Coralys Santana

Coralys is a Policy and Program Associate, primarily focusing on advancing advocacy and policy efforts related to state-wide issues impacting our neighbors. Coralys is from Dorado, Puerto Rico, and resides with her husband and children in Waterbury.

Coralys brings experience in state and local government to The Connecticut Project. She has worked for the Connecticut General Assembly and as a community leader in Waterbury through her work with numerous organizations such as: the Waterbury Environmental Control Commission, the Brass City Harvest Board of Directors, and as a founding member of the community activist group WEPA (Waterbury Empowers People to Act).

Why do you do the work?

I believe that collective action and community investment are drivers for policy and systemic change. I want to be able to leave my children – and all kids – a world in which they can thrive, a better world than we have today.

What are some specific places or things you love in Connecticut?

I moved to Connecticut when I was young and community is what has kept me here. Every year there is a cultural event in Waterbury called “The Gathering.” It is a beautiful display of our culturally diverse community, and the food is always fantastic. I am also partial to Puerto Rican and Dominican food and love places like Mofongo at the Parkville Market in Hartford & La Cazuela in Waterbury.