Hartford, CT — For the third year, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and FOX61 are honoring individuals, groups, and organizations who make a significant contribution to health care, housing, financial empowerment, and/or education in Connecticut. Nominations for the ImpaCT Awards were submitted by the public through July 7, 2025. An impartial judging committee reviewed award nominations and narrowed down three finalists per award category.

The finalists are as follows:

Unsung Hero Award: A person giving their all to their community in quiet and often thankless ways who may not be known outside of their community.

• Marzina Tubbs, Project R.E.H.A.B. Inc.

• Samantha Merwin, ElbowBumpKid Inc.

• Tom McGowan, Habitat for Humanity North Central CT

Impactful Woman Award: A female leader whose mission is to help and empower other women; a true mentor with dynamic energy and drive.

• Doris Maldonado Mendez, Family Voices National

• Patricia Kelly, Ebony Horsewomen

• Terri Fontaine, Catholic Charities Diocese of Norwich

Impactful Emerging Leader Award: An up-and-coming changemaker on the fast track to leadership with a proven record of giving back.

• Alex Karaban, University of Connecticut

• Kristina Walton, Seymour Oxford Food Bank

• Amanda Solla, Mr. C's Voice Nonverbal Autism and AAC Community, Inc.

Impactful Educator: A teacher, professor, coach, or tutor who has dedicated themselves to molding young minds.

• Dr. Robert Polselli Jr., Killingly High School

• June Cahill, Kennelly School, Hartford

• Michelle "Missy" Cole, Danbury High School

Impactful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award: Given to an individual or a company with a demonstrated track record of helping or working with underrepresented communities in Connecticut.

• Horizons at Westminster (Katie McKinney)

• Josue Dorelus, Connecticut State Police

• Welcome 2 Reality, LLC

Community Organization Making an ImpaCT: A grassroots community group that goes above and beyond to improve their surroundings and help others.

• Interval House

• Malta House of Care, Greater Hartford

• Purple Pantry Boxes

Small Business Making an ImpaCT: A small business that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture (fewer than 100 employees), is innovative, and helps create a better Connecticut.

• Reynolds' Subaru

• Bobs Jerky for a Cause

• Parkville Sounds

Company Making an ImpaCT: A company that makes giving back to Connecticut part of its culture and invests resources into volunteerism and philanthropy, creating a workplace that enables employees to do good along the way.

• Ellafi Federal Credit Union

• Bank of America

• Mintz and Hoke

"United Way is proud to recognize people, companies, and organizations who are taking action to create change in our communities. This year we received a record-breaking 200 nominations, and we applaud the inspiring work of each nominee, particularly our finalists," shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. "We are delighted to continue partnering with FOX61 to lift up those who are committed to making Connecticut a better place for residents across the state."

United Way and FOX61 will also recognize the 2025 George Bahamonde Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors an individual who has dedicated their life to service with the goal of making futures brighter for generations to come. The award is named in honor of the late George Bahamonde, who served as the President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for 12 years and was passionate about educational outcomes and opportunities for local children. The 2025 honoree is slated to be announced mid-September.

"We are proud to partner with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut for the third Impact Awards," said Chris Topf, President and General Manager, FOX61/CW20. "Every finalist has a great story to tell. These are people who are going above and beyond to make an impact in their communities. We invite the public to join us at the event in October, along with watching our broadcast, to celebrate and honor these individuals, organizations, and companies."

The 3rd Annual ImpaCT Awards Ceremony will take place on October 22, 2025, at Hartford Marriott Downtown. The ImpaCT Awards Ceremony will also be broadcast on FOX61 and streamed on FOX61+ in a one-hour special (and available on FOX61+ to stream). Sponsorships, tables, and tickets are on sale now at CTImpactAwards.org, and sponsorships are eligible for charitable tax deductions.

Funds raised benefit United Way-supported initiatives that close gaps in child literacy, housing, wages, and life expectancy to help end poverty in the 860 region.

For more info https://unitedwayinc.org/news/united-way-and-fox61-announce-2025-impact-award-finalists/.