Women's Business Development Council Names New Board Members

The Women’s Business Development Council, a not-for-profit providing the training, education and borrowing power necessary for women to launch and grow their own businesses, recently announced the appointment of Vanessa Abrahams-John, Executive Director of Global Diversity and Inclusion for Praxair, Inc; Gail Lehman, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Hexcel Corporation; and Leanne Shofi, Special Counsel in the Litigation Group at Cuddy & Feder; as new members of its Board of Directors.

A resident of White Plains, New York, Vanessa Abrahams-John has extensive experience in corporate law, academia, human resources and diversity and inclusion. In her current role at Praxair, Inc, she leads the development and execution of global strategies to enhance and leverage diversity and foster an inclusive culture that drives innovation and business success. She is also responsible for Talent Acquisition to promote best-in-class diversity and inclusion practices throughout global recruitment and hiring processes.

Ms. Abrahams-John graduated with a Bachelor of Science from University of Western Ontario and earned her law degree from Howard University School of Law. In 2014, she was recognized as Diversity & Inclusion Leader of the Year by the Southern Connecticut Chapter of SHRM and in 2017 was named Top 25 Black Women by the Network Journal.

At Hexcel Corporation, Gail Lehman is responsible for leading the legal and export and trade compliance functions. She has significant public company and global experience and the ability to drive process improvement efforts and increase accountability and results both within the legal function and the broader company.

A resident of Stamford, Connecticut, Ms. Lehman has a degree in psychology from Rutgers University, a graduate degree in educational psychology from Rutgers Graduate School of Education and a law degree with high honors from Rutgers University School of Law.

Leanne Shofi, a resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut, has diversified experience with a number of law firms, including several boutique firms and a leading international law firm. In her current role at Cuddy & Feder in White Plains, New York, she handles all aspects of federal and state complex commercial litigation within Connecticut and New York, including in the areas of telecommunications and land use.

Ms. Shofi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University and earned her law degree from Pace University School of Law.

“The experience that Vanessa, Gail and Leanne bring is an incredible asset as we look to continue to grow our organization and be able to provide even more services in our local communities for women who want to build their businesses,” said Fran Pastore, CEO, Women’s Business Development Council. “I’m looking forward to working with them in the coming months to help drive women’s economic equity both locally and nationally.”

About the Women’s Business Development Council:
Headquartered in Stamford with satellite offices in Derby and New London, the 501 (c)(3) non-profit has served over 14,000 clients. It has assisted in the creation of more than 1,800 businesses and supported the sustainability and expansion of 3,800 established businesses, creating more than 4,900 jobs. For more information on the Women’s Business Development Council, visit ctwbdc.org.