Princess Hyatt
Princess Hyatt is the Executive Director of Horizons at The Ethel Walker School, the nation's first all girls Horizons program serving 145 under-served girls in communities in Greater Hartford. Our approach and offerings aim to improve their educational outcomes that enable each girl to thrive in and out the classroom as independent learners. Serving girls in PREK-8th grade, we do this by providing year-round academic and swimming instruction, cultural enrichment opportunities, mentoring, and educational guidance in a nurturing community of dedicated professionals and volunteers. As a Hartford native and active volunteer, she loves being involved in the very community in which she was raised! Furthering her passion and love for philanthropy, education, and more recently health and wellness for women & girls is a motivator for the work and advocacy she plans to do this coming year.
In Her Own Words
What is your favorite quote?
“Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” —Harriet Tubman
Who is your favorite woman fundraiser or philanthropist of color?
Harriet Tubman, 1895
Photo Credit: National Portrait Gallery
Photographer: Horatio Seymour Squyer
I want to use this platform to give a huge shoutout to all my fundraisers of color and all my philanthropists of color!
I’ll say in my journey in this world of fundraising and philanthropy, I didn't see many folks of color in these fields and work places. I could pose a question; How many of you have ever felt alone or isolated?
One of the reasons why I sought out groups like WOC is because I knew that I could find peers and professionals that not only have the same challenges as me but could support my journey while being represented and empowered to do this work.
So, to all my black and brown fundraisers that have a love for the hustle, and to all my black and brown philanthropists who Give Back while uplifting our people- YOU ARE ALL MY FAVORITE! You are my Heroes! I see you, I support you and I am you. I’ll add that Madam CJ Walker was an inspirational legend and trailblazer! She built a one-of-a-kind hair product empire as an entrepreneur/businesswoman and also was in service to the community while doing it!
Has your work in development and advocacy inspired your passion to give back to the fundraising profession through volunteer service and mentorship?
These values of philanthropy have always been ingrained in our family. My grandmother was very involved in the community and would oftentimes, have all her kids and grandchildren helping right alongside her; whether it was passing out flyers for a fundraiser, volunteering for a program, or doing a walk for a special cause- we were there! Looking back, we didn't even realize at the time how impactful our service was to the community.
As an adult, I continue her legacy to keep these efforts in the family for generations to come. This is something that I continue to do in my work also! Furthering my passion and love for philanthropy, education, mentorship and more recently health and wellness for women & girls is a motivator for the work and advocacy I plan to do in these coming years.
Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
Where do you want to be in 3 years?
Hoping at that time we will all be living in a post-COVID world, a world where we have taken all the things that we have learned about systematic barriers, injustices, and inequities and used this knowledge to change the world.
Three years from now I plan to build a high school leadership program for underserved girls in grades 8th through 12th centered on mentorship, college prep & career readiness and philanthropy & community service! Representation matters and I am ready to lead the charge.
Do you have any advice for other women of color fundraisers— whether they are in Canada, the United States, or the international WOC community at large?
I’d say a few things:
1. Be your authentic self and in that you will find your gift. This was a journey for me but I am in a place where I am accepting who I truly am and what I stand for and all the things I am capable of.
2. Find and embrace the joy and passion of your work. This is what will get you through some of the difficult times we have all had to endure during these past couple years and generations past.
3. Find your people, connect with mentors, make connections at workshops, conferences, even LinkedIN! Let's build together because you are not alone.
4. If you are in a space or position where you have a voice where others before you did not, Use it! SHOUT, SCREAM, and STOMP but whatever you do, do not be silenced.
5. I’ll reiterate what Harriet Tubman said: Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.
Peace, Love and Power to you!
