On Friday, June 26, 2026, Capital Workforce Partners brought together employers, workforce professionals, community partners, educators, and jobseekers from across North Central Connecticut for its Annual Meeting. The event celebrated the partnerships and programs that help individuals achieve career success while strengthening the region’s workforce and economy.
Attendees heard inspiring stories of perseverance, leadership, and innovation from award recipients representing youth, adult jobseekers, businesses, and workforce professionals. Their achievements highlight the power of collaboration and demonstrate how workforce development investments are creating opportunities, building talent pipelines, and preparing Connecticut’s workforce for the future.
Partnership in Motion. Progress by Design.
Future Workforce Awardees
Sebastian Garay-Ortega
OIC of New Britain
Gabriel Cruz
HRA of New Britain
Tatiana Watson, Sayara & Atmar Hakimyar
Hartford Public Library
Workforce Ambassadors
James “Jimmy” Sanchez
State Representative – Hartford & West Hartford
Joel Hicks-Rivera
Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
Kate Farrar (accepted by Arbinita Zika)
State Representative – Newington & Hartford
Adult Jobseekers Awardees
Jameika Pegeus
American Job Center Participant
– Hired at Trinity Healthcare –
Liliana Isabel Pareja Roca
American Job Center Participant
– Hired at First Choice Health Centers –
Gerald Thomas & Anna Zapata (accepted by Courtney)
American Job Center Participants
– Both hired at Pursuit Aerospace –
Workforce Professional Awardee
James “Jim” Boucher
Capital Workforce Partners’
Chief of Strategy
Honoring Capital Workforce Partners' Chief of Strategy
For more than 24 years, Jim has been a driving force behind the growth and success of Capital Workforce Partners. As Chief Strategy Officer, he has advanced the organization’s mission, strengthened partnerships, and helped create opportunities for individuals across the region. He has played a key role in building and sustaining relationships with funders, foundations, community leaders, and stakeholders, helping secure millions in funding that have expanded programs and strengthened services throughout the community.
Jim is also a dedicated advocate for individuals facing barriers to opportunity, particularly youth and Second Chance participants, ensuring access to the resources and pathways needed for success.
His career reflects a lifelong commitment to public service and community development, including leadership roles in local government, workforce initiatives, and nonprofit organizations.
Jim leads with humility, integrity, and a steady commitment to mission-driven work. He is a trusted colleague, mentor, and advocate whose impact is seen in both the strength of the organization and the lives it has helped change.
Today, we recognize Jim as a true unsung hero of Capital Workforce Partners. His legacy is reflected in the organization he helped shape and the communities he has supported throughout his career.
2026 Annual Meeting Sponsors
Opportunity Accelerators
Empowerment Allies
Pathway Partners
Friends of CWP
NETTTS
OIC
THANK YOU!
Sponsor The CWP Annual Meeting!
Annually, we gather with so many of our partners, employers, elected officials, and supporters who make workforce development possible in North Central Connecticut. Your presence and continued belief in our mission is what fuels this work every day.







