Janice Catherine Castle

Title: Director of Community Engagement for the City of Hartford
State: Connecticut

Edited by Leonard Webb, Publisher

Born and raised on the island of Grenada, Janice moved to Hartford, CT with her family in 1993. Upon arrival, she saw the potential that the city had to offer and fell in love. From the cuisine: West Indian, Italian, Mexican, Hispanic; The arts: The Greater Hartford Jazz Fest, The Wadsworth Athenaeum, the Bushnell, Hartford Stage, to name a few; and the people from all races, creeds and walks of life. From then, Janice vowed to do her part to give back to the city through volunteer initiatives.

 

Janice Castle currently works as the Director of Community Engagement for the City of Hartford. Prior to working in the Mayor’s Office, She worked as a Senior Consultant, University Relations within the Human Resources Department at Travelers. There she was responsible for building strong partnerships with colleges and universities as a means of sourcing qualified and competent candidates. Prior to joining Travelers in May, 2015, she spent over 15 years with The Hartford Insurance Company, a history that began with college and summer internships throughout her undergraduate years. Janice has extensive experience in Human Resources as well as Marketing and Communication. “ I always had a passion for community service and giving back, so I found ways to find roles that allowed me to do that in one way or the other” say’s Janice.

 

Janice is a graduate of Trinity College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.  She has also earned her Master’s in Public Administration and Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Connecticut.

 

When we asked Janice who some of her mentors were, her comment was “Oh lord there are so many. My mom and my brother for starters. Robin Clare was my first official mentor. Sean Fitzpatrick, AKA “Pops”, Director Development Services; Bruce Dixon, CEO, CPEP; Felecia Scott; Joelle Murchinson…the list goes on and on. I consider myself a collector of stars and all of these folks give me a little light that I add to my collection both directly and indirectly” Well put Ms. Castle.

 

Janice also serves as the President of the Urban League of Greater Hartford Young Professionals Group, an Axillary of The Urban League of Greater Hartford and a Career Beginning Mentor. Her other volunteer initiatives include former president of her condo association, ConnectiKids, Junior Achievement, Foodshare’s Walk Against Hunger, Greater Hartford Jazz Fest, and others.

 

We had to ask Janice where does she see herself in 5 years and in typical Janice fashion she said, “For myself, I would love to have a family of my own in 5 years, as for business, I would love to say the residents of Hartford have never been more engaged and connected with city government. I want to do my best to reach every city, and every corner of this city before I have to vacate my current role.” And you are on your way as all eyes are on you!!!

 

Please join me in welcoming Janice Castle an Ethnic Gem!!!