Celebrating Legacy: City Hall Salutes the Women Shaping Hartford's Future

By Kaitlin Martinez

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Elizabeth Giannetta-Ramos gives her acceptance speech at the award ceremony

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Hartford, April 23, 2026

Elizabeth Giannetta-Ramos, a Hartford-native, has made it her life's mission to uplift and empower the city’s youth. As the Director of Programs for COMPASS Youth Collaborative, formerly known as the Southend Knightriders Youth Center, Giannetta-Ramos is committed to improving the lives of the people in the community. Under her leadership, the program aims to minimize violence in Hartford and shift the youth's attention by helping them create bonds and healthy relationships within the community.

Over the years, Giannetta-Ramos has developed a strong anti-violence advocacy program that engages young people between the ages of 16-24 years, and helps them transition into adulthood. When asked about how others can help advocate for this cause, she said, “I think we need to start listening to young people and what they have to say. Be a mentor, be there!”

Awardees at the First Annual Women's History Month Celebrations

Her contributions have been recognized community-wide with multiple awards, including Springfield College’s Humanitarian Award and an award from the Annual Women's History Month celebrations in Harford. Eleven women were honored on March 27 at the Women's History Month celebration at Hartford's City Hall.  Their unwavering dedication and profound impact on the city have earned them well-deserved recognition for their efforts toward meaningful change.

The ceremony was attended by Mayor Arunan Arulampalam and other city officials. There was an aura of admiration as the awardees  were recognized and called to the stage to receive their awards. Family members rejoiced as they were felicitated.

The celebrations were aimed to highlight the women’s courageous efforts and their service towards the society. Councilwoman Marilyn E. Rossetti said, “What these women have done… it is no easy task to take on.”  

Barbara B. Kennelly shares her thoughts on the occassion

Former Congresswoman Barbara B. Kennelly also received the Pinnacle Award on this occasion. Kennelly was born and raised in Hartford. She got her Master’s in government studies from Trinity College in Hartford. She served Congress from 1982 to 1999 representing the State of Connecticut and  was one of nineteen women elected during that time.

As an entrepreneur, Kennelly had her own advocacy organization to help those who wanted to change governmental policies. Before entering politics, she was actively involved in civic, political, and government organizations in Hartford. Her advice to young people is to, “Keep at it and run for Congress one day.”

Although she is retired and is hoping to celebrate her 90th birthday in July, Kennelly remains a prominent figure in Hartford with an immense legacy.

While figures like Giannetta-Ramos and Kennelly have inspired generations with their dedication and resilience, Hartford has long been a place where women did not just wait for change; they engineered it.