The Waterbury Talks: Recent Episodes
The Waterbury
The Waterbury Talks podcast is a series of informative and inspiring conversations from The Waterbury – a public-private partnership between the City of Waterbury and several local organizations whose goal is to raise awareness and understanding of the growth in Waterbury, Connecticut. The Waterbury Talks goes deep with some of the region’s visionary people – discussing everything from their backgrounds and interests to reasons why you should join them in Waterbury.
Fred Spagnolo is Waterbury’s 22nd Chief of Police. From joining as an officer in 2002 to assuming the top role in 2018, Fred has led the Waterbury Police Department with a deep commitment to community service, continual training, and innovative uses of technology. Hear about why he actively supports youth programs, what new advancements are being used on the community’s behalf, what he advocates for on a national level, and how a certain interaction as a kid in Hartford changed his life. It’s a very eye-opening conversation, so join us – as The Waterbury Talks with Fred Spagnolo.
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Over the last decade, the City of Waterbury has made major investments in its educational system – including the building of three new schools. At of the newly-created institutions, Waterbury Career Academy, Daiana Lilo earned Valedictorian honors from its second cohort. Here, Daiana discusses her path to graduating from Harvard, the start of her career in law, and the advocacy that has garnered her international acclaim. Plus, she offers some pointed words about the quality of education in Waterbury. It’s a quick, but powerful, conversation – as The Waterbury Talks with Daiana Lilo.
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Fran Pastore is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Business Development Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs. After helping a number of Waterbury businesses open and grow in the last several years, the Council has established offices in the city – and is poised to deliver more “capital and confidence,” as Fran says, to women-owned enterprises. Hear Fran describe the biases that still exist in society, the reasons for starting her business in 1997, and why she thinks Waterbury has something special in store, as The Waterbury Talks with Fran Pastore.
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3x10 is a special three-part docuseries about the amazing progress made in Waterbury over the last ten years. Part III shows how the City – starting in an unlikely place – took stock of the ways that living, working, and playing in Waterbury could be improved. Then it began to do something about each. A companion book is also available for purchase – with proceeds benefiting Waterbury nonprofit organizations – at 3x10.TheWaterbury.com.
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3x10 is a special three-part docuseries about the amazing progress made in Waterbury over the last ten years. Part I goes into how Waterbury was on the verge of bankruptcy at the beginning of the 21st century. But by doing the difficult analysis to determine the causes, and adhering to a new fiscal blueprint, the City restored confidence – and showcased the resolve of its people. A companion book is also available for purchase – with proceeds benefiting Waterbury nonprofit organizations – at 3x10.TheWaterbury.com
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3x10 is a special three-part docuseries about the amazing progress made in Waterbury over the last ten years. Part II describes the Mixmaster – which to many was more a mess than an efficient system. When the highway was improved, though, it sparked a flurry of development projects that will impact Waterbury’s cultural, educational, and corporate fabric for generations to come. A companion book is also available for purchase – with proceeds benefiting Waterbury nonprofit organizations – at 3x10.TheWaterbury.com.
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Dr. Fumiko Hoeft is the director for UConn Waterbury. Most known for her groundbreaking work in the field of dyslexia, she is a significant voice on healthcare research who has provided a variety of insights to international audiences, has given two TEDx Talks, and has spoken at the White House. Dr. Hoeft is also a notable educator who maintains professorial appointments at UConn, Stanford University, and the University of California San Francisco. Learn why she came to Waterbury, how she is creating career opportunities in healthcare here, what she thinks about the public schools and, whether she ever sleeps, as The Waterbury Talks with Dr. Fumiko Hoeft.
Julie Loughran is Chief Executive Officer of the Connecticut Community Foundation, a non-profit organization helping strengthen Greater Waterbury since 1923. Julie was raised in the Silicon Valley of California, a land of “big egos and the next big thing,” where she went from Stanford University to political campaign work and the legal world – enjoying each phase of her career but ultimately realizing that creating local impact was where she wanted to be. As she helps steward the Connecticut Community Foundation into a second century of philanthropy, hear Julie explain how equity and access for all citizens is being addressed, what she’s cooking up this weekend, and what the recipe is for you to find success in the City, as The Waterbury Talks with Julie Loughran.
