Join us for a luncheon of insight, action, and inspiration. You’ll gain insight into how the energy crisis is affecting residents across Connecticut, the progress being made towards solutions, and the steps GPCT is taking to create a more resilient and equitable energy future.

Be a part of the conversation shaping CT’s energy future. Learn about opportunities to spark change through advocacy, research, and community support.

We’re excited to once again have Renee DiNino, Director of Community Affairs for WFSB Channel 3 and host of Hello Connecticut!, as our Emcee. She’ll be leading us through an engaging luncheon where we’ll highlight the 6,000+ families that Generation Power CT supports with emergency energy assistance and share our vision for creating a more sustainable future for Connecticut residents.

Get ready for an inspiring and powerful conversation about the future of energy in Connecticut. GPCT is thrilled to announce that Connor Martin, Mayor of East Hartford, will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s Power and Purpose.

A dynamic leader dedicated to civic engagement, community empowerment, and investing in the next generation, Mayor Martin has quickly become a driving force for progress and connection across East Hartford and beyond. Since taking office in November 2023, he has championed initiatives focused on opportunity, collaboration, and building stronger communities for all residents.

Mayor Martin’s passion for uplifting young people and creating meaningful change aligns powerfully with Generation Power CT’s mission to lead the way so current and future generations can thrive with secure access to heat, power, and water. At Power and Purpose, he will join advocates, changemakers, and community leaders for an energizing conversation— exploring the challenges energy insecurity brings to residents today, the solutions shaping tomorrow, and the collective action needed to create a more resilient and equitable energy future for our state.

Tessie Ambler began her dance training at Connecticut Dance Conservatory when she was 4 and immediately felt a connection with movement. She began competing at 6 with her first contemporary solo, “Girl On Fire.” With CDC, Tessie has trained in acro, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz and tap. In Fall 2025, Tessie was invited to train with the Alvin Ailey Junior Division Pre-Professional Program in ballet and Horton technique. She is inspired by Misty Copeland and guided by the ancestors to claim her space on every stage.

Tessie has received numerous awards and scholarships for solo and group performances. She is most proud to be an Embody Elect Apprentice where she has the opportunity to help younger dancers succeed and grow to be strong and confident in their artistry.

In addition to dance, Tessie is passionate about mental health and self-care. She aspires to someday combine them with her love of dance to create therapeutic movement spaces.

“I process and express my emotions through movement. I’m only 11 now and I look forward to all of the experiences and possibilities in movement I will learn. Dance brings me a joy that I hope to inspire in others and share with the world.”

Studio 860 is a hip hop and street dance studio where dancers of all ages build confidence, develop strong foundations, and become part of a supportive community. We offer classes for youth, teens, and adults, along with performance opportunities, training programs, and authentic street dance education. Through mentorship, creativity, and meaningful connections, we’re creating more than great dancers—we’re building a movement.

860 NexGen is Studio 860’s pre-professional youth performance company for dedicated dancers ready to train at the next level. Through advanced training, mentorship, performances, and community engagement, members grow as artists and leaders while representing our studio with excellence. As champions and award-winning performers at Prelude New York , Monsters of Hip Hop , and World of Dance. NexGen continues to inspire the next generation through passion, discipline, and a commitment to authentic hip hop culture.