Our Leadership Team

As Program Director, Liz is responsible for all aspects of programming and is an integral strategy team member,  driving the organization’s overall programmatic strategy. Liz’s deep understanding of the organization’s theory of change allows her to design and implement dynamic programs that change the trajectory of youth’s lives.

Liz was born and raised in Hartford. At 15, Liz was challenged “to do something about the kids in the neighborhood,” so she did. In 1995, during the height of Hartford’s gang wars, Liz co-founded The Southend Knightriders Youth Center, which later became COMPASS Youth Collaborative. She used her advocacy skills to build a space for young people during a violent era in her city.

Since then, she has never stopped advocating for the youth in her community.

In 2020 Liz was recognized by SINA, receiving the SINA Neighborhood Service Award for her work in the Frog Hollow neighborhood of Hartford. She also received the Humanitarian Award from Goodwin College.

Liz is a graduate of Springfield College with a degree in Human Services. In 2021, Liz received her Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Goodwin University. Liz is on the board of Youth Challenge of CT.

In 2020, Liz was recognized by SINA with the SINA Neighborhood Service Award for her work in Hartford’s Frog Hollow neighborhood. She also received the Humanitarian Award from Springfield College and the Community Leadership Award from Goodwin College. Liz served as the commencement speaker at her graduation.