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www.HartfordBusiness.com • June 11, 2018 • Hartford Business Journal 21 the YWCA 's Hartford Region this spring. She has spent her career advocating for social justice while implementing health, educational and financial programs. The YWCA mission of eliminat- ing racism and empowering women seems to make for a seamless transition. Hartford's Urban League came into existence during an explosive period for change. It was formed two months after President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. "I'm excited," Cochrane said, "to help girls realize they can have careers in science and technology." She also intends to ride the wave of the #MeToo and Women's March movements as she shepherds programs and services at the YWCA. "There's no better time to capitalize on that and seize the moment and up- lift and empower our girls and women so they know they can be successful," Cochrane said. "For many women, especially women of color, the old ways have been a way of life. During slavery, the master had his way. The idea of being taken advantage of in this way is not a new concept. The message that this is not OK is … a universal message." Accolades and service Cochrane has a long list of accomplishments. She's been recognized by the Connecticut State Conference NAACP Branches as one of the "100 Most Influential Blacks" in Connecticut. She also received the "Trailblazer in Community Service Award" from the Greater Hartford branch of the NAACP. In 2016, she received the "I am Empowered Award" from the National Urban League as a health and quality-of-life champion. She's also heavily involved in the community. She currently serves as a: corporator for Hartford Hos- pital; corporator and board member of St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center; advisory board member for the Curtis D. Robinson Center for Health Equity at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center; board mem- ber for MetroHartford Alliance; board member for American Red Cross, Connecticut; and board member for Teach for America, Connecticut chapter. Before taking the reins of the Urban League of Greater Hartford, Cochrane was the chief programs officer for the Urban League of Broward County in Florida, where she oversaw 22 youth develop- ment, wealth-building, juvenile-justice, education and workforce programs. She was formerly the vice president and chief operations officer for Quad County Urban League in the western Chicago, Ill., suburb of Aurora. Cochrane earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Tuskegee University in political science and counseling, respectively. She received a law degree from the St. Louis University School of Law. Among her major initiatives at the Urban League was leasing the first floor of the nonprofit's Wood- land Street building to St. Francis Hospital for the Curtis D. Robinson Men's Health Institute. The insti- tute opened in Jan. 2013, and serves as an extension of St. Francis Hospital's efforts to alleviate health disparities "There is a natural partnership between the Ur- ban League and the hospital," Cochrane said. "Men, particularly black men, feel more comfortable walk- ing into a community agency like the Urban League than a hospital." The center also offers classes for people who have diabetes, including food preparation. "I rank this very high in terms of service to the community," she said. Former Urban League colleague Taquonda Wilson speaks fondly of her time working with Cochrane. Wilson recounted a time when she witnessed Co- chrane help a homeless person obtain money for a security deposit for an apartment and a voucher for furniture from a major retailer. "Adrienne Cochrane is the epitome of a great servant leader," said Wilson, who is a Healthy Start outreach specialist for the Urban League. "I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work under her leadership." owering others LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 2018 CONGRATULATIONS ADRIENNE W. COCHRANE, J.D. YWCA HARTFORD REGION CEO ON HER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Hartford Region 135 Broad Street • Hartford @YWCAHARTFORD YWCAHARTFORD.ORG 860-525-1163 We celebrate you for your inspiration, leadership, vision, and your unwavering commitment to the Hartford area community.