2nd Annual 'Women In Business' Awards Reception Scheduled For Next Week

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce has announced six honorees for its second annual Women in Business Awards Reception, scheduled for March 11 in Fairfield.

The event will recognize women in the local business community for their professional achievements and contributions. Organizers said the reception is open to the public, including members of the business community, as well as family, friends and colleagues of the honorees.

Organizers encouraged early registration, citing limited capacity.

Fran Pastore, founder, president and chief executive officer of the Women's Business Development Council, will serve as guest speaker. Pastore has worked in support of women entrepreneurs for nearly three decades and is frequently consulted by state and federal policymakers on issues related to women in business.

The six honorees are:

Woman of Distinction Award
Sabrina Smeltz
CEO
Wakeman Boys & Girls Club

Community Impact Award
Karen Kaiser
Vice President, Philanthropy
St. Vincents Medical Center – Hartford HealthCare

Excellence in Advocacy Award
Carla Miklos
Executive Director
Operation Hope

Emerging Leader Award
Neviana Zhgaba
Co-Founder
Aquila’s Nest Vineyards

Excellence in Business Award
Ginnie Thompson
Managing Partner & COO
MONECO Advisors

Luminary Entrepreneur Award
Denise DiGrigoli
Founder
Drive Media & Consulting

The chamber said that last year’s honorees will participate in this year’s ceremony by presenting awards to the 2026 recipients, a practice organizers plan to continue in future years.

Event sponsors include Bankwell, Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, Hartford HealthCare, Yale New Haven Health, ComForCare Home Care and MONECO Advisors. Additional sponsorship opportunities and advertising space in the event program remain available, according to the chamber.

Nancy Caccia, first vice president of community relations at Bankwell, said the company is supporting the event to highlight the contributions of women business leaders in the region.

“We are proud to support the Women in Business Awards Reception and help shine a light on the incredible contributions of the award winners," Caccia said. "Their dedication and impact strengthen not only the Fairfield community, but the greater region as well."

“We are so excited about the feedback we have received about this event – and we are so very proud to honor these six notable and distinguished women of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce!" said Beverly Balaz, president of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.

"Of special note, we are happy to announce that we are going to include last year's 2025 Honorees on stage to give their associated honorees their 2026 award!" Balaz added. "We look forward to including all of our annual honorees on stage as we move forward each year, creating momentum and a bigger and bigger celebratory event!"

Details:

• Event: 2nd Annual Women in Business Awards Reception
• Date: March 11, 2026
• Location: Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts
• Address: 200 Barlow Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
• Guest Speaker: Fran Pastore, President & CEO, Women’s Business Development Council

Program Details:

• 5:30-6:30pm: Networking & Reception in Quick Center lobby: Beverages, Food, Photography with Honorees and Guest Speaker.
• 6:30-7:00pm: Welcome by Beverly Balaz and introduction of Guest Speaker, Fran Pastore.
• 7:00-7:30pm: Awards Presentation in Theater/Auditorium
• 7:30-8:00pm: Dessert/Coffee Reception in Lobby

Tickets (open to the public):

• Chamber Members: $85/pp
• Non-Members (Public): $95/pp
• No walk-in’s.

For more information on this event, please call the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce: 203-255-1011
or email Katelyn Thaler: Katelyn@FairfieldCTChamber.com. For more details, please also visit the
Chamber’s website: FairfieldCTChamber.com.

— Flyer from Fairfield Chamber of Commerce