Windsor, CT – April 29, 2025 — The energy was electric at Windsor High School as Aisha Petteway, Executive Director of Community Partnerships for the Hartford Yard Goats, headlined the second installment of The Plug Speaker Series. An initiative of Windsor Public Schools in partnership with the Windsor Chamber of Commerce, The Plug is designed to connect students to local industries through personal storytelling, networking, and mentorship.
Petteway brought more than just career insights—she brought authenticity and vision. Her message of persistence, community pride, and strategic growth deeply resonated with WHS students. But it was her connection with staff that added another layer of impact.
Following her talk, Petteway toured the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) department where she engaged directly with educators, including Engineering and Robotics teacher Nevin Picard. Their conversation quickly evolved into a vibrant brainstorming session on how to design an immersive “Day at the Ballpark” experience for WHS students. The goal: align real-life fieldwork at Dunkin’ Park with WHS CTE classes like architecture, culinary arts, technology, graphic design, and even fashion design—turning the ballpark into a hands-on classroom.
“This is exactly what The Plug was built for,” said Gianna Gill, WPS Communications and Community Partnerships Coordinator. “Aisha’s willingness to listen, dream, and act on the spot with our educators makes all the difference. We’re not just creating moments—we’re building momentum.”
The entire event was produced by WHS students in Gary Nolan’s Stagecraft course and filmed and moderated by students in Jeffrey Goodin’s TV Production course—both of which are offered through the district’s robust CTE department.
Windsor Chamber of Commerce President Danielle Demar added, “The Chamber is proud to be a partner in building these bridges between education and industry—it’s what community collaboration is all about.”
The Plug Speaker Series will wrap up with its final session on Tuesday, May 6, featuring Surlerner Waits, Director of Human Resources and Outreach at Niagara Water.
For more information on The Plug or partnership opportunities, contact Gianna Gill at ggill@windsorct.org.