Fashion icon and philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg will be the keynote speaker at the Women’s Business Development Council’s (WBDC) Annual Women’s Empowerment Gala and Awards celebration, to be held on October 28 at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich. Annie Lamont, First Lady of Connecticut and co-founder and managing partner of Oak HC/FT, will serve as Honorary Chair of the event.
The gala marks a milestone for the WBDC, which is celebrating its 25th year of promoting economic equality for women and strengthening communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services. WBDC’s mission is to create and grow sustainable jobs and businesses throughout Connecticut.
“Each year, this event celebrates Connecticut’s women entrepreneurs and the work we do to help them achieve economic independence and contribute to the health of our state’s economy. This year, the event is even more significant because we are celebrating WBDC’s 25th anniversary and because there has never been a more critical time to support women – in entrepreneurship and in all walks of life,” said WBDC Founder and CEO Fran Pastore . “We are so honored to have these incredibly strong women headline this year’s Gala. Diane von Furstenberg has been a role model for women entrepreneurs for decades and is a fierce advocate for women’s leadership. Here in CT, we are so fortunate to have Annie Lamont as our First Lady at a time when our state is leading the country on critical social and economic issues affecting women. We know these powerful women will provide inspiration and hope to our Gala guests. We couldn’t have a better duo to help us celebrate WBDC’s first 25 years and lead us into our next chapter.”
The Women Rising Gala honors women entrepreneurs in Connecticut and those who support them. The Impact Award honors individuals who have personally exemplified WBDC’s mission and goals by promoting economic equality and prosperity for women. The 2022 Impact Award honorees are John Guy, Executive Vice President, Head of Business Banking at Webster Bank and Glendowlyn Thames, Head of Economic Development, CT, NY at Amazon. Six Women on the Rise winners for 2022, WBDC clients who have benefited from WBDC services and operate successful businesses across the state, will also be recognized.
“Since the beginning of my career as an investor and in my role as First Lady, I have been passionate and committed to bringing more women to the table,” said Annie Lamont. “I am proud to serve as Honorary Chair of the Women Rising Gala and recognize this 25-year milestone with WBDC, an organization that shares my passion for promoting economic equality through entrepreneurship.”
“As I look back on my colorful career and life, it is an honor and a duty to share my voice, my experience and my knowledge to encourage other women to be the women they want to be. . . to be in charge,” said Diane von Furstenberg.
Webster Bank and Philip Morris International are the title sponsors for the 2022 WBDC Women Rising Gala and Awards Gala.
Additional information and ticket sales can be found at ctwbdc.org/gala.
