Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Commissioner
Appointed by Governor Ned Lamont, Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno brings a wealth of knowledge to the Department of Housing. Prior to her appointment, Seila was the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mutual Housing Association of South Central Connecticut, Inc., dba NeighborWorks® New Horizons. NWNH is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing affordable housing opportunities to help build strong communities and revitalize neighborhoods. Since joining NWNH in 1994, Seila served in many different capacities and became the Executive Director in 2003. Under her leadership, the organization expanded operations beyond New Haven County to New London and Fairfield Counties, managed 38 employees and $100 million in Assets.
Seila has a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from Southern Connecticut State University, a Bachelor in Business Administration from Charter Oak College, and completed the Achieving Excellency in Community Development 18-month fellowship program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Seila has vast and extensive experience in advocating for affordable housing on a state and national level and has participated in many organizations to help strengthen communities. Seila was a Board Member of the National NeighborWorks Association and Co-chair of the NWA National Real Estate Development Advisory Council.
Seila was on the Board of The Connecticut Legal Rights Project. She is a member of the Reaching Home Campaign and the Home Connecticut Steering Committee. In 2004 Seila received the Forty under 40 Award from New Haven Business Times; in 2007 she received the Housing Good Egg Award and in 2009 was recognized as a Rising Star by Business New Haven. In 2010, Seila was inducted into the Gateway Community College Foundation’s Hall of Fame for her exceptional contributions to the community. In 2014 she was named one of the 50 most influential Latinos in Connecticut recognized by Latinos United for Professional Advancements (LUPA). In April 2015 she joined the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Advisory Council and in 2017 joined the Santander Bank Community Advisory Board. Seila has been a speaker at several local and national venues on housing related issues. She conducted conferences in capacity-building and provided technical assistance to non-profits in Guayaquil, Ecuador. In 2018 she spearheaded a partnership with NWNH and NHS Puerto Rico to assist in their recovery efforts after Hurricane Maria.
Seila lives in Milford with her husband and youngest daughter.
Shanté Hanks joined the Department of Housing as Deputy Commissioner in January of 2019. She is responsible for National Disaster Resiliency and the communities affected by Hurricanes Sandy and Irene, as well as continuing to make certain Connecticut is a national leader in eradicating homelessness.
Deputy Commissioner Hanks returns to State service after most recently working as Deputy Director in Congressman Jim Himes’ district office and was responsible for his constituent services operation, Housing and Disaster Relief Services. During her 8-year tenure at the congressional office, she worked closely with the municipal leadership of the 17 cities and towns in Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District, representing over 600,000 constituents. Also during her tenure at the congressional office, Ms. Hanks served as the American Recovery Reinvestment Act Recovery Director. Prior to working for Congressman Himes, Ms. Hanks worked for the State of Connecticut in Higher Education at Southern Connecticut State University in the Department of Housing and as Director of Student Life & Activities in Student Affairs at Housatonic Community College where she served as a member of the campus expansion steering committee.
Ms. Hanks has a Bachelor of Science in History and Secondary Education, Master of Science in Elementary Education, Sixth-Year Degree in Educational Foundations with a focus in Urban Studies & Curriculum, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree.
Deputy Commissioner Hanks is well versed in issues relating to Housing due to her experience as a licensed Realtor for over 14 years, previous service on the Bridgeport Public Housing Authority Board Commission for 7 years, including time served as the Chair and her work experience in Residence Life at Southern Connecticut State University. Ms. Hanks has also served on the Connecticut Housing Coalition Board, Opening Doors Fairfield County and the Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) Green Business Award nominating committee. In addition, Ms. Hanks volunteers with numerous community organizations, serves on the Executive Board of Emerge America Connecticut Chapter and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Connecticut’s Advisory Board.
Ms. Hanks is an author, enjoys traveling and currently resides in Bridgeport.