FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stratford community leaders recognized for their commitment to public service, civic engagement and strengthening their community

STRATFORD, Conn. — The Stratford Democratic Town Committee will honor Jill D’Angelo-Powers and Anthony Afriyie as its 2026 Co-Democrats of the Year at the committee’s Annual Awards Banquet on Sunday, September 27, recognizing their commitment to public service, civic engagement and the Stratford community.

D’Angelo-Powers, a lifelong Connecticut resident and Stratford resident since 2012, became more deeply 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, where she now serves as Board Chair.

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.

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

During the 2025 municipal campaigns, D’Angelo-Powers 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. She can often be found staffing Democratic headquarters, organizing volunteers, planning events or knocking doors.

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

Afriyie, a first-generation Ghanaian-American and public servant from Stratford, is 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 and works to elevate local voices in infrastructure investment and transportation planning.

Afriyie’s pathway into public service began with AmeriCorps NCCC during the COVID-19 pandemic. Serving across multiple states, he contributed to disaster response, efforts addressing food insecurity and community development projects. The experience deepened his resolve to bridge the gap between underserved communities and government institutions.

He later served as Press Secretary and Outreach Coordinator for Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District and as Outreach Coordinator for Congressman John B. Larson of Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District. Afriyie also served as a Stratford Town Councilor, where he championed issues around youth opportunity, workforce development and equitable public investment.

D’Angelo-Powers and Afriyie will be honored alongside Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe, recipient of the 2026 Terry Backer Environmental Champion Award.

The Stratford Democratic Town Committee’s 2026 Annual Awards Banquet will be held Sunday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blackhawk Country Club, 385 Oronoque Lane in Stratford. The event will feature a Sunday brunch, and tickets are $80 per person.

Tickets and additional information are available through the Stratford Democratic Town Committee.

About the Stratford Democratic Town Committee

The Stratford Democratic Town Committee is the local organization of the Democratic Party in Stratford and works to encourage civic participation, support Democratic candidates and represent the voices of Stratford residents.

Media Contact:
Kathleen Callahan
Chair, Stratford Democratic Town Committee
sdtc@stratforddemocrats.com