Alexandra Belford
As the selected 2025 Commencement Speaker, Alexandra Belford spoke at her college graduation in front of nine thousand people. She graduated with high honors from Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona, receiving a Merit Tuition award and earning an Associate of Arts (Liberal Arts) with a focus on Political Science and Law. Alexandra was supported by her academic coach, professors, and the Access and Disability Resource (ADR) department. She is the first in her biological family to graduate from college. Alexandra has advocated for disability rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Alexandra was born in Akron, Ohio, adopted at five months in Las Vegas, Nevada, and raised in Tucson, Arizona, since the age of three. She has relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), following acceptances to several universities within the state.
In Tucson, Alexandra improved her last two apartment complexes, believing in leaving a place better than you find it. She organized a class-action to address broken hot water and unsafe gas leaks at one complex. At another, she pushed for ADA-compliant sidewalks and ramps so that all tenants could access the dog park and amenities. Her efforts led to fundamental changes for residents. In addition, Ms. Belford worked for United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona as a direct-care worker, providing home health care for youth and adult consumers assigned to her. Along with this, Ms. Belford has also adopted a neighborhood park connected to a middle school and has become the steward of this environment by cleaning, maintaining, and reporting noncompliance issues. The park came with a community garden, where Alexandra volunteered, as she is committed to growing and producing food for the community to provide donations to the food bank.
Alexandra started college as a non-traditional student at age thirty-three, and recently turned thirty-six. Alexandra was born mixed-race and with special needs due to exposure to dangerous substances before birth. This led to a cleft palate, cleft lip and nose, and speech difficulties, as well as multiple other medical disabilities. She overcame bullying, special education, and even a bloody hate crime. She is now a member of Phi Theta Kappa for her associate’s degree. She currently has a 4.0 GPA, making the President’s List at SCSU in her first semester as a full-time out-of-state student. She was also a semi-finalist nationwide for the 2025 Jack Kent Cooke scholarship. Alexandra hopes to become a motivational speaker, advocate, and mentor for others with disabilities or experiences in special education. Her goal is to attend law school to become a disability and civil/human rights lawyer. Moreover, she intends to work in politics, such as Congress or internationally with the United Nations, and help reform how police interact with people facing mental health crises, inspired by her own experiences.
Alexandra plans to one day own her own law firm and start other businesses. She lives with two service dogs, Ghost & Cleopatra, and an emotional support tortoise, Raphael. Alexandra enjoys animals, reading/libraries, fashion, good food, gardening, and spending time with her dad.
New to New Haven and the East Coast, Alexandra wants to help improve her community, especially for youth and residents. She hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams, no matter the obstacles, and cares deeply about people, animals, and the environment. She is totally blessed to have been accepted into Cohort 5 of Yale’s Access to Law School program, bringing her one step closer to her academic goal of attending law school and earning her JD degree. Ms. Belford says, “If I can do it, so can you… study hard, ask for help, believe in yourself, and pay it forward. I’m a firm believer in paying it forward and not forgetting where you came from and all that helped you. They say it takes a village to raise a child; well, sometimes it also takes a supportive community to raise a scholar.”
Betty C. Murray
Betty C. Murray, MPA, is a Bridgeport-born, New Haven–raised leader, disruptor, and catalyst for transformational change in systems serving historically marginalized communities. Her career has focused on advancing equitable access to healthcare, education, and safe, livable neighborhoods. Driven by a passion for social justice from a young age, she grew up wanting to become a lawyer because there was always someone—and something—worth fighting for. That early sense of purpose continues to guide her leadership, grounding her in advocacy, accountability, and a commitment to challenging inequitable systems.
Betty has held leadership roles across healthcare, nonprofit, and government sectors, including the Disparities Project Coordinator for the Connecticut Cancer Partnership and Hartford Hospital’s Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, leading statewide initiatives to reduce barriers to care and advance equity-centered programs. Earlier, she gained experience in community engagement, organizing, and legislative affairs with the Connecticut Association of Directors of Health, United Healthcare Workers East, the Congressional Research Service, and the Baltimore City Council. Across these roles, she championed collaborative strategies to influence policy and improve outcomes for underserved populations.
Beyond her professional work, she has engaged in civic and community leadership, serving on Hamden’s Police Commission and Traffic Authority, mentoring, and supporting local and faith-based initiatives that strengthen communities. Betty has embodied a principled, equity-driven, servant-leadership approach focused on people-centered solutions.
