Blogs

Dear Community Members,
This first CT Men’s Conference is a historical gathering. It is more than a meeting; it is a movement. We are
calling on community leaders, educators, fathers, mentors, and advocates to help shape this moment by leading
workshops that not only spark conversation but also deliver clear actions and solutions that participants can
take home and apply immediately.
You can submit your workshop outline using this app �� App Link.
We are seeking dynamic, interactive proposals in these areas:
 Education Engagement – How can parents and community members be fully engaged in our children’s
education? We need workshops that provide practical tools for supporting literacy at home, advocating
for school resources, mentoring youth, and participating in decision-making spaces. Attendees should
leave knowing exactly how they can take immediate steps to strengthen education in their families and
neighborhoods.
 Urban Preparedness & Emergency Response – Our communities must be ready for both natural and
human-made crises. We need sessions that teach step-by-step readiness strategies: assembling go-bags,
learning CPR, understanding evacuation routes, and building neighborhood response teams. Equally
important are self-defense and defensive strategies for families — equipping men and women with
real skills to protect their loved ones. Participants should leave prepared to create a family safety plan
that same week.
 Co-Parenting & Single Dad Support – Fathers are leading in powerful but often overlooked ways.
These workshops should provide concrete communication strategies, legal navigation tips, and practical
methods for balancing single fatherhood while fostering stable, nurturing environments. Attendees
should leave with resources and strategies they can begin using with their families immediately.
 Civic Engagement & Civic Access – Civic engagement must move beyond voter registration. We need
workshops that teach how to run for office, serve on boards, advocate for policy change, and access
government programs. Attendees should leave knowing the next civic action they will take — whether it
is attending a town hall, signing up for a board, or organizing neighbors for a campaign.
 Technology Training – In today’s world, technology is survival. We are seeking workshops that help
participants gain hands-on skills in areas such as using smartphones more effectively, understanding AI,
protecting digital privacy, building online businesses, or navigating virtual learning platforms. Attendees
should leave empowered to use technology to advance their personal, family, and community goals.
 Creative Digital Communications – Our stories and messages must reach the world. We are calling for
workshops that teach creative strategies for social media, podcasting, digital storytelling, video creation,
and community campaigns. These sessions should show attendees how to use digital platforms to
amplify voices, organize movements, promote businesses, and build cultural pride. Participants should
walk away with practical steps to launch or strengthen their own digital presence.
�� Submission App Link: https://qrco.de/bgBkCp
�� Please submit your workshop outline by September 30 using the app link above.
This is a historic moment. The CT Men’s Conference will be remembered as the time when we gathered not
only to talk but to act, leaving with tools and plans that transform our families, our communities, and our future.
Your leadership will make that possible.
With Respect,
[Insert your name]

Kirti Patel

Veteran Manufacturing Executive and Entrepreneur To Lead Statewide Efforts To Grow and Strengthen Connecticut’s Manufacturing Sector

 Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is appointing Kirti Patel to serve as Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer, a key leadership role focused on driving growth and innovation in the state’s manufacturing sector.

“Manufacturing continues to be the backbone of Connecticut’s economy, driving innovation, exports, and good-paying careers for our residents,” Governor Lamont said. “Kirti brings decades of global experience in manufacturing, product development, and business leadership. He has led companies through complex transformations, expanded product lines that serve critical industries, and built trusted relationships across stakeholders. I am confident that his vision and leadership will strengthen our manufacturing sector and ensure Connecticut remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing.”

“Mr. Patel brings not only deep experience in advanced manufacturing but also a strong record of building partnerships and driving innovation,” Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, said. “Connecticut’s manufacturers are competing on a global stage, and his leadership will help ensure they have the tools, talent, and opportunities they need to grow. I look forward to working with him to strengthen collaboration across industry, education, and government so that manufacturing in Connecticut continues to thrive for decades to come.”

Patel brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience across the life sciences, healthcare imaging, medical devices, and semiconductors. He most recently served as president and board director of Eppendorf Manufacturing Corporation in Enfield, where he oversaw North American manufacturing operations and also led the global Bioprocess Technology Division of Germany-based Eppendorf SE, a global leader in life sciences instrumentation. Under his leadership, the company launched multiple new product lines, achieved nearly 90% growth between 2014 and 2022, and completed a $20 million facilities renovation and manufacturing expansion in Connecticut.

Before Eppendorf, Patel co-founded Sensant Corporation, a medical device start-up that pioneered breakthrough 3D ultrasound imaging technology and was acquired by Siemens Healthcare. At Siemens, he went on to lead the global preclinical imaging division, improving profitability and growing market share worldwide. He began his career at Intel Corporation, where he worked on semiconductor lithography technology and advanced manufacturing process development, giving him hands-on and leadership experience in high-tech production environments.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Patel serves as board president of Simsbury – A Better Chance, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing the number of well-educated minority students who graduate from college and assume leadership roles in their careers. He also advises technology start-ups through Yale Ventures and the University of Connecticut’s Technology Incubation Program, helping transform groundbreaking research into successful businesses.

“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Lamont to serve as Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer,” Patel said. “Connecticut has a world-class workforce, innovative companies, and strong educational partners. I look forward to working with manufacturers across the state to strengthen collaboration, build capacity, and ensure our sector remains globally competitive.”

Patel will begin serving in the position on September 15, 2025. The office is based within the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development. Patel succeeds Paul Lavoie, who had served in the role since 2022.

Patel holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business, an MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, an MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Davis, and a BS in Chemical Engineering from Mangalore University in India.

Winter on the Green 2025-2026
Presented by: The Committee of the Proprietors of the New Haven Green
Location: The New Haven Green
The Committee of the Proprietors of the New Haven Green is excited to announce its Winter on
the Green seasonal celebration, bringing the community together with festive activities, live
music, rides, games, and family-friendly attractions. Join us for a series of events designed to
celebrate the season, connect the community, and enjoy the beauty of the historic Green.
Schedule of Events:
Movies on the Green

● September 27, 2025 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Outdoor screening of Soul by Disney Pixar
Movies on the Green

● October 31, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Outdoor screening of Beetlejuice
City of New Haven Tree Lighting Presented by the City of New Haven’s Departments of
Arts, Culture and Tourism and Parks, Recreation and Trees

● December 1, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
The spectacular annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

New Year, New Haven 2026

● January 1, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Celebrate the new year with rides, live music, games, and attractions for all ages