About Us
Get to know Creative Connections
Get to know Creative Connections
Get to know Creative Connections
We connect and empower young people around the world through the exchange of arts and ideas, transforming authentic interaction into cultural understanding and a commitment to global citizenship.
We envision a worldwide community of young people empowered by awareness, cultural understanding and empathy to fulfill their roles as global citizens.
Global Voices is the new name for the range of Creative Connection’s exchange programming focused on creative expression and student voices.
Global Voices delivers global understanding through interactive classroom partnerships, where students engage through art and live videoconferencing. This peer-to-peer approach encourages students to share their experiences, perspectives, and questions.
The ultimate goal of Global Voices is to transform global engagement into empathetic global citizenship, inspiring students to care – and to take an active role in their communities in an interconnected world.
Our programs vary on the level of partner engagement and collaboration. They range from one-hour workshops to ten-day student tours.
Educators can enroll in the program that best suits their needs. Our current programs include:
For Creative Connections, art is a means, not an end.
As connectors of students around the world for over 30 years, we have discovered that the creation and sharing of art is a most effective way to initiate authentic communication and cultural understanding.
Art is an accessible, universal language, requiring no translation. Unlike texting and social media, the creation of art requires creative thought and focus. Art requires students to take time to reflect on their unique culture, values, and state of mind in conceiving and creating their pieces.
In short, art allows students to tell their own story. Art builds empathy and provides a tangible springboard for deeper cultural exploration.
As one educator puts it: “When you see and study another’s art, you’re seeing the world through their eyes. When you create, you’re letting the world see through yours.”
Our team is made up of talented employees and board members who are passionate about the arts and dedicated to increasing global competency by connecting students across the globe.
Founder & President
Alan founded Creative Connections in 1992. Under his leadership, Creative Connections programming grew from an exchange of letter scrapbooks to the creation and sharing of culturally revealing art, to videoconferencing, to the exploration of environmental and social issues. Prior to founding CC, Alan was an elementary and secondary school teacher in the U.S. and England. Alan has a B.A. from Principia College, an M.A. in Educational Theater from New York University and has done coursework at the Bank Street College of Education.
Global Voices Initiative Director
A passionate advocate, lifelong learner, and Director of the Global Voices Initiative, Miguel specializes in fostering cross-border understanding and empowering youth and communities. With years of experience, Miguel has honed his skills in conflict resolution and multilingual communication, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and valued. His Background in Industrial/Interactive Design and a passion for technology in education drive his commitment to promoting cultural exchange and generating positive change on a global scale.
Director of
Communications & Development
Polly joined Creative Connections in 2008. She manages all communications, messaging and branding, including all social media. She also manages the organization’s development initiatives, donor relations, grants and special events. Polly’s broad experience includes project management, design and event planning. She previously worked for Save the Children and holds a B.F.A. from New York University.
TheaterConnect Program Manager
Tim’s extensive international education experience has included working with students from the U.S. and around the world to put together interactive performances on social justice issues ranging from refugee resettlement, countering systemic racism and preserving cultural heritage. Tim holds an M.Ed. in International Education policy from Harvard University and a B.A. in Political Science from Principia College.
Program Associate
Annette facilitates the participation of educators in ArtLink programs and ensures the successful exchanges for students. Her background is in marketing, merchandising, design and project management. Annette also serves as the Board President of the Norwalk Mentor Scholarship, Dollars for Scholars organization. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from F.I.T. and an Executive MBA from the University of Connecticut.
Communications Associate
Sofia began working with Creative Connections in July 2022 as a Social Media Intern. Since then, she has been promoted to Communications Associate and assists with social media content design and production, our Canvas e-newsletter, copywriting and graphic design, donor engagement, research, and event support. Sofia has a background in Digital Marketing and a growing desire to dedicate her skills to equipping today’s youth with accessible education, cultural awareness, and universal compassion.
