Donna Hylton, a dedicated educator and community leader, has devoted over three decades to service. She retired as Professor Emerita from Middlesex Community College in 2022, after a 25-year tenure. During her time at the college, Donna held the positions of Professor and Program Coordinator for various IT degrees. Her contributions extended beyond the classroom: she founded the Technology Center and established the Computer Club at MxCC, both aimed at nurturing student success.

In 2002, Donna initiated Adventures in Learning, a free summer program for the community. Over the years, this program has evolved into the STEM GEMS Camp which introduces children to the fascinating world of STEM. She continues to lead this initiative. In 2017, Donna took a sabbatical from MxCC to address the underrepresentation of women, girls, and people of color in STEM fields. This led to the creation of STEAM Train, a non-profit organization committed to guiding under-resourced and underrepresented populations towards careers in STEM. She currently serves as its President/CEO. STEAM Train has led many initiatives that bring STEM to communities and schools in the State of Connecticut. The organization has received several prestigious awards for its outstanding work and Donna is honored to see the impact of her vision in our state.

Donna holds an undergraduate degree in Administrative Computer Systems from Hofstra University, a master’s degree in Computer Information Technology from Central Connecticut State University, and a second master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She began her IT career in New York City, transitioning to Connecticut where she worked as a computer programmer for twelve years before embarking on her teaching career in 1997. She serves on the board of the Midstate Chamber of Commerce and the Technology and Education committee. She is also member of the business and industry advisory board member of ReadyCT’s Bulkeley High School Computer Science Pathway.

Donna and her husband, Paul Hylton, serve as pastors of Shiloh Christian Church, Middletown. They have four daughters, three granddaughters, and three sons-in-law.