Pulse of the Region

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Major Donald Spencer, Greater Hartford Area Services Coordinator; Michael Baldelli, Public Relations and Marketing Manager; and Erin Sieczkowski, Advisory Board Chair of The Salvation Army of Greater Hartford.The group provides an overview of The Salvation Army’s services within our city and highlights the Marshall House Family Shelter in Hartford, which was established in 1974 to help local families overcome poverty and is currently undergoing renovation. They discuss the benefits of the project, including increased shelter capacity, modernized amenities, and other improvements. The conversation also addresses the shelter’s funding needs and explores ways the community can support the effort.Learn more about the Marshall House.Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North Hartford Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Tiffany Morrissey, Executive Director of the Connecticut Health Council (CHC), and Paula Greenberg, President and CEO of Women’s Health Connecticut.Tiffany and Paula discuss CHC’s annual summit, The Changing Landscape of Women’s Health, taking place September 16 at the 1635 Club at Hartford Athletic. Women’s Health Connecticut is serving as a Presenting Partner of the event along with Deloitte.The conversation explores why women’s health was chosen as the focus of this year’s summit, highlights leading services and innovations available to women across Connecticut, and examines how healthcare has become a major economic driver in the state. Learn more about the CHC Summit.Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North Hartford Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Hartford Public Library (HPL) President and CEO Bridget Quinn, Hartford History Center and Digital Library Lab Manager Leon Ha, and HPL Studios Manager Aaron Hillard.Bridget, Leon, and Aaron provide an overview of Hartford Public Library and discuss how HPL serves as much more than a traditional library. They also highlight innovative spaces within the recently renovated Downtown Library, including the Digital Library Lab and HPL Studios.Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North Hartford Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Will Wilkins, Executive Director, and Winnie Wong, Director of Marketing and Communications at Real Art Ways.Will and Winnie discuss Real Art Ways’ role as a cultural anchor in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, reflect on its 50-year history, and share updates on the organization’s expansion project, set for completion in mid-2027. Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North Hartford Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Melia Bensussen, Artistic Director of Hartford Stage. Melia shares a preview of the 2026/2027 lineup of plays and discusses how theatre serves as both an economic driver and a powerful way to bring people together, regardless of background.Pulse of the Region is recorded at  and produced in partnership with the .

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by BJ Kito, President and CSO of Rebellion Group, and Grant Flannery, Head of Strategy.BJ and Grant explore how AI is transforming the workplace, from using tools to better understand customers more efficiently to applying strong judgment in asking the right questions and expanding what AI can do. They also discuss the AI tools currently in development at Rebellion Group, which combine behavioral intelligence with organizational knowledge, and share their perspective on what the future of business and marketing could look like as these technologies take shape.Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North Hartford Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Rob Ruggiero, Artistic Director at TheaterWorks Hartford. Rob reflects on the success of the 25/26 Season as it comes to a close—a milestone year that marked TheaterWorks’ 40th anniversary. He also offers a preview of the 26/27 Season, which opens October 8 and features a diverse lineup of stories centered on family dynamics.Learn more about TheaterWorks Hartford's 26/27 SeasonPulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North Hartford Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE) Executive Director Lauren Zevetchin hosts a reunion of HYPE leaders from across the past 20 years—founder Julie Daly Meehan, former Executive Director Kim Bishop (2016-2018), 2015 Chair Adam McLaughlin, and current Ambassador Saskia Butler. Tune in as the group revisits HYPE’s evolution and shares exciting details about the 20th Anniversary Celebration coming up on July 16 on Pratt Street.Purchase tickets for HYPE's 20th Anniversary CelebrationThis celebration is the largest Get HYPED to come to Pratt Street!Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North Hartford Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we discuss Hartford's thriving arts scene with Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam and TJ Noel-Sullivan, Founder and Director/Producer of the Hartford Film Company. We dive into what the state's burgeoning film industry looks like today, its workforce development potential as the ecosystem continues to disperse across the country, and ways to watch CT-made films during the Long Weekend celebration happening in Hartford on July 1-5.Learn more about Hartford Film Company at https://www.hartfordfilm.com/, and view a schedule of film screenings and other events part of the Long Weekend at https://longweekendhartford.com/.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory⁠ and produced in partnership with the ⁠North Hartford Partnership⁠.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we are joined by Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers; Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship; Robin Kulasekararaj, Portfolio Head of the Insurance Business Unit at Cognizant; and David Griggs, President and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance.Andy and Nathan return to discuss the Travelers Championship, joined by Robin and David for a deeper look at the tournament’s economic impact. Robin highlights why Cognizant, a Founding Partner for Travelers Championship, continues to invest in the event every year, while the group explores how the tournament’s growing scale elevates both the Hartford region and the state of Connecticut on a national stage. They also discuss how the region can continue leveraging major events like the Travelers Championship to drive economic growth and vibrancy.Learn more about Travelers ChampionshipPulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North Hartford Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers, and Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship.Andy and Nathan take us inside what to expect at this year’s Travelers Championship, returning June 22–28 to TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. They share updates that will elevate the fan experience—including a redesigned wayfinder map to help visitors navigate the course with ease—and reflect on how the tournament has grown into a signature PGA Tour event. We also explore how the Travelers Championship has become a powerful showcase for Connecticut’s talent, hospitality, and community spirit, drawing national attention to the region.Learn more about the Travelers ChampionshipPulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.

