Encore Connecticut | School of Public Policy | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Immerse yourself in the Connecticut nonprofit sector and gain the skills you need to lead.

Encore Connecticut is a nationally recognized program that assists corporate and public sector professionals transition to opportunities in the nonprofit sector. The Saturday-based program is an attractive option for individuals with varying career goals ― whether you're seeking immediate employment or planning to change careers in the future.

Fall program begins September 5, 2026.

Contact David Garvey for more information.

A program with more than a decade of proven success, Encore Connecticut is a professional development experience that helps seasoned corporate and public sector professionals transition their skill-sets and experience into successful opportunities (paid and/or volunteer) in Connecticut nonprofits.

The program is designed to leverage the professional experience of individuals with a variety of career goals:

Immediate Employment: Immediately move from a corporate or public sector position to a full or part-time nonprofit position
A Future Transition: If you are currently employed but seeking to move into nonprofit work in the future
Engaged Volunteering: If you are retiring and looking to make an impact as a volunteer or consultant for nonprofits

Program Details

Encore Connecticut takes place over six full-day Saturdays, providing 40 hours of managerial and professional education in nonprofit leadership, program management, finance, governance, funding strategies, grant writing organizational management, and program outcome measurement.

The program also offers help with job search strategies and resume restructuring, and provides networking opportunities to meet with sector leaders and learn more about the work of their organizations.

Participants learn from and work with seasoned leaders of the Connecticut nonprofit sector. They also gain hands-on professional experience working on a strategic project with a nonprofit organization through a fellowship program.

Baiju is a seasoned corporate executive with over 20 years in senior financial management and strategy roles with Swiss Post Solutions North America, IBM, and General Electric. A child of immigrants and raised in the inner city, Baiju sought a change in direction to bring his skills and experience to work that impacts and engages communities. Baiju is now the Chief Administrative Officer of Career Resources, a nonprofit committed to uplifting individuals and communities through the dignity of work.

Seasoned attorney and senior cybersecurity leader for Fortune 500 companies such as Otis Elevator and The Hartford, Diana wanted to change her direction and bring her talents to the work of the nonprofit sector. Diana is moving forward with that goal. Diana has joined the Pro Bono Partnership as a Volunteer Attorney supporting the legal needs of Connecticut nonprofits including Sustainable CT and Windham Preservation Inc., and is building her nonprofit consulting work with such clients as the American Mural Project and Connecticut Science Center. Diana was also elected to the board of She Leads Justice.

In 2025, Brendan retired from the federal government after 25 years of service, including 17 years as a USAID Foreign Service Officer managing humanitarian and democracy programs in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, and returned to Connecticut. As Brendan states “The mission at home is as real as the mission overseas.” During Encore Connecticut Brendan accepted the role of Director of Development at The Connecticut Democracy Center. Brendan now the Elections Administration Program Manager for the State of Connecticut Office of the Secretary of the State, Legislative and Election Administration Division.

Meet More of Our Graduates

Liliana Serrano, 2023 Encore Connecticut Fellow

Liliana was at a crossroad in her career. A seasoned corporate marketing executive with decades of experience in South America and here in Connecticut, Liliana wanted to direct her future work to transforming lives. Upon graduation from Encore, Liliana became the Development Manager for the Chrysalis Center, a Hartford based nonprofit dedicated to uplifting individuals out of poverty and homelessness. A member of the Board of the Connect Coalition to End Homelessness, in 2025, Liliana became the Director of Development and Marketing for the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders, a nonprofit dedicated to cultivating self-esteem and individual growth of our youth through sports, education and civic direction.

Fanny Ferreira, 2022 Encore Connecticut Fellow

Formerly Vice President & Senior Market Manager for People’s United Bank Stamford Region, Fanny brought her 30 years of experience and talents to Building One Community, the Stamford region center for immigrant opportunity. Fanny started as Program Director for Building One Community, overseeing Workforce Development, Adult Education Program and Family and Individual Services. Fanny is now the Deputy Director of B1C managing all program teams and community engagement and works with the Executive Director and leadership Team in strategic development, helping shape strategy, strengthen internal alignment, and expand the organization’s reach, relevance, and impact within the community.

