B1C's 11th Annual Colloquium
"Growing Together: Immigration and Economic Resilience in Connecticut"
September 15th, 2026
The Village • 4 Star Point, Stamford, CT 06902
5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Meet Our Speakers
Marissa Muñoz, our moderator, serves as Executive Director of Building One Community, bringing more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership and a lifelong commitment to public service. Growing up in South Texas near the border, she witnessed firsthand the challenges families face, shaping her lifelong commitment to equity. Rooted in a deep belief that every person deserves access to opportunity and a sense of belonging, she has dedicated her career to building organizations and programs that uplift underrepresented communities. Over the years, she has led cross-sector initiatives, cultivated strategic partnerships, and developed teams that deliver meaningful, measurable change for the communities they serve. Marissa leads B1C with a vision grounded in partnership, equity, and lasting impact.
Leah Kagan has served as Director of Economic Development for the City of Stamford since 2023, leading efforts to attract and retain businesses, support small businesses, and strengthen the city’s economic vitality. She recently launched a $5 million workforce-training initiative through a public-private partnership and brings more than 15 years of nonprofit experience developing strategic initiatives and partnerships. Her work connecting employers, workforce training, and public resources provides an important local perspective on building a resilient, inclusive economy and the vital role immigrant communities play in Stamford’s continued growth.
David Dyssegaard Kallick is Director of the Immigration Research Initiative (IRI), where his work focuses on the economic impact of immigration at the national, state, and local levels. A widely published researcher, he has authored numerous studies, book chapters, and academic papers examining the connections between immigration, workforce participation, and economic growth. Before founding IRI, Kallick served as Deputy Director and Director of Immigration Research at the Fiscal Policy Institute and previously as a Senior Fellow at the Preamble Center and editor of Social Policy. He also teaches Urban Economics at Pratt Institute’s Graduate School for City and Regional Planning and holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale University.
Chef Marta García is the executive chef and founder of Empanadictas LLC, a culinary business based in Stamford, inspired by her Colombian heritage. With a passion for preserving the authentic flavors of Colombia, she has built a brand known for its handmade empanadas made with quality ingredients. Her journey as an entrepreneur has been marked by perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to her community. She is a graduate of B1C’s Immigrant Entrepreneurship Incubator (IEI) and the ServSafe certification program, which supported her entrepreneurial and culinary journey, and she participated in the Reset Fall Food Accelerator program, where she placed third in its competitive pitch. Today, she leads the growth of her business through catering services, pop-ups, and home delivery. Her vision is to expand Empanadictas, bring the authentic taste of Colombia to more communities, and establish her brand as a leader in Colombian cuisine in the United States.
Thank You to Our Colloquium Sponsors
VISIONARY SPONSORS
Bruce & Linda Koe
Kevin MacGuire
Mary Sommer & Jay Sandak
Ellen Williams & Andrew Schultz
AMBASSADOR SPONSORS
Susan & William Adamsen
The Inisfad Foundation - Lawrence Cavanagh and Eleanor Riemer
Maryann Kann
Andy Schau & Madeline Turci Schau
COMMUNITY IMPACT SPONSOR
The Walter Kann Foundation
CHAMPION SPONSORS
Nancy Gramps
Sarita & Greg Hanley
Belle Horwitz & Jon Weiner
ALLY SPONSORS
Sonia Alcantarilla
Amy & Aldo Cabrera
Anne Downey & Ken Wiegand
The 460 Foundation
Holly & Noah Lapine
Cathy & Rich Ostuw
Meredith & Eric Reuben
Everett & Sally Schenk
FRIEND SPONSORS
Omar Dinar
Patricia Lunka
Mary Maarbjerg
Cynthia & John Keith Russell
Alan & Debbie Steckler
Mirellise Vazquez & Thomas Birmingham
Rina & John Verni
Kathleen & Michael Walsh
Jose Luis & Sarah Zepeda
For more information about the Colloquium, contact Events@B1C.org or call 203-674-8585 ext. 141.
