Joshua Miller Photos, courtesy of Andrea Daniels-Singleton.
The following citizen contribution was submitted by A2A Productions' Andrea Daniels-Singleton.
A teacher and principal who spent decades in service to her students, because she wanted to pay it forward. An anesthesiologist who rewrote the protocol on a major surgery, because she knew that lives depended on it. A pastor who broke cycles of generational trauma and a social worker whose case load stays with her long after the day has ended.
Those were just a few of the women honored at the third annual Galentine's Day Concert, a project of A2A Productions held at the Shubert Theatre on a recent Sunday night. The brainchild of writer, director and producer Andrea Daniels-Singleton, the celebration honored a group of "phenomenal professional women," many of whom Daniels-Singleton thinks of as unsung heroes. This year, all of them were honored under the theme "My Sista."
Honorees included social worker Mary Harris-Miller, reporter and Arts Paper Editor Lucy Gellman, educators Samantha Lucky and Val Jean Belton, pastors Kathy Lounsbury and Tanya E. Randall, anesthesiologist Bonnie Malloy, lawyer Dana Boughns and musician Stephanie Fisher. As in years past, Samantha Myers Galberth and Gwendolyn Busch Williams—both community heroes in their own right—emceed the night.
"Women are phenomenal!" Daniels-Singleton said in an email after the event. "The privilege of experiencing and gleaning from amazing women aided in who I am today."
Joshua Miller Photos, courtesy of Andrea Daniels-Singleton. "The honor I received was special because I felt rewarded for my area of caring for people. In an hour of social climbing, status symbols, competition between different groups and structures, people still believe that God is relevant and needed as the glue in all society. So, for me, I was proud to be able to say "Thank You" to you for your vision and also, say "Thank you" to the Lord for allowing me to do what I love.," Pastor Kathie Lounsbury said of the event.
Three years ago, Daniels-Singleton was inspired by her own mother, the late Predency Daniels to start the event. Before Daniels passed away in 2022, "my mom was indeed my road map, she was the toughest woman I know," Daniels-Singleton remembered. With the love and care of her partner, Eddie Daniels, she raised 10 children.
"She was big on self respect, faith, morals and values," Daniels-Singleton said. "She was well respected and honored in the community. People knew when Predency Daniels spoke, everyone listened. That's how powerful she was. I only wish she was here to be honored and to know how great of an impact she left that continues to be spoken of."
Throughout the night, Daniels' legacy never seemed far from the stage, from performances from an all-woman band and vocalists to the presentation of the awards themselves. Acknowledging the challenge and adversity of the current political moment, both emcees still encouraged attendees to harness that joy throughout, both for themselves and for those who motivate them to do this work.
Belton, who served as a teacher and principal in the New Haven Public Schools for decades, called the award both special and deeply humbling, particularly because the honor came from within her community. Taking the microphone during the second half of the night, she urged attendees view their work—whatever it may be—as she views education. That is, in her words, a "powerful tool" for social change.
Joshua Miller Photos, courtesy of Andrea Daniels-Singleton.
"What made this experience particularly meaningful was the recognition itself and the community it represents," she said in an email afterwards. "The Galentine Award celebrates women who are paving the way for others, and to be counted among such inspiring individuals is a reminder of the power of collaboration, mentorship, and support. It was a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and how much further we can go when we continue to uplift and empower each other."
"Throughout my journey, I have always strived to be a trailblazer—not only in the classroom but also in fostering environments where students can thrive, think critically, and engage deeply with the world around them. Receiving this award was a recognition of those efforts. More importantly, it serves as a continued inspiration to push the boundaries and find new ways to advocate for education."
Harris-Miller, who has practiced social work for over four decades, agreed that the night tapped into a sense of mutual support and boundary-pushing magic—while also managing to be a "classy and elegant" affair in the Shubert's new cabaret space.
In 43 years of working in the field, "I had never been recognized and honored for the work I do to support children, individuals and families," she said in an email. "I do what I do to service the community never expecting anything in return. To have Andrea Daniels-Singleton and her committee 'see me' as worthy to be publicly recognized with my family and my pastor present meant the world to me."
"Taking a moment to pause and reflect on all God has allowed me to accomplish through the years and celebrate with other amazing woman was a sight to see," she added. "Words can not express the heart felt joy I experienced at the Shubert Theatre. I’m looking forward to participating next year to celebrate other woman to be 'seen, appreciated, loved and cared for' for their commitment and dedication in their service and contribution to meeting the needs of the community."
Baughns echoed that joy, particularly in the company of other women.
"From concept to execution, A2A Productions and the Galentine Event was professional, thoughtful, inspiring, and empowering. It was an evening of celebration, amongst women and the people who love and support them," she said. "It was an uplifting and classy affair that showcased diverse women from all walks of life. It was brilliant! Although, many of the honorees were meeting for the first time, a connection and bond was instantly created. Each honoree seemed the lift the others, as you learned of each person’s journey and passions, you felt even more special to have been considered and counted among strong, impactful women."
"This honor was special because it was more than a recognition of the past but a continued calling and commitment to be impactful in the future," she added. "Hearing inspiring stories that help shape the work and impact you want to make going forward made this event and the recognition special. Also, for me, it was the first time I have been honored within my profession, back in the town where I was born and raised, which made it all the more special, because New Haven is where my roots are and I owe everything I am today, to my rearing and strong relationships in New Haven."