Triple Crown Winner Dena Castricone Proud to Make Strides on LGBT Track

Secretariat. Seattle Slew. Diamond Dena.  This year she joins a distinguished list of Triple Crown winners. CABO President and Founder Dena Castricone has nabbed Connecticut Magazine’s “40 under 40” honor, landed one of the Best LGBT Attorney’s under 40 by the National LGBT Bar Association, and, on CABO’s behalf, recently found herself in the winner’s circle accepting the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Chamber of the Year Award.  Not bad wins for a young thoroughbred. But if I had to wager, I say she is barely out of the gate with her LGBT goals.  Recently, I spent some time trackside with her….
 
 
What went through your mind when you were given the Chamber of the Year Award?
 
It was truly an honor to stand at the podium and accept the award on behalf of CABO.  It was particularly special for me because many of the people in the audience were from affiliate chambers across the country that supported me when CABO was just an idea in my head back in 2006.
 
Just a few years back our chamber was received the Rising Star of the Year award.  At warp speed you were back collecting the top prize this year. That must feel great…
 
This award proved to me that the passion and vision of a few people can build something amazing.  Our founding board members, Scott Healy, Lisa Moyles, Eniko Mikle and Steve Paginelli, worked tirelessly to get CABO off the ground.  All of our board members since then have continually pushed CABO to greater heights and Jenn Tracz-Grace, well, it’s no secret that she is key to CABO’s success. 
  
Growing up did you ever think that you’d be in a role impacting so many lives?
 
When I was in grade school, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer and I was sure that I was going to go to Yale for law school.  Then when I was a teenager, I decided that I wanted to be a rock star - I was going to tour with Bon Jovi.  Due to lack of musical talent, I went to law school (although, sadly, not to Yale).  I never would have imagined that I would have started an organization like CABO.  
 
Tell us a bit about your early years…
 
I grew up as part of a wonderful, large Italian family (if you look at CABO’s website pictures through the years, you will see several of my aunts who always show up to support me).  My two sisters are two of my favorite people in the whole world.  Also, I am lucky enough to have two sets of parents.  As a child and teenager, I was a bit of a dork.  In addition to playing softball from grade school through college, I participated in mock trial, debate club, model legislature and student council.  My hobbies today include listening to music, cooking, enjoying food with family and friends and traveling with my better half.
 
What accomplishments mean the most to you?
 
Finding happiness and love is the personal accomplishment that means most to me.  As for a professional accomplishment, founding CABO is probably most meaningful to me.  Just a few weeks after we launched CABO in 2007, I went on my first date with my fiancée – 2007 was a good year.  I will say that 2011 is shaping up to be an even better year with the Chamber of the Year award and my upcoming marriage in October.
 
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
 
I am a crier; when we watch TV or movies, I inevitably end up crying over anything remotely sad or touching. 
 
Wave your wand...where do you see yourself in 10 years?
 
Happily married and continuing to create social change through economic impact.  As long as both of those pieces are part of my life, I will be happy.
 
How would you like to be remembered?
 
As someone who lived with purpose and passion and loved her family above all else.


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