Special event: Women Making an Impact

By Bissell, Jennifer

Proquest LLC

Westfair Communications Inc. this week will recognize nearly 50 women who've made a local impact in 2013.

Inspired by Nancy Armstrong's recent documentary "Makers: Women who Make America," which follows the women's movement of the past 50 years, Westfair Communications will recognize 40 women presented by the publisher's readership, as well as the contributions of six outstanding nominees selected by Westfair staff.

Whether it's saving animals, supporting the arts or helping a business grow, women make a profound impact in Westchester and Fairfield counties, organizers say.

A Greenwich resident, Armstrong said it's important to recognize the contributions women make in order to inspire future generations.

"As women, having role models and supportive networks are critical to the goal of seeing more women in positions of leadership in this country," she said. "Without a continued focus on this issue, progress tends to stagnate, as it has in the last 10 to 15 years."

Armstrong's documentary made its PBS debut in February, and currently, AOL has a Makers digital platform showcasing of thousands of groundbreaking women.

The event will be held at 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.April 3 at 1133 Westchester Ave. in White Plains.

Sponsors include Christopher Noland Salon & Beauty Spa, Conair Corp., Bruce Museum of Arts and Science, Professional Women of Westchester, Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich and BDO professional services firm.

Editors Choices:

CAROL BAUER

CHAPLAIN, Norwalk Hospital

Carol Bauer grew up in St. Louis, where she graduated from Harris Teachers College in elementary education. Her interest in teaching continued in Christian education, which she has been involved with for more than 60 years, currently serving as lay leader of her church in New Canaan. Bauer has served in many nonprofit roles, including chairwoman of the board of Norwalk Hospital. Other boards she has participated on include AmeriCares, Honey Hill Nursing Home, the Spiritual Care Advisory Board at Norwalk Hospital, United Way and Norwalk Community College. Through the Bauer Foundation, she and her husband sponsor a program for underprivileged children, have provided substantial health care and education scholarships, and made major donations to the Bauer Center for Emergency Care at Norwalk Hospital and the Maritime Center. They also have sponsored a halfway house for young girls in Thailand who have been sold into slavery.

CINDI BIGELOW

PRESIDENT AND CEO, Bigelow Tea

Prior to becoming CEO, Cindi Bigelow spent 20 years in all areas of the company her grandmother founded in 1945. The company remains a family-owned business and employs 330 people across three manufacturing facilities. Community minded, Bigelow initiated the annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge in 1987, which has donated nearly $1 million to local charities since its inception. Annually recurring volunteer projects include Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-a-Home and Appalachian projects. A passionate advocate for education, Bigelow makes frequent classroom appearances speaking to students about business. Bigelow served on the Bridgeport and Fairfield boards of directors, for the Boston College Board of Alumni, Bridgeport Regional Council, Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Committee and is the champion for Connecticut's first justice center that will provide one-stop crisis-management services to victims of domestic violence.

ELIZABETH BRACKEN-THOMPSON

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT/CREATIVE DIRECTOR, Thompson & Bender

Bracken-Thompson's name is synonymous with Westchester business. She has built a business and a career in the county spanning three decades. With her combination of creativity and knowledge, coupled with a strong work ethic, Bracken-Thompson produces excellent results for her clients and notably expends enormous pro bono efforts for countless nonprofits. Her efforts as a marketing professional and a community leader have reaped many awards and accolades over the years, including more than 100 Advertising Club of Westchester "Big W" awards and many honors from professional and charitable organizations. Bracken-Thompson started her career at Gannett Co., where she worked for 15 years, including five as the vice president of marketing for a 10-newspaper group.

DR. KIMBERLY R. CLINE

PRESIDENT, Long Island University

Since being appointed president in the summer of 2013, Cline has focused on helping students enter careers in a global marketplace by providing them with both a solid grounding in liberal arts and sciences and real-world, experiential learning. Cline's innovations include the LIU Promise Initiative that provides incoming students with personal success coaches; the ThoughtBox@LIU tech incubator, where students learn to launch businesses; dual-degree programs that lead to both a bachelor's degree and an MBA in five years; and a host of career-ready minors geared to regional opportunities. To strengthen university operations, Cline has instituted a strong focus on institutional effectiveness, integrated all major enrollment service areas and conducted a strategic-planning process. Looking to the future, she has made a significant commitment to increasing the university's fundraising and advancement capacity, recognizing the power that nearly 200,000 active alumni could contribute toward long-term success.

PEYTON R. PATTERSON

PRESIDENT AND CEO,

Patterson brings to the banking industry more than 25 years of experience and has been widely recognized as an exceptional banker. Before joining Bankwell in 2012, she was CEO of NewAlliance Bancshares Inc., with which she executed the largest banking IPO in U.S. history - raising more than $1.4 billion. In 2013, American Banker named her one of 10 Bank CEOs to watch nationwide. She was named Community Banker of the Year by American Banker in 2008, and U.S. Banker named her one of the top 10 CEOs in banking nationwide in 2006. Her greatest civic passion is narrowing the achievement gap in Connecticut. Former Gov. Jodi Rell appointed her to a commission to put the spotlight on the current public school system. She later became chairwoman of The Connecticut Council for Education Reform.