Digital Design, Consultant
Olivia began working with Creative Connections in September 2019. She assists with graphic design, communications, and website enhancements. Olivia is a gifted designer. She has a background in communications and worked previously for AIA Virginia and the Virginia House Democratic Caucus. She has a B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Taiwan Program Facilitator
Rita is a key team member in ArtLink, assisting in the facilitation of programming in Taiwan. Her background is in global development and humanitarian emergencies. She also has experience in education and youth engagement. Rita holds a Master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Rita’s contribution to ArtLink has greatly expanded the program’s reach.
Board Chair
David is a Co-founder/Principal of Aequitas Advisors, a Stamford, CT-based consulting firm. For many years, David has been providing consulting services for corporations seeking capital raising, securities exchange or restructuring initiatives. David is a former journalist and project director at AmeriCares Foundation, as well as co-head of Equity Capital Markets at CiBC World Markets.
Board Member
Cheryl has been an art educator for Greenwich Connecticut Public Schools since 1994. She strives to teach from a transdisciplinary approach, through the visual arts. She has co-led multiple workshops for over 40 educators in the rain forest region of Guatemala. Cheryl was the 2014 Greenwich Teacher of the Year and a 2015 CT Teacher of the Year semifinalist.
Board Member
David is the executive director of Global Citizens Initiative, an education non-profit that builds ethical leaders. He previously served as Chief Advancement Officer, Office of the President at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, and President and CEO of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Foundation. David is a highly respected leader with more than 25 years of experience in U.S.-Japan relations.
Board Member
Sharon has served as Head of the Unquoa School, a PreK-8 independent school in Fairfield, CT for about two decades. She has served on the board of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools as well as its Commission on Membership and Accreditation. Sharon was also on the board of the Fairfield Museum and History Center and is currently on the board of Headmistresses of the East.
Board Member
With 25 years of marketing communications experience, Robert currently serves as the Director of Public Affairs for Norwalk-based Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Robert uses strategic partnerships with stakeholders to build strong brand recognition and drive fundraising revenue. Robert previously worked in communications at the American Heart Association and the Connecticut Council for Education Reform.
Board Member
Roz McCarthy is a retired educator turned journalist. She currently writes a monthly column called Chalk Talk for the Norwalk Hour, highlighting significant innovations in the Norwalk Public Schools. Most of her teaching career was spent in New Canaan High School where she taught English and Journalism and advised the school newspaper, the Courant. During that period, she also served as a member of the Board of Education in Norwalk for eight years. After leaving New Canaan High School, she moved on to become an administrator in Norwalk, ultimately serving as principal in the Center for Global Studies, a magnet high school that enrolls students from all over Fairfield County. Roz lives in Norwalk with her husband, and she has three children and four grandchildren.
Board Member
Ami-Lynn Bakshi is the Chief Executive Officer of Elevated Spirits, LLC, with a 28-year career in the beverage alcohol industry. She has excelled in marketing, innovation, and sales, and her dynamic leadership has made her one of the industry’s top female leaders. Ami-Lynn’s entrepreneurial ventures include co-founding and leading successful new ventures, such as SoNo 1420 American Craft Distillers. Her passion for people fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, empowering her teams to excel. She is a graduate of San Diego State University, receiving both a B.S. and a M.S. in Business Administration (Marketing and Entrepreneurship). She is actively involved in her community in Norwalk, CT, serving on the Board of the Norwalk Senior Center and supporting local charitable causes.
CC Founder & President
Alan founded Creative Connections in 1992. Under his leadership, Creative Connections programming grew from an exchange of letter scrapbooks to the creation and sharing of culturally revealing art, to videoconferencing, to the exploration of environmental and social issues. Prior to founding CC, Alan was an elementary and secondary school teacher in the U.S. and England. Alan has a B.A. from Principia College, an M.A. in Educational Theater from New York University and has done coursework at the Bank Street College of Education.
Each season we share news and updates about our work that impacts students and teachers around the world!
Mathews Park
303 West Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850
USA
1 203-803-4376
Mathews Park,
303 West Avenue,
Norwalk, CT 06850
USA
1 203-803-4376
Creative Connections (C) 2024 All Rights Reserved