Girl Scouts of Connecticut is honoring female leaders who inspire and lead women and girls in their communities at the organization’s 27th Annual Breakfast Badge Awards. The three exceptional role models, who are being recognized for their dedication to equality for all, include Alyssa Goduti of Cromwell, Candace Freedenberg of Canton and Denise Drummond of Windsor. The fundraising event will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023, 7:30 a.m. at the Hartford Marriott Downtown located at 200 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford, Connecticut.
“This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating Women Who Inspire and Lead’ based on the positive impact our honorees have had on women in the workplace, seniors, and people with disabilities,” said Diana Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT). “They are committed to improving the lives of everyone in our state and we’re delighted to publicly recognize them at our premiere fundraising event.”
All proceeds from the Breakfast Badge fundraiser support the Annual Fund for Girl Scouts of Connecticut to sustain its mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. The Fund supports affordable and accessible programming throughout the year for over 18,000 girl-members and provides essential resources for our more than 9,000 adult volunteers, providing opportunities for girls to participate in the Girl Scouts of Connecticut Leadership Experience in the four program pillars: STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. Tickets are $85 or $850 for a table of 10.
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with networking & a silent auction beginning at 8 a.m., followed by the official Breakfast Badge Awards Program at 8:30 a.m.
This year’s honorees are:
Alyssa Goduti - President and CEO of Ädelbrook Behavioral and Developmental Services
Ädelbrook is a nonprofit agency serving children and young adults who have behavioral and developmental support needs with an expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy, teaching nonprofit management and fundraising to future public servants. She is the Vice President of the Children’s League of Connecticut and a member of the Board of Directors of the CT Nonprofit Alliance. Alyssa has a passion for advocacy and public policy to improve the human service system and expand access to care for vital services for children and families. Alyssa was honored as one of the Top 25 Women in Business by the Hartford Business Journal in 2022 and was named to the Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2013.
Candace Freedenberg – Founder of Untapped Potential Inc.
Candace’s mission is to engineer social change for women impacting gender equity, diversity, and work-life balance. She is the recipient of Woman-owned Small Business of the Year Award, Woman-CT Woman Of Innovation Award, CT Entrepreneur Award, and reSET Incubator Award. She has championed equity for women as a Keynote, Speaker, Workshop Leader, or Panelist for Diversity Network (a global organization), Community Economic Development Fund, sheLeadsTECH, Women in BioCT, Greater Hartford’s Women’s Conference, and Society of HR Management (SHRM) Conferences for NY, CT, MA & RI. Candace is an Engineer having worked for global companies such as IBM, Kodak and Orafol, and holds a dozen US and International patents. She is also a former Girl Scout and cookie mom!
Denise is a dedicated leader and advocate. She plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and communication between elected officials, policymakers, and community stakeholders. Her primary focus is on legislative initiatives designed to empower and improve the lives of African American residents throughout the state. She is a committed advocate for people with disabilities, hosting an annual event, "Autism: Raising Awareness at the Capitol", as well as being a member of the Board of Directors for Disability Rights Connecticut (DRCT). She is also a member of the Connecticut LGBTQ+ Health and Human Services Network.
“These women exemplify Girl Scout values by spearheading programs, events and policies that benefit others,” said Mahoney. “We encourage everyone to join us to learn how one person can truly make a difference by hearing their inspiring stories.”
GSOFCT is now welcoming Sponsors and Silent Auction Items. Interested parties may contact Laurie Curtin at 800-922-2770, 3236 or lcurtin@gsofct.org.
For tickets and event details, please visit Girl Scouts of Connecticut - 27th Breakfast Badge Event
About Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gsofct.org.
PHOTO: Alyssa Goduti, Candace Freedenberg, and Denise Drummond are the three honorees at the 27th Annual Breakfast Badge Awards hosted by Girls Scouts of Connecticut on December 7, 2023 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.
Credit: Girl Scouts of Connecticut