CT-05: Jahana Hayes (D)
About Jahana:
Jahana Hayes, recipient of the 2016 National Teacher of the Year Award, announced her candidacy for the 5th Congressional District of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Hayes is a lifelong CT resident. A former social studies teacher at John F. Kennedy High School, she currently serves as the Talent and Professional Development Supervisor for Waterbury Public Schools. Hayes is known for her passion, energy, commitment to community and unifying presence. She has dedicated herself to being of service in the city of Waterbury and traveled the country and the world engaging stakeholders on topics related to education and equity. These experiences have shown her that all people are facing similar challenges, and she welcomes the opportunity to become a more well-rounded advocate for the entire 5th district.
Hayes grew up in the Berkeley Heights housing project in Waterbury and her life was illustrated by the predictable cycle of poverty. Her family struggled with addiction, relied on public assistance, and at one point lost their apartment. Hayes got pregnant as a teenager and all hopes for any upward mobility seemed beyond her grasp. The people in her community and her strong desire for an education propelled her forward. She enrolled in Naugatuck Valley Community College, went on to get her four year degree at Southern Connecticut State University and her masters and advanced degrees from the University of Saint Joseph and University of Bridgeport, all while working to support her young family. “It is these experiences that compel me to invest so deeply in my community, because I have been the beneficiary of so much undeserved grace. We can do whatever it is we set our minds to, as long as we work hard and work together” says Hayes.
The biographical information above was sourced from the campaign website; see link above for more information.