Nancy Breiling Nessel, 2021 Encore Connecticut Fellow

As a seasoned marketing and communications strategist, working with such brands as Colgate, United Airlines, and Norelco, Nancy desired to bring her talents to the nonprofit arena through the work of empowering youth through the arts, education and advocacy. Upon graduating from Encore, Nancy brought her communication skills to the work of the Greenwich Center for Hope and Renewal as the Director of Marketing and Development, and Kids in Crisis as a Grant Writer. In 2025, Nancy joined the New York Philharmonic in Development as its Manager of Foundation Relations.

Jason Hyland, 2020 Encore Connecticut Fellow

After 23 years in law enforcement, Jason retired as a police lieutenant from the University of Connecticut Police Department in 2019. A lifelong adventure educator, Jason is now the Founder and Executive Director of Project Imo. Project Imo empowers and inspires youth and engages communities through immersive adventure education initiatives. Through these transformative experiences, Project Imo fosters leadership skills, ignites a passion for environmental conservation, and promotes positive change.

Michelle Wachsmann, 2020 Encore Connecticut Fellow

An attorney and seasoned community and government affairs professional. Michelle was selected for the newly-created position of Director, Multicultural Community Programs at Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF International), the leading global organization harnessing the power of research, advocacy, and community engagement to advance life-changing breakthroughs for type 1 diabetes. In this role, Michelle will support the organization in developing engagement strategies to expand its reach to the Hispanic and other diverse communities.

Fellowship Program

The Fellowship provides the nonprofit with a highly-skilled professional to manage or develop a project over a two month period. Fellows work to the project deliverable requirements, thus the hours per week will be determinant by the project. Some of our Fellows are currently working full-time and thus will have fewer hours to dedicate to the Fellowship. Other Fellows are currently not employed and will have greater hours and flexibility.

The Fellowship opportunity provides the Encore Connecticut Fellow with practical field experience in the sector and the nonprofit with a with a highly-skilled professional to assist in moving a key project forward. The Fellow will report to you or a member of your staff. We will work with you and your organization’s designated Fellowship supervisor every step of the way to ensure a positive, productive experience from the initial Fellow-to-Organization match to the end of the assigned two-month project.

Host an Encore Connecticut Fellow

Please note Fellows are not assigned to your organization. You will have the opportunity to interview them and determine whether they are a good fit for the project you have described.

Interested in hosting an Encore Connecticut fellow at your nonprofit organization? View our Information and Application page for fellowship hosts.

The application submission review period is on a rolling basis. Candidates are chosen through a competitive vetting and selection process based on their skill-sets and potential for success in the nonprofit sector. A maximum of 25 candidates will be selected for the program.

Enrollment for Fall 2026 is now open.

Candidate Applications

Candidate Essay: Candidates should address why you want to work in the nonprofit sector. Identify, if possible, your preferred area of work and position in the sector (e.g. social services, the arts, environment or advocacy) and the passions, purpose, and compensation needs and expectations that will impact future. Let us get to know you. Your essay should be no more than three pages.
Candidate Résumé: Provide your current résumé. If accepted into the program we will work with you in crafting a resume that is tailored to the nonprofit employment job search.
Submit Application: Forward your essay and résumé as email attachments to Maura Maloney, SPP Operations Coordinator, at maura.maloney@uconn.edu.

Job Placement

In 2010, Encore!Hartford was launched with two objectives:

Reduce long-term unemployment of seasoned corporate managerial professionals aged 50 and over
Strengthen the Connecticut nonprofit sector, through the hiring of these seasoned professionals

A decade later, Encore!Hartford and its successor program, Encore!Connecticut, have done just that. Among our results:

Encore!Connecticut graduates report a 95% interview rate; prior to Encore!Hartford, particpants reported a 10% interview rate.
91% of graduates report being employed full-time, part-time, or as social entrepreneurs.

Of those employed:

70% report full-time employment
73% are employed in the nonprofit sector
98% retention rate in the nonprofit sector

Sample Job Titles

Encore!Connecticut graduates go on to work in nonprofit organizations that make a difference in the areas of youth education, housing, community development, social services, literacy, health, disability services, and the arts, among others. Sample job titles of full-time hires include:

Chief Administrative Officer
Chief Human Resource Officer
Community Network Builder
Director of Development
Director of Strategic Planning
Economic Security Manager
Housing Development Manager
Marketing Manager
Manager of Research
Nonprofit Consultant
Youth Counselor

“Embracing a new chapter of our lives, redefining our purpose while shifting our skills. Not only are we learning new skills, but we're rediscovering what it means to make a difference together.”

