Background
Founded in 1996, the Connecticut Immigrant & Refugee Coalition (CIRC) is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit based in Hartford whose central mission is to serve Connecticut’s dynamic community of immigrants. CIRC has evolved and expanded over its 25+ years to meet the current needs of the community, utilizing advocacy and direct support.
CIRC is a vast coalition of members who are deeply committed to welcoming refugees and fostering civic participation in topics of immigration reform. CIRC has partnered with its network of community organizations for over 25 years, leading grassroots efforts, building a more equitable community, and fighting for the rights of immigrants, refugees, and their children.
Today, CIRC continues to participate in local and federal policy advocacy, and has also expanded its programs to take a more hands-on role in the Greater Hartford area.
Our Team
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Kate’s background with nonprofits is diverse. She helped grow a property and casualty insurance agency and prepare it for growth to a national firm. This growth included providing the members of a statewide association for nonprofits, now known as The Alliance, with an exclusive insurance program for their members.
Over the years she has provided training and consulting services to nonprofit organizations and their leadership teams including Board training, strategic planning and fund development consulting. She has also been on the board of several organizations including Advanced Behavior Health, Construction Institute, CT Women’s and Education Fund, Covenant to Care for Children, ManufactureCT, St. Paul Catholic High School and the Women and Girls’ Fund. She also led two of these organizations successfully through Executive Director Transitions. As chair of ManufactureCT Kate led the association through a successful major rebranding process.
Kate is passionate about helping others see beyond the limitations they place on themselves and to excel where they thought it was impossible.
Board of Directors
K. Umesh Vig, Chair
Werner Oyanadel, Vice President
Adam M. Formus, Treasurer
Andre Blaszcynski
Robert Fishman
Dana Bucin
Edgar Johnson
Honorary Members:
Archbishop LeRoy Bailey Jr.
Dana Bucin
Alan Lazowski
Rabbi Philip Lazowski
Lucian Pawlak
Henry Zachs
Coalition Members
CIRC is a proud coalition of businesses and organizations who advocate together for the rights of immigrants and refugees in Connecticut.
Dr. Susan Levine
Susan Schnitzer
Zaheer Sharaf
Ex-officio Members:
Christopher George
Megan Torrey