KAREN RESS

VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER, International Brands At Nestle Waters North America

Ress leads the Perrier, S. Pellegrino, San Pellegrino sparkling fruit beverages and Acqua Panna beverage businesses in the United States. Since stepping into her current role four years ago, the International Brands portfolio has nearly doubled in size, reaching more than $500 million in revenue in North America. In 2013, Ress and her diverse team increased International Brands business by 15 percent. Ress' success in leading the business is equally matched by her commitment to gender diversity in the workplace; She was a founding member of Nestle'sWomen's Leadership Forum. Her leadership in diversity has expanded over the years, and she is currently an executive sponsor of NWNA's Balance 4 Performance Diversity Steering Committee, serves on the Nestle Waters Global Gender Diversity Steering Committee and is actively involved in the Network of Executive Women, which is dedicated to supporting women in the retail and consumer products industry.

Readers choices:

MARISSA BRETT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Economic Development Westchester County Association

For leading her team in establishing the Blueprint Accelerator Network to attract early-stage companies to Westchester, and other creative programs to make the county more attractive to business.

GINA CAPPELLI

FOUNDER, Forme Rehabilitation Inc., d.b.a. Forme Urgent Care and Wellness Center

For bringing an innovative concept of boutique health care to Westchester County by incorporating urgent care, specialty medicine, rehabilitation, radiology, diagnostics, wellness and an outpatient surgical suite all under one roof.

CAROLYN CLEMENZA

DENTIST

For performing an innovative implant technique that can replace missing teeth or dentures in one day, and constantly searching for the best treatment and technology for her patients.

VALERIE A. COOPER

FOUNDER, Picture That L.L.C.

For successfully transitioning from a 15-year career in technology at Goldman Sachs to founding a vital Stamford-based art-consulting firm with nationwide clients.

AMY FISCHER

MARKETING MANAGER, McGladrey L.L.P.

For developing a complete business-development training program for her company's professionals, including how they can effectively use social media.

ROBIN GALLAGHER

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, Commercial Real Estate Lending at Webster Bank

For the origination and management of commercial real estate loans and providing financing and technical assistance for affordable housing transactions in New York and Connecticut through Webster's Community Development Lending platform.

LOREN GILBERG,

FOUNDER, Elder Care Consulting Inc.

For her vision in founding a geriatric care management firm and opening a full-service home care agency to round out the scope of services required to fulfill her clients' needs.

ANDI GRAY

FOUNDER, Strategy Leaders Inc.

For helping owners of established, privately held businesses achieve growth, profit, stability predictability and peace of mind through her proprietary systems.

BONNIE HAGEN

Co-FOUNDER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, Bright Energy Services

For being a strong, action-based, results-oriented leader; passionate about green efforts, sustainability, energy efficiency and helping commercial, institutional and industrial facilities become more sustainable by reducing their energy consumption.

JENNIFER HART

VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL and SECRETARY, Tata Global Beverages US

For holding top legal positions in major corporations for more than 16 years and using her expertise to represent clients through the ProBono Partnership in White Plains and Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut, placing her on the Pro Bono Honor Roll.

LAURA E. HAUPT

OWNER, Bark & Meow Inc.

For creating a company that provides "precious pet products and quality chow" and for her continuing commitment to pets and her community.

FREIDA HECHT

FOUNDING DIRECTOR, Circle of Friends

For founding an all-volunteer organization that provides social programs for children, teens and young adults with special needs, and leading one of the largest women's study groups in Fairfield County.

VALERIE JENSEN

PRESIDENT, Sphere

For leading a group of adults with disabilities who engage in challenging activities like filmmaking and the Special Olympics, and founding The Prospector Theater, which will employ adults with disabilities and become an economic engine for the town of Ridgefield.

CONNIE KENNEDY

FOUNDER, Back-to-School Clothes for Kids

For her inspiration, while working as a manager of a major corporation, to raise funds and buy school clothes for 10 children in the first year; in 2013, more than 900 children received three outfits, sneakers, backpack and school supplies.

ALISA H. KESTEN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, The Volunteer Center

For leading the effort to make Westchester a beacon for volunteer power, which resulted in the organization's award in 2013 as a "Top-Rated Nonprofit" designation by GreatNonprofits based upon user reviews.

CATHI LOCATI,

AREOLA ARCHITECT, Cathi Locati Co.

For focusing her talents on micropigmentation for breast cancer survivors by replicating the female bosom in photorealistic, 3-D areolas and nipples using permanent ink expertly implanted into the skin, and inventing 7th Dimension Illusion Breastmounds as an option.

JULIA LINDH

EXECUTIVE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MKDA

For growing her firm's Stamford office from a one-person shop in 2006 to one of the most respected interior design brands of 2013, leading a team of 10 to bring innovative designs to prestigious companies and locations.

DR. SABRINA MAGID-KATZ

DENTIST AND PARTNER, Advanced Dentistry of Westchester

For treating families of all ages with technology available in less than 1 percent of dental practices nationwide and focusing on educating her colleagues about treating deaf and hard-of-hearing patients.

