Elevate+ Appoints Workforce Development Leader Dr. Kristina Testa-Buzzee to Board of Trustees

July 15, 2025

The Elevate+ Board Adds Economic Mobility Expert as Trustee

A woman wearing glasses and a blue shirt is smiling for the camera.

Elevate+, committed to expanding access to paid internships and professional development for underserved students, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kristina Testa-Buzzee to its Board of Trustees.

Dr. Testa-Buzzee brings over 20 years of experience advancing economic mobility through innovative workforce development strategies. She currently serves as Grants Performance Manager at the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy, where she works with federally funded, multi-sector training programs across the state. Based in Norwalk, Connecticut, Dr. Testa-Buzzee’s deep local knowledge and statewide leadership reflect Elevate+’s growing investment in the region and its commitment to scaling its programs in the state.

“Kristina brings a rare combination of systems thinking and community-grounded leadership,” said Stacey Slater, Chair of the Elevate+ Board of Trustees. “She understands how to build cross-sector coalitions that create real pathways to opportunity, and we are fortunate to have her perspective at our table.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Testa-Buzzee has held key leadership roles in higher education and government, including Chief Regional Workforce Development Officer for Connecticut State Community College and Dean of Workforce Development at Norwalk Community College. She has built and sustained high-impact programs focused on career pathways, adult education, and immigrant workforce readiness—experience that closely aligns with Elevate+’s mission to level the playing field for underserved students.

“We’re proud to welcome Kristina to the Board, not only for her incredible expertise but because she represents our deepening commitment to students in Connecticut,” said Andrew Walker, Founding Executive Director of Elevate+. “As we expand our presence there, her insight into local workforce needs and institutional partnerships will be instrumental to our impact.”

“I’m honored to join the Elevate+ Board and support an organization that is opening doors for young people who have historically been excluded from these kinds of opportunities,” said Dr. Testa-Buzzee. “The commitment to paid internships and long-term student support is exactly the kind of systemic change we need to promote economic mobility.”

Dr. Testa-Buzzee holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University, an M.A. in Student Personnel Administration from NYU, and a B.A. in Communications from Western Connecticut State University.

With her appointment, Elevate+ continues to strengthen its Board with seasoned leaders who share its vision: to ensure that a young person’s future is determined not by circumstance, but by talent, ambition, and drive.

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Showing Up Is Only the First Step

By Aguie Barrantes • July 8, 2026

Walking into a networking event alone is not exactly comfortable. I didn't know anyone, and I wasn't sure I belonged there. But somewhere between the first conversation and the second, that feeling changed. This summer, as the Marketing & Communications Intern at Elevate+ , I've learned that internships are about much more than completing projects. Managing and developing the Intern Spotlight posts, creating social media content, and building a content calendar and other marketing materials, including this blog post, have strengthened my organization, creativity, and communication skills. My biggest takeaway has been that building a personal brand starts before anyone is watching . Outside of Elevate+, one of my professors from Seton Hall introduced me to the opportunity to attend a two-day networking event at Next League. While I was nervous at first, I reminded myself that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone . Connecting with students and professionals across the sports industry showed there isn't one path to success. Alongside Elevate+, I’ve also balanced two other part-time jobs with FC Motown and Momento. Whether it’s working long hours in the summer heat or adjusting to unexpected changes during a live event, I’ve learned that success comes from being adaptable and thinking on the fly. These experiences have shown me that the most valuable growth happens when you’re willing to step up and show up , regardless of the circumstances. Looking back on the first half of the summer, I’ve realized that my biggest growth hasn't come from checking projects off a list. It's come from putting myself in unfamiliar situations, asking questions, and embracing opportunities that once felt intimidating . As I head into the second half of the summer, my goal is to be more intentional about following up with the professionals I meet. I've had the opportunity to connect with many people, but I want those conversations to turn into meaningful, lasting relationships. Showing up is only the first step; following up is what makes a connection memorable .