2026Annual Awards
Banquet

Anthony Afriyie

Democrats of the Year

Anthony Afriyie is a public servant from Stratford, Connecticut, committed to advancing civic engagement, economic inclusion, and equitable development. He currently serves as Community Liaison at the Connecticut Port Authority, where he leads stakeholder engagement efforts across Connecticut’s maritime economy, working to elevate local voices in infrastructure investment and transportation planning.

A first-generation Ghanaian-American, Anthony’s pathway into public service began with AmeriCorps NCCC, where he served during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to disaster response, food insecurity, and community development projects across multiple states. This experience deepened his resolve to bridge the gap between underserved communities and government institutions.

Anthony has since held roles in federal and local government, including serving as Press Secretary and Outreach Coordinator for Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Outreach Coordinator for Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) and as a Town Councilor in Stratford, where he championed issues around youth opportunity, workforce development, and equitable public investment.

Jill D’Angelo-Powers

Democrats of the Year

Jill D’Angelo-Powers is a lifelong Connecticut resident and proud Stratford resident since 2012. Her dedication to advocacy and public service grew from her own experiences with learning disabilities and a desire to ensure that every voice has an opportunity to be heard.

Jill became more involved in her community in 2021, when she advocated before the Town Council for increased funding for Stratford’s public schools. That experience inspired her to run for the Board of Education in 2023, and she now serves as Board Chair.

Following her campaign, Jill became an active Stratford Democratic Town Committee volunteer and discovered a passion for field organizing. During Anthony Afriyie’s special election campaign for State Senate, Jill began learning the field role under the mentorship of Karen Tracy. Karen’s guidance, encouragement, and example have played an important role in Jill’s growth as an organizer and Democratic volunteer.

During the 2025 municipal campaigns, Jill helped organize field efforts supporting more than 20 Democratic candidates across Stratford. Previously recognized as the DTC’s Volunteer of the Year, she now serves as Field Director for Carolann Reid’s State Senate campaign. You can often find Jill staffing Democratic headquarters, organizing volunteers, planning events, or knocking doors.

Jill and her husband, Blake Powers, are raising their two children, Lauren, 10, and Logan, 8, in Stratford. Raising her family here continues to fuel Jill’s passion for building a stronger, brighter future for Stratford and ensuring it remains a community where families can grow and thrive.

Jill is honored to be recognized as a 2026 Co-Democrat of the Year and grateful for the volunteers, candidates, friends, and mentors she has had the privilege of working alongside.

Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Terry Backer Environmental Champion Award

Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe is the Director of Bird Conservation for Connecticut for the National Audubon Society, Inc. In this position she oversees Audubon’s coastal stewardship and resilience efforts.

Corrie leads the Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds, which assists the CT Dept. Energy and Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division with the management of the Piping Plover and other beach-nesting birds. She also created the WildLife Guards programs which educates, mentors, and employs Bridgeport, West Haven, and Stratford high school students as coastal bird stewards.

In 2022, Corrie oversaw a salt marsh restoration project at the Great Meadows Marsh (a unit of the Stewart B. McKinney NWR, located in Stratford) and is currently working with partners on a project at Hammonasset Beach State Park. Corrie has been with Audubon for 15 years, and over that time has contributed to numerous conservation successes.