Zaya Powell of Waterbury, a student at Southern Connecticut State University, and Daquan Carr of New Britain, a student at Central Connecticut State University, have been honored by the Alma Exley Scholarship Program.
They were feted by supporters of the scholarship program, including previous recipients, at an event at Charter Oak State College in New Britain. More than 40 attended in-person and half as many participated remotely via Zoom.
They are the 41st and 42nd students to be honored since 1995. Previous recipients are making a difference as teachers and educational leaders in Connecticut and across the country. The scholarship program is fulfilling the vision of the late Alma Exley, who had been working at the state Department of Education to achieve greater educator diversity.
CCSU Student
Mr. Carr holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science and a Master of Science degree in Physical Education with a specialization in Exercise Science, both from Central Connecticut State University. He is enrolled in a post-baccalaureate, teacher-certification program at Central.
He has a strong record of working with students and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. As a volunteer at Savage House Gym in East Hartford, he has led fitness sessions for adults with intellectual disabilities. He has taught graduates of New Britain High School with disabilities who are in a transition program at Central.
Through programs like these, he has had an impact on a community that doesn’t have enough opportunity to enjoy movement activities with others. He recognizes that students with disabilities are often marginalized and don’t have the same opportunities for physical fitness as others.
SCSU Student
Ms. Powell is pursuing a master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University with a concentration is science education. She’s also a registered nurse, with a bachelor’s degree in applied science from Monroe College in the Bronx. She has a bachelor’s degree with a major in chemistry from Hampton University.
She has long been involved in volunteer activities with a variety of organizations. At Hampton, she was a community organizer with the Black Leadership Organizing Collaborative. Also at the university, she tutored high school students and observed what she calls the transformative power of education.
She volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury. She is a vice president with Petals and STEM, a non-profit that encourages young women of color to consider careers in science and math.
Diversity Champion
Dr. Gladys Labas was honored as 2026 Diversity Champion in recognition of her leadership in advancing equity and diversity among educators throughout the state and for her efforts to meet the needs of English-language learners.
She has had an impact as a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Southern Connecticut State University and previously as director of equity and language at the state Department of Education. And now she is making a difference as a member of the state Board of Education.
Throughout her career, she has been committed to advancing bilingual education. She had a big impact as co-author of Connecticut’s 1978 bilingual-education law. She led high-school reform initiatives with the Connecticut Association of Schools, serving as co-chair of the Achievement Task Force for English-Language Learners.
Mayor Bobby Sánchez welcomed the attendees on behalf of the City of New Britain. He was honored as Diversity Champion in 2023 for his initiatives during his tenure as co-chair of the State Legislature’s Education Committee.
Honoring Their New Colleagues
Previous recipients honored their new colleagues by attending in-person or on Zoom: Verónica Jazmin Alvarenga Ramos (2025), Soribel Torres-Jiménez (2023), Saraya Lewis (2022), Ivy Jackson (2019), Chastity Berrios Hernández (2017), Orlando Valentin Jr. (2016), Sacha Kelly (2009), Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims (2008), and Chi-Ann Lin (1999).
Mr. Valentin served as master of ceremonies. Ms. Kelly introduced Mr. Carr. Ms. Jackson introduced Ms. Powell. Dr. Jiménez Sims introduced Dr. Labas.
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona (1998) congratulated the honorees via video.
Our Partner
The scholarship program is administered by the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, “Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. The Foundation works to inspire philanthropy, manage permanent charitable assets effectively, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership.