Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity

Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity Focus its efforts on issues affecting underrepresented and under-resourced populations: women, children, seniors and people of color. Steven Hernández, Esq.

leads the Commission as its Executive Director. Commission staff includes: Werner Oyanadel, Director of the Latino and Puerto Rican Policy Division; Denise Drummond, Legislative Policy Analyst for the African American Sub Commission; and Rosemary López, Legislative Policy Analyst for the Women's Sub Commission, Michael Werner, Legislative Aging Policy Analyst for the Seniors’ Sub Commission, Thomas Nuccio, Policy Analyst for the Children’s Sub Commission, Megan Baker, Policy Analyst for the Asian Pacific Islander Sub Commission and Melvette Hill, Parent Leadership and Family Engagement.

JOIN US FOR CIVICSCON!The CWCSEO Civics Conference (CivicsCon) on October 8th–10th is a 3-day event that will feature on...
09/14/2026

JOIN US FOR CIVICSCON!

The CWCSEO Civics Conference (CivicsCon) on October 8th–10th is a 3-day event that will feature one full day in person (Thursday) and two half days virtual (Friday evening and Saturday morning). Our goal is to ensure access to the event for as many residents as possible.

CivicsCon is a continuation of a long commitment to civic engagement that the Commission has been building alongside Connecticut residents and communities. Throughout 2025, we hosted civic sitdowns, produced a landmark two-day event Commemorating America250 and Exploring the American Dream, and launched the CWCSEO Policy Innovation and Civic Health Podcast — all in service of strengthening Connecticut's civic health.

At the heart of CivicsCon are three pillars our state depends on: Voice, Voting, and Volunteerism (Service). Through interactive panels, activities, and community discussion, CivicsCon will create space for conversations that strengthen communities, bridge divides, and build the civic muscle our state needs. Whether you are a longtime advocate, student or someone just beginning to find your place in civic life, there is a place for you here.

Register now, full agenda to be posted soon.

In-Person, 10/8 - 10am to 2pm
https://bit.ly/CivicsCon_Oct8

On Zoom, 10/9 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
https://bit.ly/CivicsCon_Oct9


On Zoom, 10/10 - 10am to 12pm
https://bit.ly/CivicsCon_Oct10

09/09/2026

A great day of conversation, ideas, and collaboration at the Connecticut Economic Opportunity Summit hosted by the CWCSEO! Today we brought together voices from across Connecticut to discuss affordability, economic opportunity, and the challenges facing families and communities across our state. Proud to have been part of this important conversation. 🇺🇸🏛️

09/02/2026

Join us for a conversation about the newly created Connecticut–Puerto Rico Trade Commission 🇵🇷🤝🇺🇸

📅 Sept. 17 | 2 PM
📍 Legislative Office Building, Room 1B | Hartford
Free & open to the public!

Register here: https://forms.gle/wSiEBD5TfJtx7mfq7

08/21/2026

When fathers thrive, children succeed! 💙

Join us September 3–4 at CCSU for the Fatherhood Journey Conference—bringing fathers, families, professionals, and community leaders together to connect, learn, and strengthen father engagement.

📍 Alumni Hall | CCSU Student Center
🍽️ Lunch provided
🎟️ FREE to attend
🔗Register here: bit.ly/4zfI7C7

Presented in partnership with CWCSEO, DSS, CT Fatherhood Initiative, CT 2Gen Initiative, OEC, DCF, CCSU, and the Brotherhood Initiative at CCSU.

Space is limited. Register today!

El año pasado, residentes de Connecticut participaron en nuestras sesiones de escucha y compartieron que poder costear l...
08/17/2026

El año pasado, residentes de Connecticut participaron en nuestras sesiones de escucha y compartieron que poder costear las necesidades básicas era el mayor desafío que enfrentaban. ¡Hoy les pedimos que nos cuenten más!

Nuestra Encuesta sobre Asequibilidad ya está disponible y está abierta a todos los residentes de Connecticut. Si desea ayudar a orientar nuestro trabajo de políticas públicas para garantizar el acceso de todas las personas a alimentos, vivienda, atención médica, cuidado infantil, transporte y servicios públicos, tómese unos minutos para completar nuestra encuesta en Español.

