Ziba Kashef, Senior Communications Officer
Office of Public Affairs and Communications
Yale University
Member since 2018
Morning News Sources: CBS News This Morning, NPR
Education/Alma Mater: B.A, Wesleyan University
Hometown/Current town: Born in Maryland, raised in New York, residing in West Hartford, CT
How long have you worked in your current position? 5 years
What do you value most about CWC? I appreciate the informal nature of the group, the frequent events and communications, and the welcoming atmosphere. The trip to the museum in New Britain to see Georgia O’Keefe’s work was a highlight.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Take criticism seriously but not personally. Learn from what’s true and let the rest roll off your back.
Piece of advice for people entering your field / looking to excel in your field? The best teacher in communications is experience doing the work and seeing results. The field is constantly changing, so take every opportunity to learn and stretch yourself.
Proud moment or accomplishment you’d like to share? My 11-year-old daughter is a far better writer than I am!
First Job in high school: School library front desk. I welcomed people and answered questions.
Dream Job (besides current): A healing or helping profession, like counseling.
Bucket List Item: Travel to each continent. Also take a professional cooking class or two.
Hobbies: Meditation, yoga, reading books/articles/social media, cooking, jogging, music, board games/game night
TV Character most like you: Rainbow Johnson in blackish – we even have matching curly hair! She handles juggling a demanding professional job and life with humor.
Vacation Spot: Pinecrest Lake, California
Favorite Movie: The English Patient
Sarah Winiarski, Director of Community Relations
Jewish Association for Community Living
Member since 2014
Education/Alma Mater: MS in Strategic Fundraising & Philanthropy from BayPath University
Morning News Sources: NPR
Hometown/Current town: Suffield/West Hartford
How long have you worked in your current position? Less than a month (started at the end of June)
Did you have a job that might surprise people? I grew up in Suffield, so it may not be a surprise to folks from that area but, when I was 14 years old, I worked in the tobacco fields. I did this for many summers.
What do you value most about CWC? I value the relationships I have built over the years.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? Things will always work out! I’ve heard this countless times, whether it’s in my family life or professional life and things have worked out.
Piece of advice for people entering your field / looking to excel in your field? Create relationships with your donors and foundations. Try not to get discouraged from the “No’s” you’ll receive, those will help you open a new door.
Proud moment or accomplishment you’d like to share? Giving birth to 3 wonderful kids!
First Job in high school: Christian Farms (tobacco fields)
Dream Job (besides current): Travel Journalist or Midwife/Lactation Consultant
Bucket List Item: Traveling the world with my family
Hobbies: Gardening
TV Character most like you: Any sterotypical working mom trying to make everything balance!
Vacation Spot: In the middle of nowhere in the mountains (Orleans, VT) or the beach (Hampton Beach, NH)
Favorite Movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s