Willimantic, CT - The Connecticut Association for Adult & Continuing Education (CAACE) has named Kristin Hempel as its 2025 Leader of the Year, recognizing her exceptional contributions to adult education in Connecticut. The prestigious award honors educators who demonstrate outstanding dedication to adult learners and excellence in innovative programming.

The award was presented at the 44th Annual CAACE Conference Professional Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Mystic Marriott Hotel in Groton.

"The awards committee of CAACE unanimously selected Kristin Hempel as this year's Leader of the Year,” said Michelle Bonora, CAACE Awards Committee Chair. “Kristin's exceptional contributions span the local, state, and national levels. Through innovative programming and creative partnerships, Kristin's work inspires students, leaders, policymakers, and community members alike. We are very proud and grateful for Kristin's leadership to support adult education.

" As Director of Adult & Community Programs at EASTCONN, Hempel leads three comprehensive programs serving northeastern Connecticut. Adult Education programs provides free educational programs for residents 17 and older, including high school completion pathways, English Language Learning (ELL), citizenship preparation, life skills development, and college transition support. Through Workplace Education, she oversees industryrecognized certificate programs and customized workplace training in English language, high school equivalency, and essential skills. The Employment and Training programs manage two American Job Centers and implement Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs, providing free career services and training for adult job-seekers while also offering specialized youth employment programs for those 14 and older.

Locally, Hempel champions workforce development through initiatives supporting disconnected youth, addressing transportation barriers, and connecting young students to manufacturing career pathways. At the national level, she serves on the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) board and chairs its Students As Leaders Task Force.

"I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from CAACE, but the real success stories belong to our adult learners who show incredible determination every day," said Hempel. "This award reflects the dedication of our entire EASTCONN team and our partners who work tirelessly to create meaningful educational opportunities. Adult education transforms lives, strengthens families, and builds stronger communities – and I'm grateful to be part of this vital mission.

Kristin Hempel exemplifies EASTCONN's commitment to transforming lives through education," said Eric S. Protulis, Executive Director of EASTCONN. "Her innovative leadership in adult education has created lasting positive change for countless learners in our community, and this well-deserved recognition reflects both her exceptional contributions and our mission of educational excellence.

About CAACE: The Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education provides leadership in advancing the concept of lifelong learning. CAACE currently has over one thousand registered professional members, serving over 20,000 adult learners in basic academic education, English language, citizenship, workforce readiness and high school completion.

EASTCONN is a public, non-profit Regional Educational Service Center that has been serving the education needs of northeastern Connecticut since 1980. EASTCONN provides a wide range of innovative programs and services that address the diverse needs of children, families, educators and communities