Welcome to HAVN

A Safe Harbor for Creative Growth.

Where honest conversations become stronger careers, better leaders, and healthier creative cultures.

HAVN starts with individual growth, but its higher purpose is cultural change, helping transform the way agencies develop talent, practice empathy, and lead creative people.

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Safe Harbor

A refuge for honest conversations about challenges, ambitions, uncertainty, and growth. A place where creatives can lower their guard, ask difficult questions, and explore their next steps without fear of judgment or reprisal.

Training Ground

A place to develop the skills that often determine career success but are rarely taught: communication, confidence, self-advocacy, leadership, feedback, navigating conflict, and professional growth.

Catalyst for Change

By connecting more self-aware creatives and more empathetic leaders, HAVN helps influence the culture of agencies and creative organizations across Connecticut and beyond.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. HAVN is a free program offered by the Connecticut Art Directors Club to support the growth and development of creatives across Connecticut and beyond.

  • HAVN is open to creatives at every stage of their career. Whether you're just starting out, navigating a transition, growing into leadership, or looking to share your experience as a mentor, there's a place for you in HAVN.

  • No. HAVN is open to creatives regardless of CADC membership status.

  • Mentors are experienced creative professionals who have applied to participate and have been reviewed and approved by the HAVN team.

  • No. HAVN facilitates introductions and provides resources, but ongoing mentorship relationships are managed independently by the mentor and mentee. Scheduling, communication, goals, expectations, and outcomes are the shared responsibility of both participants.

  • Anything related to professional growth. Common topics include career development, leadership, confidence, communication, portfolio reviews, workplace challenges, navigating change, imposter syndrome, self-advocacy, and defining career goals.

  • That depends entirely on the mentor and mentee. Each relationship is unique, and both parties determine the frequency, format, and duration of their conversations.

  • Yes. Depending on your goals, you may benefit from connecting with mentors who have different backgrounds, experiences, or areas of expertise.

  • Absolutely. Not every mentorship relationship is the right fit, and that's okay. Participants are encouraged to seek connections that best support their goals and growth.

  • HAVN was created as a safe harbor for honest conversations. It's a place to discuss challenges, ambitions, questions, and opportunities for growth that may feel difficult to bring up elsewhere.


    While mentors and mentees are encouraged to establish their own expectations around confidentiality, participants should feel comfortable having candid conversations without fear of judgment, reprisal, or being perceived as "not good enough."


    Because growth begins with honesty, and honesty requires trust.