She holds an MPA from the University of Baltimore, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University, and is a Connecticut Health Foundation Health Leadership Fellow (2012). In her spare time, she enjoys portrait photography, modeling, reading, hiking, traveling, Latin dance, game nights with family, and exploring with friends.
Bridget Torres
Bridget Torres is a licensed clinical social worker who has been serving New Haven youth and their families as a child, parent, and family therapist for over 10 years. She first came to New Haven by way of New York in 2015 as a fellow at the Yale Child Study Center’s Advanced Clinical Social Work Fellowship, where she discovered a passion for meeting with families in their communities through the Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services program. Her clinical work focuses on supporting children and families with histories of complex trauma, traumas often deeply intertwined with issues related to systemic racism, homophobia, and classism. She looks forward to learning from her co-fellows and instructors, while combining her clinical knowledge with a legal education to better serve youth and their families in Connecticut and beyond.
Chelsey Jara
Chelsey Jara is from New Haven and is a first-generation college graduate and New Haven Promise Scholar. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy with a minor in History, graduating with honors from the University of Connecticut. She later completed a Master of Arts in Political Science at the University of Connecticut, where her graduate research focused on online tradwife communities, evangelical frameworks, and their intersections with the alt-right.
Her academic work broadly examined the rise of right-wing populist movements in the United States and Latin America, with particular attention to the legal and social consequences for marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ populations. During her studies, Chelsey gained hands-on experience in government and electoral politics through an internship with the Connecticut Lieutenant Governor’s Office and work on Connecticut Secretary of State campaigns.
Chelsey is currently interested in pursuing work in human rights or family law, with a commitment to advocacy and equitable access to justice and representation. Outside of her professional and academic interests, she enjoys traveling, reading, watching documentary films, and frequenting the movie theater.
Cherelle Carr
Cherelle D. Carr was born and raised in the City of New Haven and is currently still a resident. She graduated from Hill Regional Career High School, located in New Haven, CT, in 2007. In 2011, Cherelle received her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. After graduating from college, Cherelle knew that she wanted to pursue a career in law enforcement.
In 2012, Cherelle joined the New Haven Police Department, where she served as a Patrol Officer. In 2016, she was promoted to detective and joined the Family Services Division. Cherelle was eager to be a part of the Family Services Division, where she investigated risk of injury complaints, sexual assault, child abuse cases, and missing person reports. In 2022, Cherelle was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. During that time, she worked in patrol as well as the Internal Affairs Investigative Unit. Cherelle is currently the Supervisor of the Family Services division. She works closely as the liaison to improve domestic violence cases and investigate serious complaints related to domestic violence, abuse of a child (risk of injury to complainants), missing persons, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Cherelle has been a great influence in various communities within the city of New Haven. She has created and facilitated a mentorship program with Sergeant Shirley Connor from East Haven, CT, called S.T.A.R.S. One experience that has shaped her career was getting a domestic homicide warrant signed; her training and experience came full circle, and she was able to bring closure and justice to a victim’s family.
Cherelle is elated to hold two memberships relating to her career in law enforcement. She is a member of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers (NABLEO), as well as a member of the New Haven Guardians Inc., which is a fraternity of New Haven Police Officers dedicated to bridging the gap between the New Haven community and police.
Cherelle has received many awards and acclamations for acts of heroism as a New Haven Police officer. It is Cherelle’s passion and love for her community that has kept her motivated and focused on her career. Cherelle understands the importance of serving underserved communities, as she was raised in a city project housing development. It is extremely important for her to remain connected to the community and to continue to lead community service projects through the New Haven Guardians.
Cindy Calle
Cindy Calle is a New Haven, Connecticut native raised in the Fair Haven community. She graduated with high honors from Wilbur Cross High School as a member of the Law and Public Service Academy, where her early exposure to civic engagement solidified her commitment to environmental and economic justice. Cindy went on to attend the University of Connecticut’s Storrs campus as an Honors student, earning her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a concentration in Race Studies. During her undergraduate career, she conducted research in women’s health and endocrinology, receiving grant funding to advance her work and develop a prototype aimed at creating pain-free alternatives to current menstrual products for individuals experiencing endocrinological pain. Recognized for her strong pitching and leadership abilities, Cindy participated in multiple accelerator and entrepreneurship programs, including Accelerate UConn, where she was selected as the only undergraduate-led team. Post-graduation, she serves as the Coordinator of Latin American Affairs at the Knights of Columbus in New Haven and an Assistant Manager & HR Representative at Club Pilates New Haven, continuing her commitment to community advocacy and public service. A proud Mexican American and first-generation student, Cindy is the first in her family to graduate from both high school and college. She also owns Salgado Cleaning Co., a commercial cleaning business serving local organizations, reflecting her dedication to economic empowerment and entrepreneurship within her community.
