Community Advisory Board

Kathleen Callahan is the Policy and Civic Engagement Director for the Connecticut Cradle-to-Career Coalition and serves at the chair of her local political party in Stratford. Raised in a politically active family and immersed in civic responsibility from an early age, Kathleen is deeply committed to improving lives and communities through collective action and decision-sharing.

Kathleen has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and spent over two decades as a software engineer before receiving a Master of Social Work. She thinks in relationships, systems, stories, and data, and she facilitates change by integrating all the necessary, available information.

Melissa Hannequin is a passionate nonprofit executive specializing in policy and operations. She is dedicated to promoting equity, thinking systemically, and ensuring people have a say in their communities. She is currently the inaugural Executive Director of the Danbury Collective. In this role, she leads a new cradle to career initiative that works collectively to foster positive, measurable, and sustainable life outcomes for young people in Danbury.

Previously, Melissa worked for the New York City Department of Education, where she was a leader in expanding families’ access to free, high-quality early childhood programs through the 3-K and Pre-K for All universal preschool initiative, and opening preschool special education programs in New York City public schools.

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and International Studies from Fairfield University and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University. She also holds a Certificate in Education Finance from Georgetown University. She is a lifelong resident of the Greater Danbury area and a champion of public education and the arts.

Yukiyo Iida is the Associate Director of Parent Leadership and Family Engagement with the Connecticut General Assembly’s Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO). With over 20 years of experience engaging families, youth, and community, Yukiyo leverages her expertise and passion for equity to drive positive change across Connecticut.

Yukiyo’s background includes roles at the National Parent Leadership Institute and Parent Leadership Training Institute in Connecticut, as well as experience as a public school teacher. These experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of how parent and youth leadership and capacity-building drive systemic change. Through these roles, Yukiyo has also consistently demonstrated her ability to build strong partnerships, drive systemic change, and advocate for policies that benefit families, youth, and marginalized communities.

In addition to her professional responsibilities, Yukiyo serves on several work groups and advisory boards, underscoring her commitment to creating equitable and inclusive communities through various avenues. 

A proud immigrant from Japan, Yukiyo brings a global perspective shaped by her experiences across various cultural, linguistic, and professional contexts. Yukiyo currently resides in West Hartford with her amazing teenager and their mini dachshund named Miso.

Justin Matley, founder of Black Oak Sound, is an award-winning post sound/re-recording mixer, sound designer, and music director and 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 and Western Connecticut State University 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 a local news website (Nancy on Norwalk), the founder of a local education organization (the Norwalk Parents Initiative), and 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.

Versha Munshi-South is a former public school teacher, instructional coach, and principal navigating the school system as the parent of two teenagers. Currently, she supports school, district, and state education leaders as a consultant at TNTP, a national education nonprofit.

After graduating from the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) in 2021, Versha was inspired to run for office. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Stamford Board of Education.

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

Mark Olynciw is an experienced community program leader with a deep commitment to fostering community engagement and promoting educational initiatives. 

Currently, Mark serves as the GUIDE Program Manager at The Connecticut Hospice, Inc. where he supports a Medicare initiative for dementia care. Previously, Mark worked for the United Way of Central and Northeastern CT where he expanded early literacy programs and coordinated volunteer efforts.

Based in Hamden, Mark holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Sacred Heart University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Cornell University. He's also a proud new father.