Keynote Speaker

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes was elected to represent the Fifth District of Connecticut in November 2018, making her the first African-American woman to ever represent the state of Connecticut in Congress. Hayes currently serves on the House Committee on Education and Labor and House Committee on Agriculture. She first garnered widespread notoriety as a teacher when she was selected as the Connecticut Teacher of the Year, before going on to earn the distinction of 2016 National Teacher of the Year. She has been quoted as saying that “education saved her life” and is a fierce advocate for ensuring access to education for all students. Her legislative priorities will focus on gun violence prevention in all communities, ensuring access to health care for as many Americans as possible, providing equitable access to education and opportunity for all students and working in a bipartisan way to bring positive change to the lives of every person in her community. Hayes holds a BA in history and secondary education, an MA in curriculum and instruction and a degree in administrative leadership.