Connie Wilson Collins

Connie Wilson Collins "was the first African American elected to public office in the City of New Britain, serving three terms as Alderwoman on the Common Council, and many years on the City Planning Commission. Among her most memorable accomplishments is her successful sponsorship of the resolution to change Hartford Avenue in New Britain to Martin Luther King Drive.

"Mrs. Collins is the founder and past president of Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain, and Chairperson of Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America, Inc.’s Board of Directors.

"Mrs. Collins serves as Chairperson of the New Britain Foundation for Public Giving (Community Foundation of Greater New Britain), as a member of the Advisory Board of American Savings Bank, Chamber of Commerce, Mid-Connecticut Workforce Partners, Inc. Board of Directors, Capital Workforce Partners Board of Directors, Board of Trustees of YWCA, New Britain General Hospital and Past Daughter Ruler of Anna Warmsley Temple #1073.

"An accomplished educator, Mrs. Collins holds a masters degree in education from Harvard University. She is married to Alphonzo Collins. They are the parents of two grown children, Michael Alan of Killingworth, and Tonilynn of New Britain, as well as grandparents to four."

• Director, Leon H. Sullivan Foundation