Shine the Light

Persephone Hall, executive director of the Hale Center for Career Development, named honoree for the 100 Women of Color Gala, 2021.

Persephone Hall has been a guest at the 100 Women and Men of Color (WOC) Awards Galas in the past. But this year she attended for the first time as a recipient, joining an impressive list of women in the region who have inspired and served their communities with distinction.

Hall, a 30-year veteran of career services, joined Conn in 2016 and now serves as Executive Director of the Hale Center for Career Development.

“When I’ve previously attended 100 Women (or Men) of Color Galas, I was always struck by the sense of joy and pride that permeated the celebration,” Hall said. “To see the excellence of women and men of color on display lifted my spirits, and to be selected as an honoree for the 2021 100 Women of Color Gala is a tremendous honor.”

The sister program to the 100 Men of Color Awards, the 6th annual 100 WOC Award ceremony, held in the spring, was created by June Archer, a motivational speaker and president and CEO of Eleven28 Entertainment, which organizes the events.

The gala recognizes the contributions that the recipients—all women of color from Connecticut, Rhode Island and Western Massachusetts—have made in various areas of business, education, sports, entrepreneurship, entertainment, government and public service.

“This year we [were] excited to honor this class of women who have persevered not only through their journey but during what has been interesting times for us all,” said Archer. “The theme for this year [was] ‘Shine Your Light’, and our honorees have been doing just that and more in their communities and we take the time to thank them on this day for all they do, have done and continue to do.”

Committed to supporting programs that promote the advancement of young women of color, a portion of the proceeds from the gala will go towards scholarships for young women who graduate from high school and plan on attending College, leadership and mentorship programs.

“I’m reminded that folks are always watching, and we all have an opportunity to leave a positive, lasting impression,” Hall said about her recognition. “Being selected as an honoree is also a reminder that the work continues, whether it’s in my role at Connecticut College or within my community, as a woman of color, I have the opportunity to influence others and expand my reach.”