Cindy Rodriguez
Cindy Rodriguez was born in Colombia and raised in New Haven, Connecticut; these experiences deeply shaped her commitment to equity, access, and community advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business and a Master of Business Administration with a focus in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University.
Cindy works within the nonprofit sector, where she supports early-stage entrepreneurs through program operations, communications, data tracking, and community engagement. Her work centers on building inclusive systems that reduce barriers to opportunity for entrepreneurs of color and women, particularly in historically under-resourced communities. She has also volunteered in immigration advocacy efforts, assisting immigrant communities with navigating legal resources and accessing critical support.
Outside of her professional work, Cindy is an active hiker who values wellness and time outdoors, enjoys cooking and the piano as creative outlets, and is a proud dog mom to Maui and Luna.
Darrell Spears, Jr.
Darrell Spears, Jr. was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, where he lived in several neighborhoods, including the area near the Dixwell Community House, also known as the Q House. He attended New Haven Public Schools, including Helene W. Grant School and Wexler-Grant School, and completed his secondary education at Cooperative Arts and Humanities Magnet High School, where he studied chorus as his primary art focus.
Darrell earned his bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), majoring in sociology and business. He later returned to CCSU to complete a master’s degree in special education, along with a Graduate Certificate in Transition Planning. During his graduate studies, he was honored with an Academic Excellence Award, reflecting his strong commitment to scholarship and service in the field of education.
Currently, Darrell serves as an Education Specialist with the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services. His work includes project management, participation on statewide committees such as the Governor’s Workforce Council, and service as a Union Steward with the Connecticut State Employees Association (SEIU Local 2001). Darrell takes great pride in serving underserved and underrepresented populations, advocating for and advancing equitable practices in his work every day. Darrell plans to study the law, leveraging his experience and expertise to bring justice on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Dory Welch
Dory Welch was born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, and relocated to CT to attend the University of New Haven, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Forensic Science. Her professional background spans roles as a family violence victim Advocate, post-conviction victim advocate, probation and parole advocate, medical examiner assistant, and criminal paralegal.
While advocacy has allowed her to support individuals within existing systems, she is pursuing law to gain the tools to challenge and reform those systems.
In addition to her advocacy work, Dory is in the process of establishing a nonprofit sober living home designed to support pregnant and postpartum women in early recovery, with a focus on stability, reunification with their children, and long-term independence. This initiative is rooted in her professional experience and personal understanding of how gaps in housing, healthcare access, and legal advocacy intersect to perpetuate cycles of harm. Through this work, she aims to create community-based solutions that address both immediate needs and systemic barriers, further reinforcing her commitment to using the law as a tool for sustainable social change.
Giselle Vigil Caballero
Giselle moved from her home country, Honduras, over 11 years ago and has been a Connecticut resident for nearly a decade. She is the first in her family to attend and graduate from college, earning her bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College in 2024. Giselle is an immigrant rights advocate and organizer. She is passionate about immigration reform at the systemic level, driven by her own experience living undocumented. Her interest in the law stems from a recognition that the legal system has the potential of bringing needed change to marginalized communities, but that, on its own, falls short of addressing the root issues. Through a holistic approach to law, Giselle hopes to bring along the voices of her immigrant community, who are increasingly dehumanized and criminalized. Most importantly, Giselle acknowledges the power that lies in community organizing and believes that a collective fight can create meaningful change. Currently, Giselle works as a paralegal at a legal nonprofit where she advocates for New Yorkers' access to public benefits. In her work, she sees the deep intersections between housing and immigration justice, which she hopes to explore further throughout her legal career. Her favorite aspect of working in housing law is being able to build relationships with clients and ultimately help them reclaim the power the system has taken from them. In her free time, Giselle enjoys strength training, watching thrillers or true crime documentaries, and spending time with her family and friends.
LaTasha Wright
LaTasha was born and raised in New Haven, where she proudly attended New Haven Public Schools for grades K-12. Raised by her grandparents, LaTasha was grounded in the belief that education, service, and giving back are not options, but responsibilities. As a first-generation college graduate, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Southern Connecticut State University in 1999.
