Pulse of the Region

A Preview of Hartford Taste

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Jeannette Dardenne, Owner and Creator of Opportunity at INgroup Creative; Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO at Connecticut Foodshare; and Matt Bannister, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships at PeoplesBank. Jeannette, Jason, and Matt share a preview of what to expect at Hartford Taste—from food and music to art and community experiences designed to bring more people downtown and support local businesses. They also break down how advance ticketing works and explain how ticket sales directly support Connecticut Foodshare’s mission. Learn more about Hartford Taste [https://thehartfordtaste.com/] Purchase Advance Tickets for Hartford Taste [https://thehartfordtaste.com/ticket-purchase] Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

America 250 With the City of Hartford

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Taneisha Duggan from the City of Hartford’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, and Shannon Frost, the city's Director of Marketing Operations, Special Events, and Special Projects. Taneisha and Shannon share an inside look at Hartford’s upcoming Long Weekend celebration, taking place July 1–5 in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The multi‑day event highlights film, art, music, culture, and technology—offering something for everyone. The conversation also explores how the Long Weekend is expected to boost the local business community by bringing more people downtown, increasing foot traffic for shops and restaurants, and encouraging visitors to keep coming back to Hartford. ⁠Learn more about Long Weekend⁠ [https://longweekendhartford.com/] Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory⁠ [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the ⁠North End Partnership⁠ [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

Building the Workforce Pipeline Through Internships

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Lauren Zevetchin, Executive Director at Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE); Bruce Soltys, Vice President of Emerging Talent at Travelers; Angela Pannesco, Engineering Development Program Manager at Travelers; and Kaleigh Scarfo, HR Specialist at Nassau. With summer approaching, the Hartford Region is preparing to welcome thousands of interns. Our guests share how Nassau Financial Group and Travelers structure their internship programs and how these initiatives help strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. We also highlight HYPE’s Summer Intern Mixer on June 11, where interns from across the area will have the chance to connect, network, and experience the community. Together, these programs play a vital role in attracting and retaining young professionals in the region. Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

Imposter Syndrome with Andi Campbell

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Leadership Advisor, Speaker, and Coach Andi Campbell. Andi also recently founded SELENE, a women's leadership collective for experienced women leaders in Connecticut. In this episode, Andi breaks down the concept of imposter syndrome, a topic she has been researching for her upcoming book set to be released this fall. She explores how imposter feelings often take root early in life, shares practical strategies for managing them, and explains how confronting imposter syndrome can ultimately lead to meaningful personal growth. Visit Andi's website: andi-campbell.com [https://www.andi-campbell.com/] Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

Economic Outlook with KeyBank

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by KeyBank's Michael Astorino, Home Lending Leader, CT/MA, and Elona Shape, Retail Leader, CT/MA. Michael and Elona discuss consumer sentiment and the results of KeyBank's financial mobility survey, how economic realities are impacting homebuyers, and tips on how to navigate finances and buying a home in an uncertain economy. Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].