Executive Director Announcement

Announcing Paula Mann-Agnew as
Discovering Amistad’s Executive Director

Paula Mann-Agnew, an experienced educator, administrator and social justice advocate, has been appointed the first Executive Director of Discovering Amistad.

Before joining Discovering Amistad, Ms. Mann-Agnew was the Director of Programs in a large multi-service, faith-based organization in Hartford for over 20 years. Her responsibilities included the overall programmatic and fiscal management of many successful youth, adult, and family-based programs. In addition, for over 15 years she has taught classes in psychology, social work and African studies at the University of Hartford, University of Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University. 

Ms. Mann-Agnew has also served as an Officer for the Connecticut State Multicultural Partnership and as a trainer for Advanced African Centered practice though the National Association of Black Social Workers. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Hunter College and a bachelor’s degree in Mental Health from Greensboro College. 

“The Amistad story is about the legacy of a people with incredible resiliency, determination and hope,” Ms. Mann-Agnew said. “This powerful story about rebellion and victory reminds us that we all have a role to play in advancing racial and social justice. I am honored to be a part of this organization and look forward to charting its future course.”

Commenting on her appointment, Len Miller, Chair of the Discovering Amistad Board of Directors, said “Paula has dedicated her career to enhancing the lives of marginalized groups and advancing equity, inclusion, and social justice. With her impressive background and experience, she will bring Discovering Amistad to a new level.”

Discovering Amistad teaches the lessons of the 1839 Amistad Uprising to advance racial and social justice today. The schooner, The Amistad, is Connecticut’s flagship and serves as a floating classroom to supplement our proprietary in-class and on-line curriculum. Since its incorporation in 2015, Discovering Amistad has reached over 6,000 students and adults in Connecticut and New York.