Kelonda Maull is the Executive Director of Waterbury Promise, a non-profit organization in collaboration with the City of Waterbury and Waterbury Public Schools that provides Waterbury high school students with college access opportunities. Through Waterbury Promise, high schoolers are given the financial resources, support services, and key relationships that lead to success in college and beyond. In speaking about her own journey, Kelonda calls herself “the girl who was taking out the loans,” and not realizing the financial burdens at the time. It’s why she’s so passionate about changing that aspect for the future leaders from Waterbury. Learn more about her story, and the promise being made to all college-ready high school residents, as The Waterbury Talks with Kelonda Maull.
Joe Gramando is the Managing Partner of Green Hub Development, a commercial property development and management company. His neat appearance and cordial manner belies the scrappy Staten Island kid who grew up with a penchant for hard rock drumming. Born into a big Italian family who was all in the construction industry, Gramando has a soft spot for historic buildings, and a resiliency to see complex projects through – like the major renovations he led of Waterbury’s Brown Building and Howland-Hughes Building. Now, one of the City’s biggest property developers lays out his plans for even more transformation downtown, and explains why he’s investing so heavily in Waterbury. From keeping the beat to investing in buildings, listen in, as The Waterbury Talks with Joe Gramando.
Kristen Jacoby is the Chief Professional Officer at the United Way of Greater Waterbury – a non-profit organization focused on the education, financial stability, and basic needs of the Waterbury region. With an entire career devoted to supporting the less fortunate, Kristen talks about the strength of local partnerships, achieving measurable outcomes, the qualities that make Waterbury such a supportive community, and the ways that any person can impact lives. Let’s join together, as The Waterbury Talks with Kristen Jacoby.
Jim O’Rourke is the CEO of the Greater Waterbury YMCA – a health and wellness organization offering programs to thousands of people, of all ages and abilities. Jim grew up an only child of a single mother in the Bronx. Upon moving to Connecticut, the YMCA became, as Jim describes, “his stepfather” – a place that helped raise him through early adulthood. Hear about how Jim pushed past his humble beginnings, his philanthropic style, being an Ironman triathlete, and the reasons why Waterbury – for individuals, families, and businesses – is a healthy place to be.
The Art Of Yum is an eclectic fusion restaurant nestled within the Mattatuck Museum in downtown Waterbury, with a second location in Southington. Fueled by boundless creativity, brotherly chemistry, and completely unique culinary delights, it has established itself as one of the top restaurants in the vibrant Waterbury scene. Two of its ownership trio are Waterburians – Michone Arrington and Donte Jones – and along with third owner, James Thompson, the Art of Yum master chefs have wowed some of the world’s biggest celebrities. In this two-part conversation, Michone and Donte talk about growing up in Waterbury, how they’re leading by example, what they're really delivering to their patrons – and who they're trying to prove wrong. If you’ve got an appetite for the amazing, dive in, as The Waterbury Talks with The Art Of Yum.
At a recent community event, Hubbard Hall CEO Molly Kellogg approached Grant Copeland with a loaded question: How did The Waterbury work all come together? Because of the depth and complexity of the question, the two ultimately decided to talk about it here. In this episode, Kellogg turns interviewer to go inside the mind of Copeland – the President and Chief Creative Officer of marketing agency WORX, as well as the architect of The Waterbury brand – to understand his background, the creative process, and why his ideas are generating interest on a local, regional and national level. If you’ve ever wondered about the art and science behind marketing, you’ve come to the right conversation, as The Waterbury Talks with Grant Copeland.
Bob Burns is the Executive Director of the Mattatuck Museum. Highlighted by a major transformation, the Matt – as it is affectionately called – is expanding its role as a storytelling space. Bob himself is a great storyteller – a walking Wikipedia of interesting facts and fables. In eloquent detail, Bob regales us with stories of his upbringing in West Virginia, his early acting career in New York City, and a bit of serendipity that ultimately brought Burns to Waterbury. Plus, he explains all that awaits you in his wondrous “new” Museum, and what business investors need to know about the culture of Waterbury. If you like tales, you’ve come to the right place, as The Waterbury Talks with Bob Burns.
