Jennifer D. Barahona, LCSW, has been honored as the 2023 winner of the prestigious  Lee Barnes Memorial Scholarship for Non-Profit Leaders. As the Chief Executive Officer of Norwalk ACTS since April 2019, Barahona has leveraged her passion and experience to address complex social issues using the Collective Impact approach.

Barahona’s illustrious career began with her tenure at Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk. She served as Director of Youth Services and worked extensively on recovery efforts for families affected by the September 11th terrorist attacks. She then took on a leadership role at the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, which was established after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting to provide vital funding support for the community.

Her early career as an advocate for women and children exposed to domestic violence and an educator on healthy relationships shaped her dedication to social justice. Under the mentorship of Columbia Professor Richard Cloward, Barahona furthered her commitment by working as a policy researcher and community organizer for the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct professor in the Social Work Department at Sacred Heart University, nurturing the next generation of social work professionals.

At Norwalk ACTS, Barahona has successfully implemented the Collective Impact approach. This innovative and collaborative strategy unites diverse stakeholders to address education, health, and social well-being challenges. The course has five key elements: a common agenda, shared measurement systems, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and backbone support organizations. Through this method, Norwalk ACTS aims to transform the lives of Norwalk residents, demonstrating the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

With the 2023 SPNM Award, Jennifer D. Barahona’s remarkable achievements and dedication to social justice are rightfully recognized, and her continued work is sure to leave a lasting impact on the communities she serves.