Alumni Profile: Meet Armando

October 23, 2024

At the age of seven, Armando’s family moved to Hartford’s Southend, and his neighbor (a fellow club Alumnus) invited him to visit the Southwest Club. Armando instantly fell in love with the club and its variety of fun and educational activities. Armando took full advantage of club programs such as Power Hour, which helps Club members with their homework and participated in Money Matters, where he learned about money management and even opened his first bank account.

Armando was active in the Keystone Club, a teen-leadership program that allowed him to “get out and explore.” Through the Keystone Club, Armando worked on community service projects, which taught him how to be a team player and illustrated the importance of giving back. He had the opportunity to visit colleges, travel to new areas of the country and gain confidence in the college application process.

As a result of his hard work and the skills learned at the Boys & Girls Club, Armando became a Travelers EDGE Scholar and earned his Bachelors of Science in Management Entrepreneurship from the University of Connecticut ’13. After graduation, he relocated to Washington, D.C. to begin his career as a consultant for the United States Marine Corps. In 2015, Armando transitioned into business development and partnership success at Management Leadership for Tomorrow, an organization focused on the professional development of African Americans, Hispanics, and Native American rising leaders. Armando recently started a new career as Associate Director of Employer Partnerships at the Yale School of Management.

Armando walked into the Boys & Girls Club looking to make new friends and have fun. He ended up learning valuable life and leadership skills that have helped him become the person he is today. According to Armando: “The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford will forever be one of the elements that make me, who I am. Every donation to these Clubs and their programs are making futures brighter for our young people.”

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A Moment Worth Celebrating: Our Youth of the Year Finalist Take the Capitol

April 29, 2026

On April 21st, our Youth of the Year finalists stood inside the Connecticut State Capitol, and the weight of that setting was not lost on anyone in the room. These are young people who have overcome, who have grown, who have shown up for their communities with a dedication that speaks for itself. And there they were, exactly where they deserved to be. Among them was Tiarra, our very own Hartford winner, who carried our Club's pride to the state level with a quiet confidence that fills a room. Watching her represent everything we pour into this work was one of those reminders that lands somewhere deep. She and her fellow finalists from clubs across the state met with Governor Ned Lamont, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, CFRE, and Speaker Matthew Ritter, moving through those halls with purpose and engaging with leaders who shape the direction of this state. The conversations were real. The connections were genuine. And the message those young people received, simply by being welcomed into those spaces, will stay with them long after the day ended. That is what Youth of the Year reaches toward. A belief that our young people belong at every table, in every room, in every conversation about the future they are going to inherit. We are immensely proud of Tiarra, and of every finalist who stood in that building on April 21st. Connecticut's future is in extraordinary hands.

Club Members Visit Connecticut Capitol Through “Lifting the Law” Program

By Ryan R. • March 18, 2026

Bringing Civic Learning to Life

Youth of the Year Night 2026

By ASteffen • February 27, 2026

The Courage to Lead: Youth of the Year 2026

Black History Month at BGCH: Honoring Legacy, Elevating Voice

By ASteffen • February 27, 2026

Black History Month is more than a time of reflection. It is a time to honor achievement, amplify legacy, and recognize the enduring impact of Black leaders whose resilience, innovation, and excellence continue to shape our nation. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, this recognition is deeply personal. Many of the youth and families we serve see their own stories reflected in the legacy of those who came before them. Creating spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and empowered is not an annual observance — it is central to who we are.

From a Quiet Voice to a Standing Ovation: Meet the Girl Who Captured Every Heart in the Room

November 18, 2025

Her voice moved a room to tears. Your support makes moments like this possible.

Scary Good Fun for a Great Cause: 2025 Donny’s Dash Brings Greater Hartford Together

October 28, 2025

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford President & CEO Bruce Jeffery joins UConn legend Donny Marshall, BGCH staff, and Club Kids at the start of the 2025 Donny’s Dash: Scary Good Fall Run at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. Over 400 runners, including 80 Club Kids, participated in this community event in support of Great Futures. Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. Over 400 runners and 80 youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford laced up their sneakers today for the 2025 Donny’s Dash: Scary Good Fall Run, held at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. The event brought together families, community partners, and corporate supporters for a day filled with fitness, fun, and philanthropy—all in support of opening doors to Great Futures for Hartford youth. Among the runners were more than 80 Club Kids r epresenting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, who ran with pride, excitement, and that signature Club energy. Their enthusiasm captured the true spirit of the event—creating opportunities where young people can grow, thrive, and dream big. The celebration featured appearances by Donny Marshall, UConn basketball legend and BGCH Board Member, Morgan Tuck, General Manager of the CT Sun, and Bruce Jeffery, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. "We are incredibly proud to see our community come together to support our Club kids," said Jeffery. "Every mile run today represents a step toward brighter futures for the kids we serve every day." All proceeds from Donny's Dash directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, providing local youth with access to safe spaces, positive mentorship, and programs focused on academic success, character & leadership, wellness and life & workforce readiness.