2022 Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony July 14

The Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame (IHHF) will be adding four iconic contributors to the fabric of life in Connecticut and America, representing vast accomplishment and varied backgrounds and religious traditions. The Gala and Induction Ceremony, by the National Immigrant Heritage Center, will take place on Thursday, July 14, 2022.

Tickets are now on sale (go to www.immigrantheritage.org) for the event, to be held at Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry Street, Plantsville, CT, opening with a reception at 5:30, followed by the keynote address, induction ceremony, dinner and an artistic program featuring performances reflecting the cultural backgrounds and heritage of the inductees. NBC Connecticut news anchor/reporter Amber Diaz will serve as emcee for the 2022 Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Gala.

This year’s IHHF Induction Ceremony & Gala will be inducting Judith Altmann, educator, human rights activist and Holocaust survivor; Marilda Gándara, corporate attorney, business and philanthropic leader; Aida Mansoor, scholar, Islamic Chaplain and activist for interreligious understanding and Dr. Radenka Maric, interim President of the University of Connecticut, who was born in Yugoslavia. Altmann is a native of Czechoslovakia, Gándara was born in Cuba, and Mansoor in London (her parents in Sri Lanka).

The 2022 ceremony will celebrate the inspiring accomplishments of these four Connecticut women as they enter the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame. The number of individuals and families honored by the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame since its inception in 2013 will total 35, with the four new inductees.

Keynote Speaker

Angelina Gadeliya, Professor of Piano and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at the University of Connecticut, will be the keynote speaker for the Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, July 14. Gadeliya, who spent her youth in Ukraine, also serves as the President of the Fryderyk Chopin Society of Connecticut. Gadeliya’s work with Ensemble Connect and the NYC-based Decoda ensemble has frequently brought her to the stages of Carnegie Hall and the Juilliard School, as well as to Germany, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, and the Trinity Wall Street series. In recent months, the Chopin Society has been actively involved in efforts to support the people of Ukraine.

“We are very pleased to recognize this inspiring group of individuals who embody the perseverance, commitment to excellence and notable achievement that have made our world a better place,” said Demetrios Giannaros, president of the National Immigrant Heritage Center, based in New Britain, CT. “And we look forward to the inspiring words and perspective of our keynote speaker, a highly regarded educator and accomplished musician, particularly at this pivotal time for the country of her youth.”

Lead Sponsors

2022 Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame sponsors include:

Media Partner -NBC CT / Telemundo CT

Diamond Sponsors - Edible Cares, Tariq Farid, Founder; Laz Parking

Gold Sponsors -PKF O’Connor Davies Accountants & Advisors; Sam’s Food Stores; Zachs Family Foundation

Silver Sponsors - Anna Sielawko; Travelers; UConn Foundation; Eversource

Bronze Sponsors - Alan and Carmen Dornan; Coleman & Judie Levy; DEJE Group LLC / Giannaros Associates; Express Strategies; Hartford Public Library; Hospital for Special Care; Roman and Mrs. Helena Nowak

Media Sponsors -Hartford Business Journal / New Haven BIZ; The Hartford Courant

Artistic Program Sponsor - Community Foundation of Greater New Britain

Tickets On Sale Now

In addition to honoring each inductee, the July 14 event will also include an artistic program featuring performances reflecting the cultural backgrounds and heritage of the inductees.

“The event promises to be a memorable and motivational evening for all who attend,” said Demetrios Giannaros, president of the National Immigrant Heritage Center. The annual induction ceremony was postponed due to the coronavirus and limitations on public gatherings during the past two years.

The Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame is operated by the National Immigrant Heritage Center (NIHC), an independent 501(c)3 organization established as a multi-ethnic Center, inclusive in its mission, structure and governance. The NIHC is dedicated to celebrate, preserve, publicize and promote immigrant heritage and cultural diversity.

Tickets remain on sale at www.immigrantheritage.org/tickets. For more information on the 2022 Immigrant Heritage Hall of Fame email info@immigrantheritage.org or call 860-614-3488.