Watoto prepare for Exceptional Women Concert
Hello neighbor!
Welcome back to the Queen Ann Nzinga Center newsletter. Our team has been working hard to provide our Watoto (Swahili for “children”) with engaging material that helps them build self-confidence and learn collaboratively.
Image above left to right: Mallory Deprey, Rebecca Martinez, Christine Bryant, Jodi Hill-Lilly, Toni Lynn Collins, Connie Bailey. Photo by Ben Jordan.
To celebrate Women’s History Month, Watoto participants are preparing for the 15th Annual Constance “Connie” Renee Wilson Collins Exceptional Women’s Concert. Each year, this event honors women who have made outstanding contributions to our community. Join us in celebrating this year’s honorees:
Christine Bryant – A steadfast matriarch cultivating her community through service to her church, family ties and food to nourish the soul.
Mallory Deprey – A hometown hero drawing upon grit, resilience and passion to design impactful community service programs for the City of New Britain.
Jodi Hill-Lilly - A civic leader strengthening family wellness across Connecticut as Commissioner Designate of the Department of Children & Families.
Rebecca Martinez – An energetic nurse motivating others to pursue positive change through her advocacy on the Board of Education.
Over the next few weeks, Watoto will be working together to tell the stories of each honoree, sharing each unique journey with the audience. They will develop original dance, music, and skits in their honor. Additionally, we will have performances by singer Ronnie Jenkins, Lauren Horn// Subira Vs Movement, Nzinga’s Daughters, and more!
Images above from Exceptional Women Luncheon at the New Britain Museum of American Art on March 3, 2024. Photos by Ben Jordan.
To kick-off this event, we hosted a luncheon on Saturday, March 3, 2024. Watoto participants dressed in their best and were paired with an honoree who they interviewed and got to know. At the upcoming Concert, participants will share the amazing contributions that these women have made.
Destiny, one of our oldest Watoto, summed it up best when she told the honorees:
“Today is one of my favorite days and it's not because we get to eat food and dress up. It’s because we get to celebrate amazing women like you…I would like to say thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do. You truly do inspire us and the world you walk on.”
The Exceptional Women’s Concert is named for Constance “Connie” Renee Wilson Collins, who made tremendous contributions to Greater New Britain. She co-founded the Opportunities Industrial Center of New Britain and played an integral role in our city’s development. Her leadership, determination, and generosity make her an exemplary role model for our children.
Connie moved to New Britain as a teenager and had to leave school to work, but she always knew the importance of education, reaching goals, and never taking your eye off the prize. She went on to earn her GED, attend Tunxis College while raising a family, and ultimately earned a Masters Degree in Education from Harvard University. Read more about her many accomplishments here.
Thank you for being part of the Queen Ann Nzinga Center family. We’ll see you at our next show!
