This Is My Hartford is a series from the MetroHartford Alliance where we connect with local business owners, community drivers, residents, and employees to find out how the Hartford Region has shaped them throughout their career, and how they have contributed to our city and region.
By Nan Price, Content Manager, MetroHartford Alliance
Next in our series, Tiffany Young, Executive Director, Hartford Yard Goats Foundation.
WHY HARTFORD?
TIFFANY YOUNG: Greater Hartford has always been home to me. Now, my work with the Hartford Yard Goats has me working directly in the Hartford community.
HOW HAVE YOU BECOME A PART OF HARTFORD?
TIFFANY: As the former Director of Community Partnerships and now the Executive Director for the Hartford Yard Goats Foundation, I have worked diligently to build relationships with businesses, organizations, and most importantly people. Taking the time to listen to concerns, needs, and ideas has been key. However, putting the work behind creating partnerships and programs that ultimately benefit the Hartford community is what has driven successful integration.
HOW HAS HARTFORD BECOME A PART OF YOU?
TIFFANY: I probably eat, drink, and sleep Hartford right now, in all aspects, because so much of what I do goes beyond being in the office during “working hours.”
To have people in the community congratulate me or tell me what a great job they feel I’m doing—and more so the Yard Goats are doing—in the community not only makes me feel a part of Hartford, but I believe the community is now feeling a part of us as an organization.
Personally, I’ve made some wonderful friendships and relationships throughout the city. Some of the people and organizations from the city of Hartford are probably my biggest advocates and allies.
It’s important to have a support system in any aspect of your life. The Hartford community has truly been my support system in this career venture with the Hartford Yard Goats. For that, I am forever grateful.
WHAT MAKES HARTFORD UNIQUE?
TIFFANY: What makes Hartford uniquely Hartford is the people. Hartford is small compared to many cities, but we have a very diverse population from artists to businesspeople; everyone who lives, works, and attends school here has so much to offer. The various backgrounds, whether culturally, economically, or creatively contribute to Hartford’s various perspectives and unique attractiveness.
HOW DO WE TELL THE STORY OF HARTFORD?
TIFFANY: I think it’s important to show different perspectives, because everyone’s experience is different. It can be the same topic and the same situation, but every person has a different perspective.
We need to start digging deeper and finding out people’s perspective about Hartford. When we dig deeply enough, we’ll find there’s a lot more positivity than negativity in the city, because there’s so much potential and so much growth.
I also think a lot of the positively starts with our youth. We have some amazing young people in Hartford. Through my role with the Yard Goats Foundation, I have the pleasure of meeting many of these amazing young people, who I’m excited to see 10 and 15 years from now.
WHERE DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF HARTFORD?
TIFFANY: I see the future of Hartford simply thriving! I believe it will continue to grow with new businesses, creative people, and a sense of urgency for diversity and inclusion throughout the community.
Because I’m from this area, I’ve seen areas like downtown Hartford, at one time, be the hub of entertainment for the city and then take a dive. Now, to witness an issue with too much traffic coming into Hartford on a Saturday because there are so many different events happening is a great “problem” to have. It’s exciting and clearly flourishing. People want to come to Hartford, whether it’s for a baseball or soccer game, to experience the festivals, or to dine at some of the best restaurants