On this week’s bonus episode of Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Brenda Watson, Executive Director of the North Hartford Partnership, and Patrick McKenna, the Partnership’s Director of Sustainability & Real Estate.Brenda and Patrick share updates on major initiatives underway at the North Hartford Partnership, including the new Climate Resiliency Hub, expanded sustainability projects, and the launch of Grounds for Change—a social‑enterprise coffee shop at The Swift Factory. They also discuss the Partnership’s recent purchase of three multifamily homes that are being renovated to reduce environmental impact and lower rental costs for residents.The group also offers a preview of what to expect at the upcoming Sustainable Homes & Careers Expo on June 13 at the Connecticut Convention Center.Get tickets for The Sustainable Homes & Careers Expo here.Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, and Joe Gianni, President of Bank of America Greater Hartford.Jason shares a closer look at food insecurity across Connecticut and why summer can be especially challenging as children lose access to school meals and volunteer availability declines.We also explore Bank of America’s long-standing partnership with Connecticut Foodshare, including both financial support and hands-on employee volunteerism.Plus, learn how you can get involved and support Connecticut Foodshare year-round—from volunteering at local pantries to helping with mobile food programs across the state.Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Jeannette Dardenne, Owner and Creator of Opportunity at INgroup Creative; Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO at Connecticut Foodshare; and Matt Bannister, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships at PeoplesBank.Jeannette, Jason, and Matt share a preview of what to expect at Hartford Taste—from food and music to art and community experiences designed to bring more people downtown and support local businesses. They also break down how advance ticketing works and explain how ticket sales directly support Connecticut Foodshare’s mission.Learn more about Hartford TastePurchase Advance Tickets for Hartford TastePulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Taneisha Duggan from the City of Hartford’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, and Shannon Frost, the city's Director of Marketing Operations, Special Events, and Special Projects.Taneisha and Shannon share an inside look at Hartford’s upcoming Long Weekend celebration, taking place July 1–5 in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The multi‑day event highlights film, art, music, culture, and technology—offering something for everyone.The conversation also explores how the Long Weekend is expected to boost the local business community by bringing more people downtown, increasing foot traffic for shops and restaurants, and encouraging visitors to keep coming back to Hartford.⁠Learn more about Long Weekend⁠Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory⁠ and produced in partnership with the ⁠North End Partnership⁠.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Lauren Zevetchin, Executive Director at Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE); Bruce Soltys, Vice President of Emerging Talent at Travelers; Angela Pannesco, Engineering Development Program Manager at Travelers; and Kaleigh Scarfo, HR Specialist at Nassau.With summer approaching, the Hartford Region is preparing to welcome thousands of interns. Our guests share how Nassau Financial Group and Travelers structure their internship programs and how these initiatives help strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. We also highlight HYPE’s Summer Intern Mixer on June 11, where interns from across the area will have the chance to connect, network, and experience the community. Together, these programs play a vital role in attracting and retaining young professionals in the region.Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Leadership Advisor, Speaker, and Coach Andi Campbell. Andi also recently founded SELENE, a women's leadership collective for experienced women leaders in Connecticut.In this episode, Andi breaks down the concept of imposter syndrome, a topic she has been researching for her upcoming book set to be released this fall. She explores how imposter feelings often take root early in life, shares practical strategies for managing them, and explains how confronting imposter syndrome can ultimately lead to meaningful personal growth.Visit Andi's website: andi-campbell.comPulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by KeyBank's Michael Astorino, Home Lending Leader, CT/MA, and Elona Shape, Retail Leader, CT/MA.Michael and Elona discuss consumer sentiment and the results of KeyBank's financial mobility survey, how economic realities are impacting homebuyers, and tips on how to navigate finances and buying a home in an uncertain economy.Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re taking a look behind the curtain with two of Hartford’s most influential creative forces: Melia Bensussen, Artistic Director at Hartford Stage, and Rob Ruggiero, Artistic Director at TheaterWorks Hartford.Melia and Rob will take us inside their upcoming spring productions—Circus Fire at TheaterWorks and Native Gardens at Hartford Stage—revealing the stories, themes, and artistic sparks driving each show.We’ll also explore an unprecedented collaboration between the two theaters as they join creative forces to stage a bold, intimate chamber production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, coming June 5 – July 5, 2026. This is a conversation about artistry, community, and the power of partnership in Hartford’s performing arts scene.Information & Tickets: Circus Fire at TheaterWorks HartfordInformation & Tickets: Native Gardens at Hartford StageInformation & Tickets: Sweeney ToddPulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Swift Factory ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ North End Partnership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This week on the MetroHartford Alliance's Pulse of the Region Cast, we're exploring the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) and how they're celebrating 60 years of providing high-quality, integrated education for all students. We're joined by Executive Director Desi Nesmith and Superintendent of CREC Schools, Sasha Douglas.Learn more about The CREC FoundationLearn more about CREC's advocacy effortsPulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Swift Factory ⁠⁠⁠⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠⁠⁠⁠ North End Partnership⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we're welcoming two women-owned businesses operating here in our capital city. Emily Walsh, Co-Owner of the first and only btone FITNESS in Connecticut, Emily Munoz, btone FITNESS instructor, and Chantell Boissiere Kelly, Owner, Capital Ice Cream. We discuss how these unique businesses have grown from their initial inception and how both entrepreneurs are creating community-driven spaces. 

