The Power of Impact Shines at the 2025 Brave Enough To Fail Person Of Courage Award Gala

2025 Person Of Courage Awardee Janeene Freeman & Wayne Winsley

On March 20th, 2025, the Norwalk Inn came alive with energy, purpose, and pride as over 100 guests gathered for the Brave Enough To Fail Person Of Courage Award Gala. With this year’s theme, “The Power Of Impact,” the evening celebrated the transformational force of courage, education, and community support.

The spotlight of the night was on Janeene Freeman, who was honored with the 2025 Person of Courage Award for her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to empowering youth and communities. Janeene’s work exemplifies what it means to turn vision into action and challenges into opportunity.

Congressman Jim Himes was on hand to help present scholarships to six outstanding students—each one a living testament to the Brave Enough To Fail mission of inspiring a new generation of leaders, creators and achievers.

(From left) Nicole Marasco and Dorangely Villarreal

Nicole Marasco and Dorangely Villarreal were awarded the Dan and Shirley Wilderoter Scholarship

(From left) Congressman Jim Himes, Matthew Omrao, Wayne Winsley

Matthew Omrao was honored with the Jeffrey Kile Scholarship.

(From left) Wayne Winsley, Congressman Jim Himes, Robyn Ebanks, Adrianne Angel, CEO Pro Property Management, Gabriella Angel.

Robin Ebanks received the Pro Property Management Scholarship.

(From left) Wayne Winsley, Congressman Jim Himes, Lizzy Montenegro, Marie Sacco, Norwalk Kiwanis

Lizzy Montenegro earned the Norwalk Kiwanis Scholarship.

(From left) Congressman Jim Himes, Gabriela Peralta, Wayne Winsley

Gabriela Peralta received the Danbury Kiwanis Scholarship.

Michele Bonvicini, Executive Director of the Union Savings Bank Foundation

Another highlight of the evening was the special recognition of Michele Bonvicini, Executive Director of the Union Savings Bank Foundation, for their longtime, generous support of Brave Enough To Fail and its impactful programs.

Sadie Rae Winsley

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Sadie Rachelle Winsley, BETF Community Relations Officer, who stirred hearts and minds with an inspiring message on the lasting influence of courage and commitment in shaping young lives.

Rev. Dr. Devale A. Hodge

The program began with a powerful opening benediction by Rev. Dr. Devale A. Hodge, Senior Pastor of Miracle Temple Church of God in Christ in Norwalk, setting a tone of unity, gratitude, and hope.

The room was filled with influential leaders and dedicated advocates, including:

Mike Duggan, Executive Director, Domus Kids  

Denise Thomas, Deputy Director, Domus Kids  

Carmen Hughes, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, City of Stamford  

Rachel Alonso Mendoza, Special Assistant to the Mayor for Communications, City of Stamford  

Aaron Miller, Special Assistant to the Mayor & Arts and Culture Program Manager, City of Stamford  

D'Naysha Brown, Early Childhood Coordinator, Stamford  

Yolanda Ford, Stamford Cradle to Career  

 Alli Ganim, Fairfield County's Community Foundation

Beth Furnari, P-Tech Norwalk Principal

Dr. Victor Black,MSAP Norwalk Project Director

Richard Lasky, VP, Business Banking Union Savings Bank

Brandon Angotti, VP, Wealth Management Union Savings Bank

From honoring courageous leaders to empowering the next generation, the 2025 Person Of Courage Award Gala was more than an event—it was a celebration of real impact. Brave Enough To Fail continues to change lives through access, inspiration, and opportunity, and this unforgettable evening reminded us all of the power we hold when we come together for a cause greater than ourselves.  

A very heartfelt thank you to the wonderful sponsors that made the evening possible.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and shared in the mission. Together, we are Brave Enough To Fail—and destined to succeed.

Learn more at www.braveenoughtofail.org.