~ Christine DeMattia, 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

“Completing the Encore Program with all of you has helped me honor the value of my past and confidently turn the page to start this new chapter— knowing I have all of you walking with me.”

~ Michelle M. Joyce, 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

“I am deeply grateful for the Encore community I’ve had the privilege of being part of, and for the renewed sense of purpose and direction it has given me as I embark on the next chapter of my career.”

~ Rahul Kanwar, 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

“Encore provided a supportive environment, network, and resources. I’m grateful for all of the materials I have to reference in the future, the relationships I made and to all of the interesting presenters. Being around people who have led such purposeful lives devoted to others was inspiring."

~ Lindsay Kerschner, 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

“My Encore journey opened new perspectives across CT, strengthening my leadership, nurturing my curiosity, and deepening my commitment to serve with purpose and compassion. I am expanding my path to walk more closely with our communities. Sharing this journey with Mike (my husband) made it even more meaningful.”

~ Paula M. Maguina Mercedes, 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

“The Encore CT Team: the two Daves, Bob, Scott, Tom; my fellow 2025 graduates; and Project Oceanology (my fellowship host) have not only taught me a lot and expanded my contact network but have rekindled my hope inhumanity with their open embrace and compassion - which has been priceless.”

~ Michael ‘Mike” Matthias, 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

“Encore pushed me outside of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence, skills, and community to pursue meaningful work with purpose. It was a transformative experience that expanded my perspective and opened doors I never expected.”

~ Alexander C. Sadowski, Jr., 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

“Encore has enabled me to leverage my experience and skills in my professional pivot, repositioning myself with credibility in the nonprofit space.”

~ Daniel G. Salazar, 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

“Encore and the 2025 Cohort have given me the knowledge, mentorship, and support to pursue my next ambitions. Though this transition is extremely challenging, I find weekly inspiration, growing confidence, and the tools to not only persist but to achieve.”

~ Megan Sesma, 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

“I enrolled in Encore feeling unsure of my future, but from Day 1, I knew I belonged. Inspired by extraordinary classmates, instructors, and mentors, I gained clarity, renewed confidence, and purpose. I’m excited to bring this learning into my next chapter serving the nonprofit community.”

~ Kristina M. Wiley, 2025 Encore Connecticut Fellow

View More Testimonials

“Encore was intense and enlightening. It started at about 100 MPH and went up from there – with applications and interviews for fellowships almost immediately after class began. All of the classes had great speakers and were packed with information, and I was always left wanting to hear more. Also loved hearing questions from my deeply experienced classmates. A great experience!”

Jennifer Proga, Encore Class of Spring 2021

“The Encore Connecticut experience has been intellectually stimulating and has provided me with a unique window into the nonprofit world. The staff, guest lecturers, and everyone associated with the program have been amazing, I would highly recommend this!”

Eric R. Blumenthal, Encore Class of 2020

“How refreshing and inspiring it is to see so many talented people drawn to the cause of helping others through the work of the non-profit sector. Now I know that I have made the right decision in pursuing a nonprofit career!”

Chris Whitney, Encore Class of Spring 2021

“I have learned an incredible amount in such a short period of time. I was able to take what I was learning in class and apply it in real-time to my fellowship.”

Nat Nolting, Encore Class of Spring 2021

“The perfect combination of classroom learning and hands on experience to be able to make an informed decision about entering the nonprofit sector.”

Bruce J. Legan, Encore Class of Spring 2021

“Encore gave me an amazing way to explore future possibilities. From the inspiring speakers to my interesting and productive Fellowship, I’m now convinced that I’m ready for a ‘second act.’ Thank you Encore!”

Sylvia Lecky, Encore Class of Spring 2021

“The Encore program has provided such valuable lessons for the transition from the corporate to the non-profit sector. I have gained deep insight from each topic covered. The program has provided a solid foundation as I start planning for a future role at a nonprofit.”

