YWCA to Honor Women Leaders from Newington

NEW BRITAIN, CT — YWCA New Britain will be hosting its 17th biennial Women in Leadership Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. The event will recognize women in central Connecticut who demonstrate extraordinary leadership and outstanding achievements. More than 600 women have been honored since the event’s inception in 1985.

Fifty women who live, work, and go to school in central Connecticut will be honored at the YWCA’s Women in Leadership Luncheon and be inducted into the Carol R. Virostek Academy of Women Leaders, several of whom are from the Newington community:

Amy Hare, Transportation Engineer III, CT Department of Transportation

Amy has worked in the development and implementation of several state-of-the-art, innovative engineering practices. In addition to her technical expertise, she also shows concern for her colleagues and the public. She volunteers her own time working to promote safe driving through the agency’s work zones.

Lisa Rivers, Transportation Transit Manager, CT Department of Transportation

Lisa led the team that was responsible for the commissioning and start-up of the CTfastrak. She is also a former Board Member of the CT Chapter of the Women’s Transportation Seminar. “She is motivated by a strong desire to help others as demonstrated through her innovative leadership,” said James Redeker, DOT Commissioner.

Jessica Buslewicz, Student, Newington High School

Jessica founded Newington High School’s Debate Club, is the president of the French Club, and organized and planned events for a Model U.N. Club that will begin next school year. “Jessica has a kind heart and she truly cares about fellow classmates in the way she sticks up for them, includes them in activities, and never boasts about her achievements,” said Maria Palazzo, school counselor.

Olivia Colon, Student, Newington High School

Olivia is one of the leaders of the Student Council, delivers the school’s morning announcements, is a social justice advocate, and is a member of the Gay Straight Alliance Club. Jessica Slater, school counselor says, “She is constantly looking for ways to help those around her, welcome those who feel they need a friend; her involvement betters the school community.”

In addition to celebrating our honorees, the event program will feature keynote speaker Karen Hinds. Karen Hinds is a consultant, author of four books, and Founder and CEO of Workplace Success Group LLC. Workplace Success Group works with individuals and companies to position emerging leaders to discover, master, and operate in their own distinctive power to stand out and move up personally and professionally.

Visit www.ywcanb for a complete list of honorees. For more information on attending the luncheon, please contact Shaunna Cullen at 860-225-4681 x295 or scullen@ywcanewbritain.org. Cost to attend is $50 per person.

Story and photo courtesy of YWCA New Britain