Yahaira Escribano, MPA 2019, Steven Della-Giustina, MPP 2020, and Jessica Weaver, MPP 2020 have been selected as participants in the Obama Foundation’s Community Leadership Corps (CLC). The CLC is a six-month program that tasks young participants (age 18-25) to develop projects that address opportunities and challenges within the community.

To be considered for acceptance into CLC, each participant completed an application that included six “essay”/open-ended questions. The prompts included:

• Describe a situation in which you embraced a new process, idea, or way of thinking that was a departure from the old way of doing things. What did you learn about yourself and about change? 
• Describe a challenge in your community that you believe you have the power to bring people together to help solve. What will you do to help solve it? What do you imagine your community will be like as a result?

 Hartford was selected as one of two cities for this year’s Corps. Participants are provided with three local in-person trainings, local mentorship, online coaching, and funds to support team projects.

Escribano is a lifelong resident of Hartford who has engaged in community access to education, food, and health resources. She currently works as a Partner Program Coordinator at Foodshare.

Della-Giustina previously served as the President of the UConn College Democrats and the College Democrats of Connecticut. He will be completing his Internship and Professional Practice (IPP) with the City of Hartford’s Office of Budget and Grants during the 2019-2020 school year.

Weaver previously interned with Congressman John Larson, the Connecticut State Treasurer’s Office, The Hartford, and the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, and Seniors. She will be completing her IPP with YWCA Hartford Region during the upcoming academic year.