West Haven & Orange Women in Business, a joint committee of the West Haven and Orange Chambers of Commerce, sponsored the Annual Women’s Leadership Conference on April 2 at the West Haven Italian American Club in West Haven.
Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz opened the event that brought 200 area women and high school students to hear local businesswomen sharing their stories of conviction, commitment and courage.
Speakers included Jennifer Heath, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater New Haven; Monique Bolt, director of events for undergraduate admissions at the University of New Haven; and Sara Longobardi, senior vice president of retail banking for People’s United Bank.
The proceeds from the conference benefit the Women in Business Scholarship program for female, college-bound, high school seniors from Amity and West Haven High Schools.
Scholarships were presented to Jenna Nicole Acanfora and Taylor Joy Gourdier, both from Amity High School. Acanfora will be attending the University of Rhode Island where she will pursue a career in business. Gourdier will be going to the University of Connecticut. She is interested in pursuing a career combining business and social action. Two students from West Haven High also received scholarships.
West Haven & Orange Women in Business sponsored the Annual Women’s Leadership Conference on April 2 at the West Haven Italian American Club in West Haven. From left: Monique Bolt of the University of New Haven; West Haven Mayor Nancy Rossi; Sara Longobardi of Peoples United Bank; Jennifer Heath of the United Way of Greater New Haven; Orange Chamber of Commerce Director Carol Smullen; Kathy Hart-Jones of West Haven Community House; and Louise Pelletier of Stone Academy.