Millennials have generated a lot of media attention over the past few years, and most of it has been negative. They have been blamed for the shuttering of a national toy store chain, sagging real estate values and a lack of community appreciation and commitment.
Stamford’s Christina Scott breaks free from the stereotypes associated with millennials in many respects, but especially so when it comes to community causes. She is the chair for Women Empowering Women, a benefit for The Center for Sexual Assault Crisis Counseling and Education on Wednesday, April 25. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel.
“I give back because I want to help others,” said Scott, 28, who has volunteered for The Center since 2012. “There’s more to life than just my own routine and there are many who need support in our community, especially when it comes to this issue. There’s been more awareness recently about sexual assault, which is encouraging and a lot going on in the media (#metoo, #timesup movements). But there’s still more that needs to be done and I really admire The Center for all of the hard work that they do.”
Scott became interested in The Center when she profiled former Executive Director Ivonne Zucco for It’sRelevant.com, a now-defunct video news outlet. She became inspired to support its cause instantly.
“I got involved because this is a cause that is so important to me,’’ said Scott, who now works as an Account Executive for Catalyst Marketing Communications in Stamford. “In my life, there have been people who have confided in me about how they were sexually assaulted. My heart was just absolutely broken, and I wanted to be there for them and listen to whatever they needed to share. At the time when those stories were shared with me, I didn’t know that organizations like The Center existed. After being introduced to The Center in 2012, I wanted to help in any way I could to not only ensure that there’s an end to sexual assault, but also to raise awareness that The Center is available in our community and provides important services. “
Scott worked on Women Empowering Women last year and was asked to chair the event this year. In addition to The Center, she is assisted by her co-chair, Colleen Luby and a committee of about a dozen women. The organization has secured an interesting panel that includes former Fox news anchor Gretchen Carlson; Sandy Goldstein, the President of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District; Jillian Gilchrest, the Director of Health and Professional Outreach for the Connecticut Coalition against Domestic Violence and Holly Hurd, an entrepreneur and founder of VentureMom.com. Rebecca Surran, an award-winning and nine-time Emmy nominee for her work at News 12 Connecticut, will moderate the event.
Proceeds from the event benefit The Center, which serves eight towns in Fairfield County and provides free, 24-hour confidential help to women, men and children who have experienced sexual assault. The organization was founded in 1979 and Cathy Malloy, the wife of Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, served as its long-time Executive Director. Quentin Ball replaced Zucco as Executive Director last year.
“I’m impressed by the people who work there and their dedication,’’ Scott said. “They also provide age-appropriate prevention education programs in elementary through high school, which is so important for children, teens and parents. I think when I was a teenager, it just wasn’t talked about in school, or maybe not openly. I think this is an amazing resource for teens today who might be survivors themselves or who might be able to direct a friend where they can find help. I’m also always impressed by the counseling and advocacy work they provide to survivors.”
For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit The Center’s website.