THE 2022 ADA GALA

Each immigrant wave that has come to our community has made contributions we all benefit from. Immigrants of past generations have paved the way for immigrants of today. Although their paths to reach our country may differ, they share a common goal - The American Dream.

Join us on September 16, 2022, at 5:30 at the Amber Room Colonnade as we as celebrate that common goal by honoring remarkable individuals in our community and share an exciting announcement about TNADF's plans to help immigrants in our community achieve the ultimate American Dream.

THE 2022 AMERICAN DREAM AWARDS HONOREES ARE:

COMMUNITY HERO AWARD – awarded to an institution that has impacted the lives of immigrants in our community.

Recipient: Connecticut Institute for Communities, Inc. (CIFC) 

CIFC is a locally based, independent non-profit dedicated to advancing our communities and fostering greater opportunities for low-and moderate-income individuals and families through a combination of health and education programs and housing and economic development projects. It is the only such organization in Western Connecticut. During the pandemic, CIFC administered more than 23,000 COVID-19 tests and 12,000 vaccines to the community.

RISING STAR AWARD – awarded to an immigrant or a child of immigrants making their mark in the community (20-40 years of age)

Recipient: Luana Barcelos 

Daughter of Brazilian immigrants, Barcelos is a 21-year-old freelance artist and muralist. She was selected and granted an award by the City of Danbury to design and paint a 45-foot mural celebrating the life and legacy of classical singer and civil rights pioneer Marian Anderson. Barcelos has also painted large-scale murals for the University of Connecticut, Wellmore Behavioral Health, and businesses like Matteo’s Multicultural Market in Danbury, and The Cosmopolitan Salon in Brewster, among many others. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in May of this year. ­­­

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – awarded to an immigrant or decedent of immigrants that has had a lasting impact on the community (50 years of age or older).

Recipient: The Honorable Judge Dianne Yamin

Dianne E. Yamin was elected as probate judge in 1990. She made history as the first woman to hold that position in Danbury and as the youngest elected judge in the state. Since 1990, Yamin has assisted people in various family-related court matters as Danbury's probate judge.

Her work focused on conservatorships, guardianships for the intellectually disabled, psychiatric matters, adoption, and children's matters — and special immigrant juvenile status cases.

Judge Yamin also worked extensively to bring awareness to the immigrant community about standby guardianship. This plan prevents children with undocumented immigrant parents from becoming wards of the state in the event of their parents' deportation. She recently announced her retirement.

AMERICAN DREAM AWARD SCHOLARSHIP - $3,000 awarded to an individual 16 years or older who is an immigrant or a child of immigrants living in the Fairfield County area, who has faced many challenges on their journey to achieve their American Dream. 

Recipient: Adamaris Loja

Born in San Fernando, Azuay, Ecuador, Loja moved in with her father in the United States at 11 years old when her mother passed away. The transition was a constant struggle, fitting in at school, learning the language, and maintaining her mental health. Nonetheless, she persevered, graduating with a 3.8 GPA from Danbury High School. She is now majoring in Management Information Systems at WCSU. The scholarship is furnished by the event's presenting sponsor: Union Savings Bank.

"To receive this award means that all my hard work was not in vain, that I am welcome in this country, and it will prove that the American Dream still lives on by providing me with the help I need to further my career and impact in the community," said Loja.

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