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Community Advisory Board

The Community Advisory Board is a diverse group of individuals from across Connecticut who advise and help inform our Community Engagement team. While not an oversight board or part of the governance structure of the School and State Finance Project, the Community Advisory Board is a critical component to ensuring the needs of communities are heard and prioritized.

Members of the Community Advisory Board meet monthly to provide guidance and input to the Community Engagement team and discuss the needs of community members, specific issues affecting communities, and the impact of the organization's community efforts.

Janice Cupee Headshot
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Janice Cupee
Stratford, CT
Janice Cupee Headshot
Janice Cupee
Stratford, CT

Janice Cupee is a former member of the Stratford Board of Education. She advocates for academic excellence, equity, and a positive united district where all feel welcomed, heard, and seen.

She currently works as a digital marketing manager and earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Western Connecticut State University.

Justin Matley Headshot
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Justin Matley
Norwalk, CT
Justin Matley Headshot
Justin Matley
Norwalk, CT
He/Him

Justin Matley, founder of Black Oak Sound, is an award-winning Post Sound / Re-Recording Mixer, Sound Designer, and Music Director & Supervisor who works on a plethora of television, film, radio, podcast, internet, and experiential-based projects for the broadcast, news, motion picture, and advertising industries. Along with individual accolades and nominations, his projects have won dozens of awards, including Academy, BAFTA, Emmy, Cannes Lion, and Promax awards, and are featured across international festivals, broadcast networks, and digital media worldwide. He is also adjunct faculty at the University of Connecticut, Department of Digital Media and Design, where he teaches coursework in sound technology, and is a News and Documentary Emmy voter.

Serving his community, Justin is on the board of directors of local news website (Nancy on Norwalk); is the founder of a local education organization (the Norwalk Parents Initiative); and is on the Leadership Committee for the Norwalk Film Festival. He's an avid Red Sox fan, skier, amateur gardener, and lover of most things outdoors. Above all, his most important roles are as a husband and father to two amazing girls.

Keyla Medina Headshot
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Keyla Medina
Bridgeport, CT
Keyla Medina Headshot
Keyla Medina
Bridgeport, CT
She/Her

Keyla Medina is a proud Puerto Rican native who has called Bridgeport home since the age of 3. Alongside her husband, Keyla has raised three daughters, all of whom successfully graduated from the Bridgeport public school system and went onto college.

Keyla and her family are passionate advocates for children in Bridgeport and throughout Connecticut, championing quality education and tirelessly working to secure increased funding for schools. This commitment extends to their daughters, who have actively engaged with legislators and community leaders to advocate for improved services and funding in their schools.

Recently, Keyla's husband secured a seat on the Bridgeport Board of Education, marking a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to positively impact the local education system. Undeterred, the couple continues to collaborate with the community, making lasting contributions to the lives of Bridgeport residents.

In her professional capacity, Keyla serves as the Senior Operations and Special Projects Manager for Make the Road, where she focuses on advocating for immigrant rights, workers' rights, and improved access to education, housing, and healthcare in low-income communities, with a specific emphasis on Bridgeport and Hartford.

Beyond her advocacy work, Keyla maintains a fun and athletic side as a former "All State" volleyball player. She actively participates in a Monday night volleyball team in Woodbridge, showcasing her dedication to both community engagement and a healthy, active lifestyle.

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Grace Molina
Danbury, CT
Grace Molina Headshot
Grace Molina
Danbury, CT

Grace Molina is an Assistant Director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships at Danbury Public Schools. She is an experienced director and manager with a history of working in childcare.

Grace earned received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue Global University. She is currently pursuing her Child Development Associate certification.

Outside of work, she is the Vice Chair of the Danbury Collective and the Board Secretary of Danbury Youth Baseball.

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Walter Morton
Hamden, CT
Walter Morton Headshot
Walter Morton
Hamden, CT
He/Him

Walter Morton is the Director of Government & Community Affairs for the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association. Walter has always been highly active within the community having served on the Hamden Board of Education, the Board of Directors for V.E.T.T.S, and the North Haven YMCA.

He is a member of the Connecticut National Guard and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State University.

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Versha Munshi-South
Stamford, CT
Versha Munshi-South Headshot
Versha Munshi-South
Stamford, CT
She/Her

Versha Munshi-South is a former teacher, instructional coach, and principal navigating the school system as the parent of two teenagers. Currently she's a Leadership Coach at a national education nonprofit, TNTP, supporting district and school leaders.

After graduating from the Parent Leadership Training Institute in 2021, she was inspired to run for a seat on her local board of education. She currently serves on the Stamford Board of Education in the role of Chair of the Teaching, Learning and Community Committee.

Versha is passionate about local politics and, in particular, supporting the campaigns of candidates from underrepresented groups.

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