Type of service: After school arts program
Connecticut employees: 8
Headquarters: Hartford
Top executive: Michele B. Colletti, founder/CEO
Nomination category: Nonprofit executive of the year
Michele Colletti founded Footlights, Center for Performing Arts in 2003, as a tuition-free, after-school program for teens to inspire them “to excel and discover their talents through the arts in a safe and fun environment.”
She has established a safe haven in downtown Hartford, where, for more than seven years, nearly 600 teens from 18 schools and other organizations have taken a variety of cultural arts classes during after-school hours. Participants perform up to 40 free performances a year for local businesses, events and organizations including the Greater Hartford Arts Council, Wadsworth Festival of Trees, local charitable benefits and more.
