2nd Annual Women in Business Awards Reception

The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the six honorees for its 2nd Annual Women in Business Awards Reception on March 11th – an evening of Celebration & Recognition of outstanding Women in Business.

The 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

Drive Media & Consulting

Founder

Of importance, this event is open to the public and business community – family, friends and colleagues (men and women) who want to honor, say congratulations, and show their respect and support to these very special businesswomen!

The Chamber is also proud to announce that our esteemed guest speaker this year is Fran Pastore, Founder, President, and CEO of Women's Business Development Council.Fran Pastore is a trailblazer in the women’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, passionately advocating for economic equity, justice, and inclusion for nearly 30 years. She is a trusted thought leader frequently sought by Congress, the Connecticut General Assembly, and corporate leaders for her insights on issues affecting women.

The Chamber encourages attendees to register early, as this will be a sell-out event.

Details:

• Event:2^nd Annual Women in Business Awards Reception
• Date: March 11, 2026
• Location: Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts
• Address: 200 Barlow Road, Fairfield, CT06824
• 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.

Click Here to Register