This week on Pulse of the Region, we're discussing 860Gives, a 48-hour community-wide fundraising campaign powered by United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. Here to discuss 860Gives are Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, Corrianne Chipello, CEO of Hartford's Camp Courant, and Carolyn Jasper, Chief Development Officer of Prudence Crandall Center. 860Gives kicks off at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31, and concludes at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2. Find out more about 860Gives and over 140 nonprofits that are participating in the giving campaign this year by visiting https://www.860gives.org/.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠⁠⁠The Swift Factory ⁠⁠⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠⁠⁠ North End Partnership⁠⁠⁠.

This week on Pulse of the Region, we're discussing Connecticut's Electric System infrastructure with Eversource Energy and diving into how Connecticut is preparing for future infrastructure improvements, mitigating outages from storms, and improving overall resiliency. Our guests today are Eversource's Electric Operations President, Steve Sullivan, and Engineering Senior Vice President, Digaunto Chatterjee.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠⁠The Swift Factory ⁠⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠⁠ North End Partnership⁠⁠.

This week, we sit down with two employees from Nassau Financial Group: Anna Pope, Director of Investor Relations, and Michael Remieres, Fitness Center Manager. We examine how employers like Nassau Financial Group are approaching employee wellness and how a focus on employee wellbeing can assist in talent attraction and retention. Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

This week on MetroHartford Alliance's Pulse of the Region Cast, we sit down with Sarah Westby, Partner and Chair of Shipman & Goodwin's Cannabis Team, and Paul Travaglino, cannabis entrepreneur and advocate, founder of Enlightened Foods, and holder of a cannabis product manufacturing license.In this episode, we explore developments in the cannabis industry and the latest regulations within Connecticut and federally. Paul from Enlightened Foods also discusses how he is working with Shipman & Goodwin to navigate the ever-changing policies around cannabis to begin manufacturing smokeless products and confections for medical and recreational use at his South Norwalk-based business.Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.

