On Friday, June 24, Margaret Lancaster and Ornet Hines became two of the “One Hundred Women of Color” honored at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center.

Since 2015, One Hundred Women of Color from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have been honored for displaying a long-term commitment that has made a positive impact in their communities.

The program, sponsored by June Archer, president and CEO of Eleven28 Entertainment, consisted of a VIP cocktail reception for the honorees and guests. Speakers included Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, 5th Congressional District; Mayor of Hartford Luke Bronin; Gov. Ned Lamont; a Proclamation from Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and a crystal award.

Margaret Lancaster is a leader and advocate and believes in improving her community and creating a more resourceful world. Margaret currently holds a position as a Health Program Coordinator at Ledge Light Health District. She is also a minister at Madry Temple Church in New London, under the direction of Pastor Jack E. Madry, where her passion to minister and teach the youth in the church about God’s love became fulfilled.

Lancaster is a member of the District Equity Leadership Team in New London and serves on the New London Community and Campus Coalition. She is also on the Juvenile Review Board in New London and continues to work in outreach with women and men in the community who are being released from incarceration into the community.

At Madry Temple Church, Margaret became active in the Angel Tree Prison Fellowship, which insured parents who were incarcerated that their children would get Christmas gifts delivered to them at their homes. She currently volunteers on the Participatory Defense Hub, which advocates for and assists individuals as they navigate services, such as housing, clothing, food and administrative needs.

Ornet Hines is the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at Liberty Bank in Norwich. Within Liberty Bank, she is a member of the prestigious President’s Team, Volunteer of the Year and she is a Kindness Ambassador.

She has over 16 years banking experience with both commercial banks such as Bank of America and community banks such as Dime Bank and Liberty.

Hines’ educational experience covers an Advanced Certificate from The Connecticut School of Finance and Management, a master’s in Business Administration (Ellis University) and a bachelor of science in Hospitality Management (Johnson and Wales University).

She is an active volunteer at the New London Homeless Hospitality Center for over six years. She is an active volunteer with The United Way of Southeastern CT since 2014. Additional current involvement includes Board of Director for S.T.E.P.S, Ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT and a board member for the Chamber of Commerce Eastern CT Foundation.

Roberta J. Vincent lives in New London, where she is president of the St. Anthony Chapel Foundation. She is also a member of the Norwich Arts Center Board, NFA Alumni Board and Norwich Lions.

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