Awards Committee
Celebrating Excellence in Public Health Since 1955
Since 1955, the Connecticut Public Health Association has recognized individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and dedication have strengthened public health in Connecticut and beyond.
Through seven annual awards and honors, CPHA celebrates outstanding contributions across the field -- from professional practice, research, and education to community advocacy, student leadership, and mentorship.
Our awards program is overseen by the CPHA Board of Directors' Awards Committee with recipients recognized each year at the CPHA Annual Conference.
Nominate Someone for a 2027 CPHA Award
Help us recognize the people making a difference in public health!
Do you know an exceptional public health professional, dedicated community advocate, inspiring mentor, or outstanding student? Help us celebrate their accomplishments by submitting a nomination for one of CPHA's 2027 awards.
We welcome nominations recognizing leadership, innovation, service and commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities.
Our Seven Awards
CPHA's annual awards recognize excellence and achievement across a wide range of public health disciplines and roles. Explore the categories below to learn more about the individuals and contributions we celebrate.
C.E.A. Winslow Award
Leadership & Achievement in Public Health
Recognizes a public health professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in practice, research, and/or education.
Ira V. Hiscock Award
Community Leadership & Public Health Advocacy.
Honors a Connecticut community member or organization whose public service, education, advocacy or leadership has made a notable contribution to public health.
Charles G. Huntington III Award
Public Health Leadership in Health Care
Celebrates a Connecticut health care practitioner who has demonstrated public health leadership and a strong commitment to the health and well-being of the public.
Beth Weinstein Award
Excellence in Public Health Government Service
Recognizes an individual working in or on behalf of local or state government who has demonstrated excellence, dedication, partnership or achievement in advancing public health.
Michael J. Perlin Award
Student Leadership & Volunteerism
Honors an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in an accredited public health program who demonstrates leadership, community service, and a commitment to academic excellence.
Indigenous Student Scholarship & Award
Supporting Indigenous Scholars in Public Health
Provides financial support to an Indigenous student in Connecticut pursuing a degree in public health or an allied field, recognizing academic potential and commitment to community health and well-being. This award is endowed and facilitated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.
Outstanding Public Health Preceptor Award
Excellence in Public Health Mentorship
Celebrates an exceptional practitioner outside academia who has mentored undergraduate or graduate public health students in Connecticut, providing meaningful learning experiences and inspiring the next generation of public health professionals.
Meet our Recent Honorees
Behind every achievement in public health are individuals whose commitment, creativity and leadership make a lasting difference.
Each year, CPHA is proud to celebrate those whose contributions strengthen public health in Connecticut.
CEA Winslow Award Winner
Meg Zayan
Dr. Meg Zayan, RDH, MPH, EdD, has served the University of Bridgeport for over 22 years in various academic and leadership roles and currently coordinates the Community Health Education curriculum within the School of Arts and Sciences. Her extensive public health experience includes work with migrant health programs, international public health, and dental hygiene education. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of Southwest Community Health Center, consults on dental education accreditation, and has contributed to several textbooks in dental hygiene and public health.
Indigenous Student Scholarship Winner
Sydney Aquilina
Sydney Aquilina, recipient of CPHA's inaugural Indigenous Student Scholarship, is a medical student at Yale School of Medicine and a tribal member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. At Yale, she helped reestablish the Native American and Indigenous Medical Student Association and has advocated for greater inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in medical education. Her research focuses on childhood trauma and chronic pain, particularly within Indigenous communities, and she aspires to provide culturally responsive, trauma-informed healthcare to Native populations.
Ira V. Hiscock Award Winner
Millie Seguinot
Milagrosa “Millie” Seguinot, CCHW, is a founding member and longtime leader of the Community Health Workers Association of Connecticut and has served as a New England Regional Ambassador for the National Association of Community Health Workers. She has extensive experience in community health outreach, health equity, family engagement, and improving access to healthcare for diverse populations.
About the Awards Committee
The CPHA Awards Committee, a committee of the Board of Directors, oversees the association's annual awards program, including the nomination and selection process. The committee helps ensure that exceptional contributions to public health are recognized and celebrated.