Dr. Steve Schneider is the President of Saint Mary’s Hospital – an acute care, community teaching hospital that has served Waterbury since 1909. Growing up during tumultuous times in Chicago, and beginning his career in Emergency Medicine for the U.S. Army, Schneider has seen first hand the horrors of human conflict, and the wonders of the human spirit. He’s made it his mission to meet people where they are, and put his feet on the pavement to better understand the Waterbury community. By doing so, Schneider has helped introduce milestone advancements in local healthcare.
Dr. Verna Ruffin is the Superintendent of the Waterbury Public Schools – which includes nearly twenty thousand students across dozens of schools. Having started her career as a band director in Louisiana more than four decades ago, she’s now orchestrating a complex plan to better align teachers, administrators, parents, and partners in making beautiful music together – that is, in delivering quality education to an extremely diverse student body. Hear more about her background, her experiences in other cities, and what she sees as so unique about the Waterbury community. Class is set to begin, as The Waterbury Talks with Dr. Verna Ruffin.
Eric Pedersen is the CEO of Ideal Fish – an aquaculture company whose Waterbury headquarter is the largest saltwater fish facility in the United States. A Princeton grad who left a successful career on Wall Street, Eric put his innovative thinking toward raising branzino, and found a kindred spirit in the City of Waterbury. Learn about the meeting that catapulted his business forward, about his model to revolutionize the way we consume fish in this country, and about the workforce that awaits your business when you set up in Waterbury. Get inspired, as The Waterbury Talks with Eric Pedersen.
Cathy Awwad was born and raised in Waterbury, one of six daughters whose father owned a local manufacturing shop. Her lifelong curiosity has gotten Cathy involved in all kinds of endeavors. Board of Education member. High school basketball coach. Pharmacist. The Governor’s Workforce Development Council. With some surprise stories mixed in, the Executive Director of the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board describes several of the labor opportunities that exist for individuals and businesses in Waterbury.
Molly Kellogg is the sixth-generation leader of Hubbard-Hall – a specialty chemical giant who is innovating scientific ways to, as she says, “be the chemical company that sells our customers fewer chemicals.” Her story is compelling: former Ivy League hockey player, turned political campaign worker, turned female business executive who has had to earn her stripes. And, her views on what Waterbury offers businesses – including the unique dialogue between local CEOs – is equally compelling. Enjoy, as The Waterbury Talks with Molly Kellogg.
Frank Tavera is the CEO of a magical place – the Palace Theater in downtown Waterbury – which has reached regional and national prominence for its beauty and sound quality. In many respects, the Palace is what it is today because of Frank’s wild idea nearly two decades ago – and because of Waterbury’s enormous support then and now. Ironically, Frank was never a performer – more a “tile guy” – nor was he raised in Waterbury, but Tavera explains why the arts and this community are so unique. Join us center stage, as The Waterbury Talks with Frank Tavera.
Peter Adamo is the former CEO of Waterbury HEALTH – a network of healthcare entities that includes Waterbury Hospital, plus primary, emergency, acute and home care providers. Adamo has been around a lot of health systems, and a lot of city revitalizations – which he discusses in specific, and eloquent, detail. For a man who’s experienced many things, in many places, Peter also offers great insight on what makes Waterbury special. Welcome, as The Waterbury Talks with Peter Adamo.
A born and bred Waterburian, Frank Monteiro is one of a kind – a hard-driving personality who’s one of the region’s largest philanthropists. He’s also CEO of Drew Marine, a global supplier of technical products and services for the large vessel maritime industry, an international leader who has placed its North American headquarters in Waterbury. Go along for the ride in this spirited discussion, as one of Waterbury’s native sons talks, well, frankly, about business, opportunities, heroes, food and his daily battle with MS. Hold on to your seat, as The Waterbury Talks with Frank Monteiro.
As the President and CEO of Waterbury-based Post University, John Hopkins is rethinking the higher education model. In addition to higher ed, you’ll hear his thoughts on building exceptional cultures, his early career, words of wisdom from his father, whether he prefers avocado or kale – and, specific reasons why Waterbury is the place for his growing University. Join us in this wide-ranging discussion, as The Waterbury Talks with John Hopkins.
An overview of the podcast series featuring visionary people and their thoughts on the Waterbury, CT region.