Our licensed commercial kitchen is available to members on an hourly basis, and enables startup and small food businesses to scale up their operations before they are able to afford their own commercial kitchens. Our kitchen is home to over 65 food entrepreneurs - bakers, caterers, food trucks, and more.
Harry Amadasun Jr
Manager of Data Analytics & Quality Improvement, The Village for Families & Children
Joined Board: 2021
Harry is thankful to be a Hands On Hartford Board member, and for the privilege to work alongside so many people who are passionate about improving the quality of life for all, especially those without a voice. He lives by the saying, "To whom much has been given, much more shall be required."
Harry currently serves as an East Hartford Town Councilor, is the founding Vice President of the East Hartford Black Caucus, is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of East Hartford Murals, and sits on the Leadership team for ShopBlackCT.com
Thomas Kainamura
Director and Portfolio Manager Team Leader - Asset Based Finance, Global Corporate & Investment Bank, MUFG Bank, Ltd.
Joined Board: 2018
Thomas is passionate about giving back to his community, especially in the Hartford area where the need is greatest. He knew that with Hands On Hartford’s strong credibility and reputation in the community, volunteering as a Hands On Hartford board member was the right place for him to make an impact.
Thomas is a long-time resident of Rocky Hill. Prior to his current position, Thomas has worked at HSBC, Bank of America, Stanley & Decker, and the Bayer Corporation. As an undergrad, Thomas attended Post University and attended UCONN for graduate school.
Cindi Bates
Retired Attorney
Joined Board: 2019
Cindi Bates is a retired attorney who practiced law in Hartford for 34 years, first at the firm Robinson & Cole and then as the Vice President, Chief Privacy Officer and Counsel at Aetna, Inc., where she was in the Law Department for 30 years. She is a graduate of Wesleyan University and the University of Connecticut School of Law.
Cindi has been an active member of the First Church of Christ, Glastonbury, UCC, for many years and loves the vibrant mission-oriented community there. A member for many years, she served four years as President of the Connecticut Women’s Council, an organization which builds relationships among professional women.
“Sometimes hope and justice must be found and sustained in the actions each of us take in our own small ways to support those around us. Hands On Hartford’s mission, staff and community inspire me everyday and I’m grateful to have found a volunteer home here, making whatever contribution I can to this critical work.”
Michael Tetreault
Head of BI Business Centers, Travelers
Joined Board: 2020
Mike works at Travelers Insurance as the Vice President, Head of Business Insurance Underwriting Business Centers. He has been with Travelers for 35 years serving in various Operations and Underwriting leadership roles.
Mike serves at Hands on Hartford because he believes deeply in the mission. He is impressed by the heartfelt commitment of the staff to those in need throughout the Hartford community and wants to use his corporate experiences to further enable Hands On Hartford’s services to the community.
Sharon Ware
Associate Professor of Special Education, University of St. Joseph
Joined Board: 2018
Sharon is a life-long educator who teaches reading and literacy to both future teachers and experienced educators. She finds deep joy in helping others grow through learning.
She is equally passionate about building strong, compassionate communities, which is why she serves on the board of Hands on Hartford. “I love their mission and deeply admire the respect they show to their clients and staff—it’s an organization I’m proud to support and share with others.” Whether Sharon is in the classroom, volunteering, or hosting a meal for friends and family, she’s happiest when she is connecting with others and contributing in meaningful ways.
Marc Berube
Retired Travelers Training Director
Joined Board: 2023
Marc worked for Aetna/Travelers for 35 years before retiring in 2012. After his retirement, Marc moved to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico and lived there from 2012 to 2022. While in Mexico, he co-founded an NGO to assist and accompany deported Mexican nationals in creating a new life with dignity. Upon returning to the US, Marc was excited to discover Hands On Hartford and is honored to serve on the Board of such a great organization.
Marc enjoys volunteering in Gather55 as well as serving on several committees. He is continually amazed at the amount of kindness and good in everyone he interacts with at Hands On Hartford. “It’s incredible to be part of the passion, compassion, and energy of the Staff, Board, Volunteers and Patrons at Hands On Hartford and Gather55.”
Lisa Cameron
Vice President of Billing & Receivables, Travelers
Joined Board: 2017
Lisa is passionate about her belief that no one should have to struggle to have their basic human needs met. She believes that serving on Hands On Hartford’s Board is one small way she can give back and see the tangible impact of the work, knowing that a difference is being made.
Lisa is also involved with Women United/United Way, and serves on the Board of Hans Christian Andersen Montessori School.
Mary Beth Cardin
Board Advisor & Interim CFO, PNT Data Corp.
Joined Board: 2024
Mary Beth joined Hands On Hartford’s Board after learning about the variety of needed programs our organization offers. In her retirement, Mary Beth hopes to spend more time assisting underserved populations and she is particularly interested in housing, food insecurity, and health/wellness related issues. She has been impressed with the way Hands On Hartford creates and commits to executing ways to ‘fund’ its mission outside typical grants and donations.