Over the past 25 years, LaTasha has devoted her life’s work to serving others through child welfare, juvenile justice, and grassroots community advocacy. Her commitment extends far beyond her profession—she is deeply engaged in volunteerism, consistently showing up for community initiatives that uplift youth, support elders, and strengthen families.
As a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, LaTasha views service as both a calling and a way of life. Inspired by years of frontline work and community engagement, she aspires to pursue a legal education to further advocate for underrepresented communities and families navigating the criminal justice and family court systems. LaTasha’s purpose is clear: to turn service into systemic change and ensure that those most often unheard are never left without an advocate.
Natosha Howard
Natosha is 45 years old, and a mother of 4 amazing children—well, they might not always seem amazing to everyone, but they are to her. She’s currently a junior at the University of New Haven, on track to graduate in 2027. She has been an LPN for twenty years. She’s spent her life caring for others at their most vulnerable, but now she’s shifting toward a different kind of care—through law.
Her path to law school isn’t traditional. She’s going to college in secret; none of her family knows. They’ve never been supportive, but she’s learned how to move forward anyway. She decided to pursue law because of her 3 young sons. She has seen how quickly the world can change for them. She wants to understand the law so she can protect them, advocate for others like her and her family, and never again feel powerless in the face of a system that doesn’t always treat everyone equally.
She’s been studying for the LSAT using every tool she can find—free and paid—and so far, she’s only gotten one question right. But she’s not discouraged. She’s learning. She’s built a life around doing hard things, quietly and persistently.
She found this program by pure alignment. Living in public housing, there’s always something taped to the door. One day, when she was heading out of the house, her youngest son ran to her, flyer in hand, and said, “Here, this is for you.” And it was. She applied—and now she’s here. She’s honest. She’s regular. She’s ready.
Rochelle Buchanan
Rochelle Buchanan graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Composition. During her time at Eastern, she actively contributed both academically and extracurricularly, serving as a peer tutor and campus ambassador for the university. She later enrolled in a paralegal program through CT State Community College, Norwalk, and obtained her Paralegal Certificate. Presently, she holds a role with the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services, supporting the Greater New Haven community.
Rochelle is an aspiring law student with a strong interest in justice, fairness, and advocacy. Her desire to pursue law comes from seeing how deeply legal outcomes can affect individual lives, especially during moments of uncertainty and vulnerability. These observations sparked a lasting curiosity about the law and its power to protect, challenge, and create change.
Rochelle looks forward to the greater impact she will make beyond her degrees. Law school will be her next step to continue the work she’s already begun.
Ruby Mendez
Ruby Mendez is a first-generation Latina whose journey is deeply rooted in the courage and sacrifices of her parents, who migrated from the Dominican Republic in pursuit of greater opportunities. Their resilience and determination shaped her values early on, instilling in her a strong sense of responsibility, perseverance, and commitment to community.
She earned her degree from Southern Connecticut State University, where she majored in psychology and sociology. Through her academic studies, she developed a deep understanding of human behavior, social systems, and the structural challenges faced by marginalized communities. This educational foundation strengthened her passion for advocacy and her desire to work in fields centered on service and justice.
For over 15 years, she has built a successful career in the legal field, gaining extensive hands-on experience and insight into the legal system. Throughout her career, she has supported attorneys, navigated complex legal processes, and worked closely with individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Her long-standing dedication to this work reflects both her professionalism and her genuine desire to help others.
Driven by her lived experience and professional background, she aspires to become an attorney. Her goal is to continue serving and empowering people, with a particular focus on immigrants and underserved communities. She hopes to use the law as a tool for advocacy, access, and meaningful change—honoring her roots while creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Victor Jones
Victor graduated from the University of New Haven in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement. Victor continued his efforts in the human services field by working with children of all backgrounds, consisting of mental, physical, and emotional disabilities. His services covered both educational and residential populations that contained many factors connected to recovery. Victor then transitioned into the community justice industries by providing case management for adults tied to the Department of Corrections, Parole, and Probations. Working with this population helped Victor gain a greater understanding of adversities that present themselves while trying to re-acclimate to society. It was at Victor’s most recent position as a “Permanent Supportive Housing” Case Manager where he began to see the connection between working with at-risk youth, incarcerated adults, and homelessness. That connection stemmed from a person’s childhood, which led to a life of crime or homelessness. It was for this reason that Victor vowed now, as Program Manager for a diversion program, to save one youth at a time.