About Rooted in Impact: A United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut Podcast
Rooted in Impact is the official podcast of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Join us as we explore the people, programs, and partnerships driving positive change in our community— and learn how United Way is creating change locally!
Beyond the Immediate Need: The Long-Term Impact of Giving with Kendall Webb
In a time of growing community need and shrinking funding, how can donors and nonprofits work together to protect essential services and create lasting impact? In this episode of Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Kendall Webb, founder and executive director of Charity Bridge Fund, to explore the ripple effects of funding cuts, the importance of transparent storytelling, and how stronger relationships between nonprofits and donors can help communities navigate uncert...
29 Jun 2026
Episode 15 The Power of Connection: Building Stronger Communities Through Weave with Araba Sapara-Grant
This week on Rooted in Impact, we explore the power of connection and why strong relationships are essential to building thriving communities. Host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Araba Sapara-Grant, Senior Manager for Community Activation at Weave, a national movement dedicated to strengthening the social fabric of communities by helping people connect, contribute, and build relationships where they live. Together, they discuss the growing challenges of loneliness and social isolation, the i...
2 Jun 2026
Connecting Community Through Libraries and Access with Ferguson Library CEO, Alice Knapp
This week on Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Alice Knapp, CEO of The Ferguson Library, to explore how public libraries are evolving to meet the changing needs of their communities. The conversation highlights the library’s role as a trusted community hub—connecting residents to information, technology, services, and opportunities that foster learning, belonging, and support. Listeners will gain insight into how modern libraries serve as essential community infrastructure...
20 May 2026
Episode 13: Developing Diverse Leaders with Kim Bianca Burgess of SEAT
In this episode of Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with to discuss how SEAT is building stronger, more representative nonprofit leadership by preparing residents from Black and Latino communities for board service. Kim shares the importance of diverse voices in decision-making spaces, the impact of board training and leadership development, and how empowering community members to lead can create more equitable and responsive organizations. The conversation highlights the powe...
6 May 2026
Episode 12: Expanding Access to Local Food Through Community Partnerships with Sean Fitzpatrick
In this episode of Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Sean Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of Real Food CT, to explore how community partnerships are expanding access to fresh, locally grown food across Connecticut. Sean shares how Real Food CT’s Food Hub, farm operations, and collaborations with local farmers are helping bridge gaps in the food system while strengthening both community health and the local economy. The conversation highlights the power of innovative,...
21 Apr 2026
Episode 11: Building a Culture of Service and Leadership Across Connecticut
This week on Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Andrew Ferguson to explore how leadership development and community connection can strengthen a culture of service across Connecticut. Andrew shares the vision behind Redwood Endeavors, including the launch of Redwood Fellows and The Neighborhood—a statewide network designed to connect, support, and celebrate volunteers and civic leaders. The conversation highlights how investing in people and building strong networks can driv...
7 Apr 2026
Episode 10: Advancing Equity and Opportunity Through Community Leadership with State Representative Corey Paris
This week on Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano interviews State Rep. Corey Paris to discuss leading with purpose in public service, nonprofit work, and advocacy. Representative Paris explains how he weaves equity, opportunity, and community impact into his professional and governmental roles. The conversation delves into persistent systemic barriers affecting families and children, and explores how collaborative, long-term solutions can overcome these challenges. Through examples of cros...
24 Mar 2026
Episode 9: Cradle to Career: Building Pathways to Opportunity Across Connecticut
This week on Rooted in Impact, host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Lauren Scopaz-Daunais, Senior Vice President of Collective Action, for a conversation about how communities across Connecticut are coming together to improve outcomes for children and families—from early childhood through career. Lauren shares insights from the Connecticut Cradle to Career Coalition, highlighting how cross-sector collaboration, shared data, and community voice help align local efforts and inform statewide poli...
10 Mar 2026
Episode 8: Public Service That Moves the Needle with Damika Richardson
This week on Rooted in Impact, we explore what it truly means to live a life of service — across career, community, and family. Host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Damika Richardson, Associate Group Practice Manager at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Captain in the Air National Guard, for a conversation about leadership rooted in commitment and purpose. From overseeing operations within a federal healthcare system serving veterans to volunteering in her community and mentoring the...
24 Feb 2026
Episode 7: Building Strong Communities Through Access and Innovation with CIFC President & CEO, Katie McKeon Curran
This week on Rooted in Impact, we’re exploring what it truly takes to build strong, resilient communities, especially in moments of uncertainty. Host Ashley Gaudiano sits down with Katherine McKeon Curran, President & CEO of CIFC Health, for a conversation on expanding access to quality health care, early learning, and comprehensive family support systems. Together, they examine how community-based organizations respond to shifting policy landscapes, evolving funding environments, and gro...
10 Feb 2026
Episode 6: Grassroots Advocacy & Educational Equity with Maya Donald Spruill of CORNERS Community
This week on Rooted in Impact, we’re digging into the power of community-led advocacy and what it takes to advance educational equity for young Black children. Host Ashley Gaudiano is joined by Maya Donald Spruill of CORNERS Community for a conversation rooted in lived experience, collective action, and systemic change. Together, they explore how inequities show up in education, why organizing families, parents, and youth is critical for accountability, and how CORNERS Community is building p...
9 Dec 2025
Episode 5: Navigating Holiday Stress: Caring for Our Mental Health Together
This week on Rooted in Impact, we’re exploring the real pressures of the holiday season — and how women, caregivers, and families can protect their mental and emotional well-being during this busy time of year. Host Ashley Gaudiano is joined by Yolande Ford, Senior Director of Equity & Culture and Licensed Professional Counselor, for a grounded conversation about stress, boundaries, self-care, and the power of community support. Together, they unpack practical strategies for navigating ho...
25 Nov 2025
Episode 4: Breaking Down the Legislative Special Session
In this week's episode of Rooted in Impact, we break down the recent two-day Special Session of the Connecticut General Assembly. What decisions were made in Hartford, and how they affect working families in our region? Joining host Ashley Gaudiano is Tida Infahsaeng, United Way’s Senior Director of Advocacy and Partnerships, to unpack it all. Stay informed and take action — sign up for our advocacy newsletter: https://bit.ly/4ri904n
11 Nov 2025
Episode 3: The People’s Mailbag – Your Questions, Our Answers
In this special mailbag episode, host Ashley Gaudiano opens up the inbox to answer your most pressing questions about what it really takes for families to make ends meet in Coastal and Western Connecticut. From the rising cost of basics to the ripple effects of policy changes and the hidden barriers that keep help out of reach. We’re digging into what’s happening on the ground and how United Way CWC is responding.
28 Oct 2025
Episode 2: Understanding ALICE with United Way CT’s Daniel Fitzmaurice
Join host Ashley Gaudiano and Daniel Fitzmaurice from United Way of Connecticut as they explore ALICE — the hardworking families earning above the poverty line yet struggling to make ends meet. Learn what ALICE means, why this data matters, and how United Ways across Connecticut are collaborating to support these families and create lasting community impact.
14 Oct 2025
Episode 1: Getting to Know United Way, with Our President & CEO
In our first episode of Rooted in Impact, we sit down with our President & CEO Isabel Almeida, to explore who United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut is, what we stand for, and how we’re creating meaningful change for families in our community.
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