United Way > ImpaCT Awards

FOX61 and United Way ImpaCT Awards

October 22, 2025 | 5:00 p.m. | Hartford Marriott Downtown

FOX61 and United Way are joining forces to recognize and honor individuals, groups and organizations who make a significant contribution to health care, housing, financial empowerment and/or education in Connecticut. This event aims to raise awareness and resources to benefit the well-being of children, adults and families in the communities where we live and work.

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Email Phil Blonski, Director of Corporate Engagement, to learn more: pblonski@unitedwayinc.org

IMPACT AWARDS CATEGORIES

Unsung Hero Award

A person giving their all to their community in quiet and often thankless ways who may not be known outside of their community.

Our 2025 Finalists:

Marzina Tubbs, Project R.E.H.A.B Inc. 
Samantha Merwin, ElbowBumpKid Inc.
Tom McGowan, Habitat for Humanity North Central CT

Impactful Woman Award

A female leader whose mission is to help and empower other women, a true mentor and has dynamic energy and drive.

Our 2025 Finalists:

Doris Maldonado Méndez, Family Voices National . 
Patricia Kelly, Ebony Horsewomen
Terri Fontaine, Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich

Impactful Emerging Leader Award

An up-and-coming changemaker on the fast track to leadership with a proven record of giving back.

Our 2025 Finalists:

Alex Karaban, University of Connecticut
Kristina Walton, Seymour Oxford Food Bank 
Amanda Solla, Mr. C’s Voice Nonverbal Autism + AAC Community, Inc.

Impactful Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award

This award is given to an individual or a company that has a demonstrated track record of helping or working with underrepresented communities here in Connecticut.

Our 2025 Finalists:

Horizons at Westminster
Lt. Josue Dorelus, Connecticut State Police
Welcome 2 Reality, LLC

Community Organization Making an Impact

A grassroots community group that goes above and beyond to improve their surroundings and help others.

Our 2025 Finalists:

Interval House
Malta House of Care, Greater Hartford
Purple Pantry Boxes

Small Business Making an Impact

A small business that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture. This small business, with fewer than 100 employees, is innovative and helps create a better Connecticut.

Our 2025 Finalists:

Reynolds’ Subaru
Bobs Jerky for A Cause
Parkville Sounds

Company Making an Impact

A company that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture and invests resources into volunteerism and philanthropy, creating a place to work that allows employees a chance to do good along the way.

Our 2025 Finalists:

Ellafi Federal Credit Union
Bank of America
Mintz and Hoke

Impactful Educator Award

An impactful educator – a teacher, professor, coach or tutor who has dedicated themselves to molding young minds.

Our 2025 Finalists:

Dr. Robert Polselli Jr., Killingly High School
June Cahill, Kennelly School, Hartford
Michelle Missy Cole, Danbury High School

George Bahamonde Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree:

Barbara Dalio

Barbara Dalio is the Founder and CEO of Dalio Education.

Barbara was born in New York, grew up in Spain, and graduated from the University of Madrid. She returned to the United States when she was 25 and worked at the Whitney Museum in New York prior to getting married. Raising four sons in Connecticut, Barbara witnessed firsthand the daily challenges students, families, and educators face. As a result, she focused her philanthropic efforts on supporting the 119,000 young people in the state who are at-risk or disconnected from their school, employment, and communities.

Two signature initiatives that Barbara co-founded through Dalio Education include the Connecticut RISE Network, an independent non-profit organization that aims to empower educators and students by providing resources, tools, and support to improve educational outcomes and close achievement gaps, and the Connecticut Opportunity Project, a social investment fund investing in and strengthening youth-serving organizations to work effectively, reliably, and sustainably with severely off-track or disconnected young people aged 14 to 26.

Learn More About Barbara Dalio