New Haven Club for Business & Professional Women Celebrates 80 Years

New Haven, CT – November 9, 2024 – The New Haven Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC) marked a historic milestone at its 80th Anniversary Gala, celebrating a legacy of service, leadership, and empowerment. Over 300 guests gathered for a night filled with recognition, celebration, and powerful tributes to individuals and organizations that have helped shape the New Haven community.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Trailblazer Award to Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton, a leading figure in community development and public service. Dr. DuBois-Walton, who was honored for her years of leadership as President of Elm City Communities, had just days before the gala begun her new role as the President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, making history as the first African American woman to hold this position. Dr. DuBois-Walton’s groundbreaking work in affordable housing and community revitalization continues to have a transformative impact on New Haven, and her new role further elevates her legacy of leadership in the region.
“We were honored to present Dr. DuBois-Walton with the Trailblazer Award. Her groundbreaking leadership and dedication to community development have opened doors for countless individuals and organizations in New Haven. Her new role at the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven is a true testament to her lifelong commitment to making a difference,” said Fallon Thomas, President of the New Haven Club. “The success of this gala exemplifies what we are all about—celebrating leadership, empowerment, and our shared mission to uplift women and communities.”
In addition to Dr. DuBois-Walton, the New Haven Club celebrated a distinguished group of honorees, each recognized for their excellence and leadership in their respective fields:

• Community Service Honoree: Karrol-Ann Brown, Esq., now the Chief of Staff at the Department of Children and Families (DCF), for her tireless advocacy in civil rights and child welfare.
• Professional Excellence Award: Lakisha Jordan, Director at the New Alliance Foundation, for her outstanding leadership and impact in philanthropy and community development.
• Business Excellence Award: Alisha Crutchfield, a dynamic businesswoman and owner of Bloom Floral Shop, known for her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in the floral industry.
• Man of the Year Award: Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, the State Commissioner of Public Safety, honored for his leadership in public safety and community relations, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
• Veteran's Appreciation Award: Lt. Col. Dorothy Fay Williams (Ret.), honored for her distinguished service in the U.S. Army and her leadership in breaking barriers for women in military leadership.
• Youth Entrepreneur Award: Kaylee George, a young businesswoman whose entrepreneurial drive has made her a role model for youth in her community.

The gala also featured significant announcements regarding the club’s scholarship programs. Over $100,000 in scholarships have been awarded to local students through the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting higher education and fostering future leaders.
In a moving tribute to the club’s legacy, the Youth Academic Scholarship was renamed the Rosemary Bess Youth Academic Scholarship, in honor of Rosemary Bess, a longtime educator who inspired generations of students with her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and youth development. This renaming acknowledges her tremendous influence in shaping the lives of young people in the New Haven community.

Additionally, the club proudly introduced a new scholarship, the Estelle Thorpe Adult Nursing Scholarship, which honors Estelle Thorpe, the first African American nurse manager at what is now Yale New Haven Hospital. Estelle Thorpe’s pioneering work in healthcare broke barriers for Black women in nursing, and her legacy continues to inspire healthcare professionals today. The scholarship will support adult learners pursuing careers in nursing, reflecting Estelle’s lifelong commitment to service, compassion, and excellence in healthcare.
“We are incredibly proud of the work our club has done over the past 80 years to empower and support African American women,” said Karla Wallace, Vice President of the New Haven Club and Gala Chair. “As an association built by and for Black businesswomen, the opportunity to recognize these extraordinary individuals is an honor. From the leadership of Dr. DuBois-Walton to the achievements of all our honorees, this event was a true celebration of the excellence within our community.”

Integral to the success of the evening were the contributions of local businesses. B. Trendy Events, led by Bianca Miller, stepped in as day-of coordinator, handling a guest list of over 300 attendees with precision and ease. High n Mighty Event Planning, owned by Daleesha Bethea, provided creative expertise with stunning balloon designs that added an elegant flair to the evening’s décor. As an association built by and for African American women in business, the New Haven Club was proud to collaborate with these talented entrepreneurs, whose contributions played such critical roles in making the event a success.
“The turnout was incredible, and we are so thankful to all who joined us for this momentous occasion,” said Dr. Terri O'Neal Ford, the 25th National President of NANBPWC, Inc., who traveled from Dallas, Texas to attend the event. “This gala not only honored the trailblazers of the past but also set the stage for the next generation of leaders. It was an honor to witness the achievements of these women and to be a part of such a historic celebration.”

For more information on the New Haven Club’s programs, initiatives, and how to get involved, please reach out to Karla Wallace, Vice President, at vpresident@thenewhavenclub.org.

About the New Haven Club of NANBPWC, Inc.
The New Haven Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. is dedicated to advancing the economic, educational, and professional interests of African American women. With a focus on leadership, community service, and empowerment, the New Haven Club provides programming that creates opportunities for growth, development, and transformation.
To View the event journal, please visit: 80th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet

For more information, please visit: www.thenewhavenclub.org

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Contact:
Karla Wallace
Vice President, New Haven Club of NANBPWC, Inc.
vpresident@thenewhavenclub.org