator of KFC’s three group homes, Rebecca contributes to the betterment of both her workplace and the broader community as a Faculty Trainer in Risking Connection®, a trauma informed curriculum that KFC teaches across the US and Canada. Rebecca’s professional skills, compassion and commitment to her staff have resulted in extremely high-quality care to clients and very low turnover among staff.
The YWCA Women in Leadership luncheon seeks to recognize women who: demonstrate exceptional and superior abilities and accomplishments within her organization; who show outstanding achievement through volunteerism and by contributing to the betterment of her workplace and community; and who promote the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women.
Congratulations to Rebecca and Christine!