Además, si desea conversar sobre estos temas en persona, asegúrese de registrarse también para nuestra Cumbre de Oportunidad Económica el 9 de septiembre.

Encuesta de Costo de Vida: https://bit.ly/CWCSEO_Encuesta_de_Costa_de_Vida

Cumbre de Oportunidad Económica: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-connecticut-economic-opportunity-summit-tickets-1991871718931?aff=oddtdtcreator

Last year, Connecticut residents came to our listening sessions to share that affording basic necessities was the bigges...
08/17/2026

Last year, Connecticut residents came to our listening sessions to share that affording basic necessities was the biggest challenge they were facing. Today, we're asking you to tell us more!

Our Affordability Survey is live today and open to all Connecticut residents. If you want to help shape our policy work on ensuring access to food, housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and utilities for all, take a few minutes to complete our survey!

Also, if you want to discuss these topics in-person, make sure you also register for our Economic Opportunity Summit on September 9th.

Survey link: https://bit.ly/CWCSEO_Affordability_Survey_ENG

Economic Opportunity Summit link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-connecticut-economic-opportunity-summit-tickets-1991871718931?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/15/2026

Great evening at the 4th Annual AAPI Education Symposium at the Connecticut Legislative Office Building! 📚✨ Proud to have CWCSEO join the Asian Pacific American Caucus (APAC), Asian Pacific American Coalition and UConn in bringing our communities together for an evening of education, connection, and community.

Register to attend the Fatherhood Journey: When Fathers Thrive, Children Succeed Conference. 📅Thursday, 9/3/26, 8:30am...
08/12/2026

Register to attend the Fatherhood Journey: When Fathers Thrive, Children Succeed Conference.

📅Thursday, 9/3/26, 8:30am - 4:00pm
📅Friday, 9/4/26, 8:30am - 12:00pm
📍Central Connecticut State University, Alumni Hall at the CCSU Student Center
🔗Register here: bit.ly/4zfI7C7

We are excited to share more details about our upcoming public policy roundtable on the newly created Connecticut–Puerto...
08/05/2026

We are excited to share more details about our upcoming public policy roundtable on the newly created Connecticut–Puerto Rico Trade Commission.

Commission Co-Chairs Senator Jorge Cabrera and Representative Christopher Rosario will join Latino and Puerto Rican Sub-Commission leaders, community members, and stakeholders for an important conversation about strengthening economic and cultural ties between Connecticut and Puerto Rico.

We are especially eager to hear Dr. Charles Venator-Santiago present his research on the economic relationship between Connecticut and Puerto Rico. We will also hear from Brenda Torres Muñoz, a successful chef and entrepreneur, about her experience opening and expanding restaurants in Connecticut and Puerto Rico—and her reflections on what is needed to increase trade opportunities for both.

Join us Thursday, September 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please scan the QR code to register!

You’re invited to a roundtable on the newly created Connecticut–Puerto Rico Trade Commission!Presented by the Connecticu...
07/29/2026

You’re invited to a roundtable on the newly created Connecticut–Puerto Rico Trade Commission!

Presented by the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO) and its Latino and Puerto Rican Sub-Commission, this special event coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the longstanding economic, cultural, and community ties between Connecticut and Puerto Rico.

Join State Senator Jorge Cabrera and State Representative Christopher Rosario, co-chairs of the Connecticut–Puerto Rico Trade Commission, along with CWCSEO leadership and community stakeholders, for an important conversation about the Trade Commission’s mission, future opportunities, and ways to strengthen the relationship between Connecticut and Puerto Rico.

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕑 2:00 p.m.
📍 Legislative Office Building, Room 1B
Hartford, Connecticut

The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.

📲 Register today by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by using the link below:

🔗https://forms.gle/f2hEgrXHEZCkBCbo6

Please help us spread the word by sharing this invitation with your networks. We look forward to welcoming you as we work together to build partnerships and expand opportunities through trade and culture.

Address

165 Capitol Avenue/Suite 1095
Hartford, CT
06106

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19599005800

Website

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