Alumni Spotlight - May 2026
Heather Price (‘16, BA HDFS AND URBAN STUDIES)

Heather Price has always known she wanted to help others and create meaningful change. As a student at UConn Waterbury, she initially thought the only way to achieve this goal was through direct service as a social worker. During her time in the Human Development and Family Studies program, however, she discovered how comprehensive the field truly is and how policies, programs, and community partnerships are just as vital as direct service in supporting individuals and families across the lifespan. Her service-learning, internships, and on-campus employment helped her explore career paths, gain professional experience, and build confidence for life after graduation.
After earning her degree, Heather served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Portland, Oregon, where she served as Volunteer and Development Coordinator. She continued her career at KairosPDX, a public charter school and nonprofit, advancing from Administrative Assistant to Operations Coordinator. In 2019, Heather returned to UConn Waterbury, where she has held multiple roles. She last served as Director of Community Innovation, leading campus-wide public engagement, managing partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies, and developing service-learning and internship opportunities for students. While working full-time, Heather also earned her Master’s of Public Administration at UConn, expanding her ability to design and lead impactful, student-centered initiatives.
Heather now serves as Program Administrator for Public Awareness at Eversource. She collaborates with internal departments, develops communications and programming, and conducts outreach across Connecticut and Massachusetts. She works closely with internal teams and engages residents, as well as public and emergency officials, to promote natural gas safety.
Outside of work, Heather enjoys road trips, exploring new cities, hiking, and practicing yoga. She loves returning to Oregon to visit friends and the coast and appreciates being back in New England, close to family and able to enjoy all four seasons.
See Previous Alumni Spotlights
2025
January- Samantha Collins
February- Lauren Lafferty
March- David Schless
April- Lisa (Villamana) Kilcourse
May- Andrea (Bouchard) Corcora
June- Cindy Van Fleet
July- Georgia Powell
August- Rachel Vick
September- Starlin Astacio
October- Roselind Velez Amaker
November- Marsha Polanco
December- Annika Anderson
2024
January- Michael Munoz
February- Jessica Gagnon
March- Amber Eddy Martinez
April- Susan Bartle-Haring
May- Melissa Lovitz
June- Mamta Saxena
July- Cheryl Hilton
August- Tonya Kmetz
September-Paige Desjardins
October- Taylor Maag
November- Colleen Vesely
December- Christine T. Perkins
2023
January- Maria Tsamaase
February- Andrea Lopez Salazar
March- Annelise Lapides
April- Katherine Velez
May- Gary Steck
June- Lois Sadler
August- Jessica Dunn
September- Jennifer Cecarelli
October- Blake Brandes
November- Sara Johnson
December- Linette Azzi-Lessing
2022
January- Kristina Sluzewski-Soderholm
February- Luke Russell
March- Rona J. Karasik
April- Elizabeth (Beth) Wilke
May- Kate Kellet
June- Diondra Brown
July- Amy Roberge
August- Jill Popp
September- Tatiana Melendez-Rhodes
October- Joshua Miller
November- Ashely Dyer
December- Samantha Shaak