Deb Lagana, Encore Class of Spring 2021

“Through Encore, I learned new skills and met a great group of likeminded people who generously share their insight and time for the betterment of our community.”

Alan Aleia, Encore Class of 2020

“An enriching experience that offered me a multidisciplinary view of nonprofits and supportive, knowledgeable mentors who provided advice and connections as I explore my next professional role in the sector.”

Michelle Wachsman, Encore Class of 2020

“The Encore program gave me the space to have an authentic learning opportunity with an amazing cohort of fellows from a wide variety of backgrounds. The Encore staff facilitated an energizing and immersive program that helped prepare me for my phase 2.”

Jason Hyland, Encore Class of 2020

“What a wonderful way to learn about the nonprofit sector for either a career change or to focus your volunteer work.”

Laura A. Hecker, Encore Class of 2020

“Encore was a balanced resource. Unique in the delivery and shifting ways while bringing learning experiences that were useful and applicable.”

Marianne Policastro-Wik, Encore Class of 2020

“…I learned that corporate America is very different from the non-profit world, but our skills are definitely transferable. Anyone who wants to learn more about the nonprofit sector should join the Encore Connecticut Program, I highly recommend it!”

Christine A. Fitzgerald, Encore Class of 2020

“Encore: I loved it - It took me WAY out of my comfort zone.”

Thomas A. Gordon, Encore Class of 2020

“The Encore faculty are legitimately top notch. Across the board, they have real-world experience and when teaching; they draw on that experience in useful, applicable, and often humorous ways. I'm deeply appreciative for having this experience and look forward to the many doors that will open because of it.”

Benjamin Oatis, Encore Class of 2020

“The Encore Connecticut program provided an excellent educational experience regarding the operations of nonprofit organizations and a valuable Fellowship experience with a CT-based nonprofit. These two components, along with the opportunity to meet and network with program staff and participants, is helping me achieve my goal of working in the nonprofit sector.”

Mary G. Murano, Encore Class of 2020

“Encore Connecticut provided me with the knowledge I need to embark on a career in the non-profit sector through excellent classroom… learning which was enhanced with the perspectives of non-profit leaders.”

Debra H. D’Arinzo, Encore Class of 2020

“Encore is a great rebooting program! It gives the participant some new technical skills, some new managerial skills, and it imparts wonderful perspective on the philosophies and approaches utilized by nonprofits. The fellowship and job leads provided by the program and Director David Garvey were excellent.”

William W. Cavers, Encore Class of 2020

“For me, the Fellowship was the pinnacle of the Encore program. It gave me 'real-life' experience with a non-profit and provided a window into how it operated. I was also lucky enough during my Fellowship to make meaningful contributions to projects that had a direct impact on the State of Connecticut’s COVID-19 recovery plans. It was a great experience!”

John H. Drake, Jr., Encore Class of 2020

“The Encore Connecticut program delivered information at an appropriate level, truly a fast track program enabling experienced business executives to leverage their existing skills and experience in the nonprofit world.”

Bill Tripodi, Encore Class of 2020

“Encore was a very enlightening and educational experience. The level of dedication, commitment and compassion exhibited by the not-for-profit community really opened my eyes and will have a lasting influence on how I view others in need.”

James Mark Ramey, Encore Class of 2020

All classes are 9:00am - 3:30pm at the UConn Hartford campus (with lunch and refreshments), except for October 3 which will be at Connecticut Foodshare in Wallingford, Connecticut. The Fall 2026 Curriculum is being finalized. View the 2025 Encore Connecticut Curriculum for reference.

Saturday, September 5	Saturday, September 19	Saturday, October 3 at Connecticut Foodshare	Saturday, October 17	Saturday, October 31	Saturday, November 14	Saturday, November 21
Getting to Know One Another	Strategic Partnering	Fund Development	Governance	Nonprofit Accounting	Partnering with Philanthropy	Nonprofit Advocacy
Introductions & Orientation	Community & Strategy	Tour & Volunteering	Community & Partners	State of Equity in the Nonprofit Sector	Philanthropy Roundtable	Lobbying
Meet Alumni	Government Relations		Nonprofit Communications	Leadership	CEO Roundtable	Telling Your Story
1 on 1 Nonprofit Resume Development			Your Encore Connecticut Nonprofit Fellowship