Polaris Awards 2021

Recognizing an individual who demonstrates exemplary leadership through significant positive impact on others and works to break down barriers to help create a just and caring community.

Carl Hardrick

Since the 1960’s Brother Carl has served as a youth development leader, gang intervention specialist and community activist. He is best known for his work with helping youth and young adults stay away from gangs and providing them with positive and life changing alternatives.

Recognizing an individual, organization, or business committed to the common good who is leading the way to make our region more vibrant.

 Herb Virgo

Founder and Executive Director of the Keney Park Sustainability Project, a nonprofit organization committed to providing hands-on training, on-site demonstrations, outreach, and community collaborations that help families become more self-sustainable and environmentally conscious while preserving the historic Keney Park.

The Connections Award

Recognizing individuals, organizations/businesses, or initiatives that exemplify the value of collaboration and partnership.

Women of Color in Business Series

During the summer of 2020, the staff at the Entrepreneurial Center & Women’s Business Center wanted to take action in support of racial justice efforts. Darchelle Hutchins came up with the idea to create a new series for women entrepreneurs of color to discuss diverse perspectives about the path to business ownership. The new series, founded upon the passion and persistence of women entrepreneurs of color, meets quarterly and endeavors to create community while promoting all women in business towards their dreams!

Recognizing an individual who exemplifies each of LGH’s three pillars: community, leadership and connections.

Jason Jakubowski

A lifelong Connecticut resident, Jason Jakubowski is both an accomplished nonprofit executive and a nationally recognized community leader.  As President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, Jason and his team have worked tirelessly to increase food security for families in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  A the same time, Jason has successfully overseen and managed the merger of Connecticut’s two largest food banks: Connecticut Food Bank and Foodshare, creating one statewide food bank that can better meet the needs of our community.