Terry Starks is the founder and CEO of the Hartford’s Proud Drill, Drum, and Dance Corp. With over 20 years’ experience in youth development. She dedicates herself to educating and equipping youth with the necessary tools for success after their high schools years commence. Terry uses her personal enthusiasm to inspire the joy of learning music as leverage to strengthen and empower youth and about four years ago, she embarked on a unique opportunity to strengthen youth through a show-style marching band and leadership program. Through this program she engage at risk youth in performing arts recreation, leadership workshops, and community engagements.
As a native of Hartford, Terry has assumed roles as a Youth Development Specialist and Community Planning Partner. She is a hands-on, behind the scenes, action driven individual who undertakes community efforts for change such as the Stomp the Violence Movement. Stomp the Violence is a collaboration between the community and our police to brainstorm effective changes and solutions to violence in the city of Hartford, while restoring relationships, mutual understanding, and inspiring youth on how they can make a difference in their community.
Throughout the years, Terry received numerous awards and in 2015 she was honored to receive a proclamation declaring March 28th Terry Starks Day in the city of Hartford. Terry is the Youth Development Chair, Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, a member of the 7th District Town Committee, and amongst all things, a wife, daughter, and proud mother. She is hopeful, energetic, and inspiring with a can-do spirit. She has been recognized for her superior leadership and unique approach towards solving complex community issues. She is part educator, part inspirer, part motivator and think in terms of the bottom line.