(Originally released 2/12/26)Explore the connection between mental health and financial wellness on this week’s Pulse of the Region Cast, featuring insights from Jacquilyn Davis, Director of Learning & Workforce Development at Mental Health Connecticut, and Brandi Byrne, Financial Education Manager at Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union.The conversation also highlights Mental Health Connecticut’s newly released Winter Wellness Toolkit—a free digital guide designed to help individuals and families navigate the winter season. The toolkit is presented by Nutmeg State FCU, whose financial wellness expertise is featured throughout.Learn more about Mental Health CT's Winter Wellness ToolkitPulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.

(Originally released 2/5/26)This week on MetroHartford Alliance's Pulse of the Region Cast, we are joined by Southern New England Healthcare (SoNE HEALTH)'s Lisa Trumble, President and CEO, George Beauregard, Chief Population Health Officer, and Renee Broadbent, Chief Operating Officer. In this episode, we discuss the use of AI in medicine and how SoNE HEALTH mindfully implements technological advancements to improve patient outcomes.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

(Originally released 1/29/26)This week on MetroHartford Alliance's Pulse of the Region Cast, we are joined by the MetroHartford Alliance's David Griggs, President and CEO, and Gene Goddard, Chief Business Investment Officer.In this episode, we discuss the MHA's plans for each of our initiatives in 2026, including a focus on hospitality in the Hartford region, as well as development of the area around PeoplesBank Arena. Tune in to hear how the MHA plans to make Hartford a more vibrant place to work, play, and live.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

(Originally released 1/22/26)This week on MetroHartford Alliance's Pulse of the Region Cast, we are joined by Daniela Michanie, Head of Northeast Public Engagement at DoorDash. In this episode, we explore DoorDash's community involvement and how the company is addressing food insecurity throughout the country and in the Greater Hartford region. We'll also discuss how DoorDash has recently partnered with Hands on Hartford to provide food for their Backpack Nutrition Program.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

(Originally released 1/15/26)This week on MetroHartford Alliance's Pulse of the Region Cast, we are joined by Prem Sagar Sundaram, Craig Weber, and Cary Ellexson from Cognizant.In this episode, we explore Cognizant's community investment in Hartford, as well as the key findings of their Engineering Empathy study, which looks at how AI can help insurers rethink the customer experience.Read Cognizant's Insurance Engineering Experience StudyPulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

(Originally released 1/8/26)In this episode of Pulse of the Region, we sit down with Valerie Powell-Stafford, President of Saint Francis Hospital, to explore the many ways that Saint Francis Hospital is playing an impactful role in the Hartford area, from award-winning programs within the hospital to their community outreach efforts.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

(Originally released 12/18/25)In this episode of Pulse of the Region, we sat down with Jessica Kearney, Vice President of the Travelers Institute, and Rich Ives, Senior Vice President of Business Insurance Claims, Travelers, to discuss the Travelers Institute and highlighting how they’re approaching mental health in the workforce.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

(Originally released 12/11/25)In this episode, we sat down with John Turgeon, Mel Walker, and Drew Illingworth of CohnReznick to discuss insights on AI, the importance of having guard rails in place when implementing AI workflows, and more.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

(Originally released 12/4/25)In this episode, we sat down with Mike Shea, Executive Director at the Connecticut Airport Authority. We discussed the exciting renovations underway at Bradley International Airport, how new flight offerings are established, and explored how the airport works as a major driver of economic development in the region.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

(Originally released 11/14/25)FROM THE VAULT: HYPE’s NextGen Summit is an annual event focused on young professionals and the future of work. Listen to our episode from this past November, where we sit down with Lauren Zevetchin, Executive Director of HYPE, alongside leadership experts that took to the stage at NextGen Summit 2025.This episode features Peter Callahan, PCC, Engagement Manager, Leadership Greater Hartford, Kelly Kennedy Ed.D., Director of Transformative Learning, UConn School of Business, and Michael Bozzi Ed.D., Director of MBA Student Services, UConn School of Business. The group discusses what benefits NextGen attendees can look forward to when it comes to leadership and taking control of your career journey.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.

(Originally released 11/13/25)Pulse of the Region premieres in our new home at The Swift Factory! For our first episode in the studio, we sat down with Brenda Watson, Executive Director of the North Hartford Partnership and Swift Factory, and Patrick McKenna, North Hartford Partnership’s Director of Sustainability and Real Estate. We discuss the North Hartford Partnership and the transformation of the historical Swift Factory into a vibrant community hub.Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory ⁠and produced in partnership with the⁠ North End Partnership⁠.