Mary Beth taught English as a Literacy Volunteer of Greater Hartford for 5 years. She currently serves on the Board of PNT Data Corp. and on the Cornerstone Board of her alma mater, the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.
Rev. Nicole Grant Yonkman
Pastor, First Church of Christ in Clinton
Joined Board: 2021
Pastor Nicole holds a degree in Religion and Women’s Studies from Colgate University, and a Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School. She also did extensive coursework toward a PhD. in Biblical Studies. Nicole has served churches in the Chicago area, Dayton, OH, Providence, RI, and Windsor, CT for over 25 years.
All of the churches Nicole has served have experienced significant numerical and spiritual growth. Nicole thrives on getting involved in the wider community. She has been the first woman minister on a church staff 4 times. While serving at First Church of Christ in Windsor, she became a community leader and was the recipient of the Bridge Builders Award, the Phenomenal Woman Award, and a special proclamation from the Windsor Town Council and mayor for her years of service to the town.
Nicole serves on Hands On Hartford’s Board because she believes all people are created in the image of God and that we are all mutually responsible to care for one another. “Hands On Hartford is the best nonprofit I have seen that serves the real needs of the people of Hartford, with a sense of compassion and love.”
Nicole is also a member of the Immigration, Refugee, Asylum Task Team (IRATT) for the Southern New England Conference United Church of Christ.
Katonya Hughey
Director of Operations, HEDCO, Inc.
Joined Board: 2020
Katonya serves on Hands On Hartford’s Board because she believes in our mission to strengthen community engagement and support people in need. “Focusing on the food insecurities, health disparities and housing issues faced by the residents of Hartford goes hand in hand with my belief to help foster change. It is an honor to sit on the board of Hands On Hartford and contribute to impactful programs.”
Katonya is also a member of BLAC - Black Leaders and Administrators Consortium. She is the author of a children’s book series, the Kenzie chronicles, available to purchase here.
Brian Neary
Retired, Chief Operational Risk Officer, The Hartford
Joined Board: 2018
Brian is a longtime Connecticut resident who currently resides in Colorado. In his retirement, he volunteers with the Mountain Family Center in Granby, CO and as a Granby Parks & Rec Coach.
Brian serves on Hands On Hartford’s Board to “support and help guide a tremendous team, which does so much to help people succeed, and to make the city of Hartford a better place.”
Angela Nelson
Executive Director- Compliance, Systems & Technology, CVS Health
Joined Board: 2023
Angela has worked at CVS Health for 35 years. She enjoys being a mentor to individuals in her organization, supporting their inspiration to learn and grow within the company.
Angela graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Healthcare from Strayer University. She is the Board Chair of Easter Seals Capital Region & Eastern Connecticut, an organization she has been involved with for 20 years.
Angela joined the Board because she believes in Hands On Hartford’s mission of strengthening Hartford’s community and providing assistance to individuals facing economic hardships. She is particularly moved by the many programs that Hands On Hartford offers, especially assistance with apartment and job searches.
Thais Ortolaza
Clinical Director of Community Operations, Community Mental Health Affiliates
Joined Board: 2023
As a long-time resident of Hartford, Thais serves on Hands On Hartford’s Board because she loves her community and is especially interested in supporting individuals in her Hartford community. She is glad to be part of an organization that is true to its mission and dedicated to the work they do.
Vinod Sukhraj
Director, Agile Coach, Travelers
Joined Board: 2023
Vinod is an experienced Agile Coach and Director, with a career spanning over 18 years in the insurance, healthcare, and technology sectors. Vinod holds both a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Connecticut State University.
Vinod also serves on the Board of Directors of Agile Hartford and Playhouse on Park.
LaToya Tyson
Training & Outreach Specialist, Health Equity Solutions
Joined Board: 2021
LaToya believes part of her purpose in life is to ensure people are empowered with correct, accurate information about healthcare to make the best, fully informed decisions for themselves and their loved ones. Prior to her current role, LaToya worked for 20+ years providing sexual health education, HIV/AIDS & other communicable disease prevention education. LaToya is a CT DPH-certified sexual health educator and rapid HIV/Hep C counselor and tester.
Latoya serves on Hands On Hartford’s Board because she believes in the work that Hands On Hartford does. She is particularly moved by the programs which feed the hungry, house the unhoused, support people dealing with substance use, provide services for children and families, and provide housing for people living with HIV.
Kelvin Young
Recovery Support Specialist, Institute of Living, and Sound Healer, SoulCare Love LLC.
Joined Board: 2022
“I am truly honored to serve on the Board of Directors at Hands on Hartford for several meaningful reasons. First, Hands on Hartford has long been a cornerstone organization in the greater Hartford area, deeply committed to serving and uplifting the community. Second, the work we do resonates with me on a personal level, as many of the people we support are those who, like myself, have experienced addiction, mental health challenges, homelessness, and the search for well-being. It’s a privilege to stand alongside an organization so dedicated to compassion, connection, and community care. I’m proud to be part of this mission, helping to create a space where everyone is seen, heard, and supported.”
Kelvin is a member of the International Association of Peer Supporters.
