Darlene Raffanello
With an impressive career that bridges finance, operations, and community service, Darlene R. brings both strategic insight and heart to every role she takes on. Currently serving as the USO Volunteer Ambassador for the State of Connecticut, she helps strengthen the well-being of service members and their families by fostering community engagement and volunteer growth. Her dedication to purpose-driven work reflects a lifelong belief in creating meaningful impact through collaboration and connection.
Before her transition into the nonprofit sector, Darlene built an extensive background in financial services and project management, leading major initiatives at organizations such as The Money Source, Webster Bank, and Central Pacific Bank. Her expertise spans strategic sourcing, marketing, product management, and business process improvement—roles in which she consistently delivered measurable results while cultivating strong internal and external partnerships.
A proud graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Darlene’s approach to leadership is rooted in curiosity, empathy, and teamwork. Whether driving operational change in the corporate world or serving her community through the USO, she remains passionate about connecting people, improving processes, and building lasting impact through purpose and dialogue.
• Lean Six Sigma Certification
• University of Hawaii at Manoa- B.B.A.
• USO Ambassador in Connecticut
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to empathy, organization, and effective communication. I take pride in listening carefully, understanding others’ needs, and turning ideas into actionable plans while fostering transparency and collaboration so everyone can succeed together.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was, “Help others see the bigger picture, not just the next step.” Mentors who modeled patience and strong communication taught me the importance of leading with clarity and purpose, lessons that continue to shape how I guide my teams today.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I’d tell young women entering this field to stay organized, come prepared, and listen as much as they lead. Speak up with confidence, stay open to new perspectives, and remember—leadership isn’t about control, it’s about creating clarity and helping others succeed.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe the biggest challenge—and opportunity—in our field is preserving genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world. While technology helps us work faster and smarter, it’s authentic communication and collaboration that truly drive project success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, compassion, and service guide everything I do—both at work and in life. I believe in leading with honesty, fostering respect in every interaction, and creating space for others to succeed. Outside of work, I stay grounded through family time, yoga, and volunteer service that allows me to give back to my community.