Join us for an evening of conversation, connection, and community at
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
R.S.V.P. by August 28, 2026
At a time when immigration policy is changing rapidly, and its effects are being felt in communities and workplaces across Connecticut, the connection between immigration, workforce development, and economic resilience has never been more important. Immigrant workers and families are an essential part of Connecticut’s economic strength—and the policies shaping their lives have implications not only for immigrant communities, but for employers, workers, and the future of our state.
At this year’s Colloquium, we’re bringing together three leaders and experts whose work is closely connected to these issues. Leah Kagan, Director of Economic Development for the City of Stamford; Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Ph.D., Connecticut’s Chief Workforce Officer; and David Dyssegaard Kallick, Director of the Immigration Research Initiative, will offer perspectives on economic development, workforce strategy, and immigration research, exploring how Connecticut can respond to a changing workforce, strengthen pathways to opportunity, and build an economy in which all of our communities can thrive.
We’ll also hear directly from Marta, a Building One Community participant and founder of Marta’s Empanadictas, whose journey from seeking support for her family to building her own food business is a powerful example of what becomes possible when immigrant entrepreneurs have access to opportunity, resources, and a community that believes in them. Her story brings the conversation from policy and workforce strategy to the personal impact of creating pathways for immigrant families to build, contribute, and thrive.
5:30 PM
Cocktail Reception featuring wine, hors d'oeuvres, networking, and silent auction
6:45 PM - 8:00 PM
Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A
8:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Dessert Reception & Silent Auction Item Pickup
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.
Kelli-Marie Vallieres, Ph.D., is Connecticut’s Chief Workforce Officer and leads the Office of Workforce Strategy, advising the Governor on statewide workforce initiatives and overseeing Connecticut’s Strategic Workforce Development Plan. With 14 years of experience as President and CEO of two Connecticut manufacturing companies, she brings a unique and valuable perspective on both employer needs and workforce development. Her work focuses on strengthening career pathways, aligning education and training with employer demand, and building a skilled, resilient workforce that supports Connecticut’s economic future while expanding opportunities for workers, including immigrant communities that are an essential part of the state’s workforce.
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.
For more information about the Colloquium, contact Events@B1C.org or call 203-674-8585 ext. 142.
Thank You to Our Colloquium Sponsors
VISIONARY SPONSORS
Bruce & Linda Koe
Kevin MacGuire
Mary Sommer and 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-Medina
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
Mirellise Vazquez & Thomas Birmingham
Rina and 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. 142.
