Research shows 90% of children’s health is driven by the complex interplay between social, behavioral, environmental, and genetic/epigenetic factors. Connecticut Children’s Childhood Prosperity Lab (the Lab) incubates and accelerates social innovations that address the social determinants of health. The Lab defines social innovations as creative strategies and opportunities that are implemented where children live, learn, work, play and pray; build upon the strengths and assets of families and communities; are developed in partnership with families and communities; and are integrated into existing organizational- and community-level infrastructure, relationships and systems. The Lab partners with changemakers – individuals and networks who are reimagining how to help all children, families, and communities thrive – to scale their innovations to maximum impact.
The Mastermind is a 60-minute consultation in which changemakers meet with a multidisciplinary panel of advisors, internal and external from Connecticut Children’s and receive feedback and recommendations to guide the development of an innovation. Advisors have experience designing, testing, evaluating, and scaling public, community, and population health initiatives and/or content area expertise in different facets of child health, development, and well-being.
Today’s advisor spotlight features Luis Rivera, Community Relations Manager in Connecticut Children’s Office for Community Child Health. Since 2017, Luis has participated in eight Masterminds.
What motivates you to participate in Masterminds?
I truly enjoy participating in the Masterminds sessions. They offer an excellent opportunity to discover new programs and initiatives that support our communities. Equally important, they provide a meaningful way to give back. Having spent 20 years working in Hartford and engaging with its community, I’ve gained valuable insights along the way. I’m grateful to be able to share these lessons learned to help shape innovative programs and efforts that make a positive impact.
What expertise and experience do you bring to Masterminds?
I had the privilege of directing Safe Kids CT, a community program housed within the Injury Prevention Center, during my previous role at Connecticut Children’s. This experience provided me with valuable insights into program implementation, lesson planning, fostering community partnerships, documenting deliverables, and grant writing. I continue to apply these lessons and leverage the Community Relations skills I have developed in my current role to support new initiatives and efforts during the Masterminds sessions.
How does participating in Masterminds align with your professional goals and interests?
Participating in the Mastermind sessions provides an excellent opportunity to expand my network and gain valuable insights from the perspectives and expertise of fellow advisors.
What would you like others to know about participating in the Mastermind as an advisor?
I’m truly honored to be chosen as an advisor, which reflects recognition of my expertise in a particular area. I find it rewarding to hear from so many insightful individuals on how to strengthen the efforts or programs under discussion. The sessions are thoughtfully organized and expertly facilitated, creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and collaborating.
Anything else you would like to share?
The Mastermind sessions provide an outstanding opportunity for Connecticut Children’s to give back meaningfully to the communities we serve. Through these sessions, we foster collaboration, share valuable insights, and support initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children and families. It’s a powerful way to strengthen community partnerships and contribute to lasting positive change.
Interested in learning more?
Are you ready to make an impact in child development? Visit our website to learn how you can collaborate with our team.