LESLIE MCGUIRE

DIRECTOR OF U.S. PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS, AmeriCares

For spearheading the expansion of an aid program that places free medicines in the hands of low-income Americans, and tripling in size the AmeriCares U.S. Medical Assistance Program, making it the nation's leading provider of donated medicines and supplies to U.S. safety net clinics.

LESLIE MCINTYRE-TAVELLA

FOUNDER, OWNER, PRESIDENT, The McIntyre Group

For creating her firm, at age 22, and leading it for more than 28 years to become recognized today as a leader in the staffing industry, and awarded as a Connecticut Top Workplace.

VIVIAN C. MCKENZIE

OWNER, Kathleen's Tea Room

For turning her love of cooking into a business, while working in the insurance industry for 27 years, by co-founding a soul food take-out restaurant, a soul food mobile food truck and finally purchasing an English-style tea room in Peekskill.

KIM MCGILLICUDDY

ENTERPRISE SALES LEADER, First Niagara

For playing a pivotal role in several major initiatives, including creating a consultative sales organization, developing a customer experience for larger commercial clients attracting top talent to the firm and initiating a consultative sales culture within al divisions of First Niagara Financial Group.

LINDA MCMAHON

FOUNDER, McMahon Ventures

For sharing her vast experience and success as co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment to advocate for small business and promote entrepreneurship, particularly among women.

KATHY MCSHANE

MANAGING DIRECTOR, Ladies Who Launch

For working with more than 350 female entrepreneurs, helping them to launch or expand their business through the largest online and in-person community of female entrepreneurs.

JEANNIE MONTANO

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CONNECTICUT, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

For securing a 29 percent net increase in 2013 in fundraising efforts for research and patient services through her passionate resolve over 17 years to rid the world of blood cancers.

GEORGENE MONGARELLA

CHAIRMAN, Gift of Life Inc.

For leading efforts to fund a pediatric hospital in Jamaica, screening more than 60 children in Kosovo resulting in 36 cardiac surgeries, funding more than six surgeries in such foreign countries as South Korea, Italy and Israel, and for her steadfast commitment and joy in saving children's lives.

KAREN MORSTAD

FOUNDER, Karen Morstad & Associates L.L.C.

For leading her marketing and branding firm to position many companies as industry leaders through strategic branding and targeted communications campaigns, and providing pro bono marketing services to worthy causes.

CAMILLE F. MURPHY

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Women's Research and Education Fund

For taking her long-term government experience with women in government and presently aiming to fill gaps in essential services for women and children, and the development of services for women veterans.

KRISTIN OKESSON

MARKET MANAGER, Connoisseur Media Group

For using her broadcast professional experience of many decades to provide, with her team, community contributions valued at more than $1 million dollars while managing the sale and transfer from Cox to locally owned Connoisseur Media finishing 2013 with superior results in ratings, revenue and cash flow.

AMY PAULIN

ASSEMBLYWOMAN, New York State Assembly

For serving full time as a legislator for seven terms as a strong advocate for the people of the 88th district, and for authoring 15 bills in 2013, which were signed into law, the most important ensuring that human trafficking victims who are 16- and 17-year-olds will be treated as victims instead of criminals in order to get the services they need.

MARLA PERSKY

FOUNDER, WOMN L.L.C.

For launching a company dedicated to helping women succeed in law after a successful career as a corporate counsel and officer who also led efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

JILL RATNER

PEDIATRIC DOCTOR, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, Hands Up For Haiti Foundation,

For her initiative in founding, in 2010, after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, a foundation to bring sustainable change to medical care in Haiti, all the while performing as a pediatric doctor in Westchester for more than 28 years.

BENAY RUBIN

CREATOR, She3 Well-Fitness Boutique

For her recent creation of a facility in Fairfield County to provide women with strength, health and empowerment through a path of female-focused fitness, healthy eating and living programs.

PAULA SARAIVA

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER, People's United Bank, White Plains

For diligently working, achieving respect and performing as a liaison for the Peoples Community Foundation since 2011, which afforded her with the first Community Champion award in 2013.

MIA SCHIPANI

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH, The Palace Theatre

For successfully helping to launch, in 2013, the second Hotel Zero Degrees in Norwalk, while working for RMS Companies, headquartered in Stamford, and for her enormous energy, community and business efforts and nonprofit leadership as a volunteer for many worthy causes.

CORNELIA SECKEL

CO-FOUNDER, ART TIMES

For culminating 30 years since co-founding her publication, which has had an impact on the creative world and continues to nurture writers, help artists find galleries and further their careers, and collectors find artists.

SOPHIE SILVERMAN

CO-FOUNDER, A New Chance Animal Rescue

For rescuing dogs since 9 years old and in 2011, at age 15, co-founding her organization, which has saved almost 200 dogs, for pursuing now to film a documentary on high-kill shelters in America and the steps that can be taken to become a no-kill country.

JOAN SIMON

SALES, Admiral Real Estate Services Corp.

For maintaining active roles in the real estate industry for more than 20 years with license to practice in New York state and Connecticut.

PATRICIA SIMONE

VICE PRESIDENT, Leasing and Operations, Simone Development

For leading, in 2013, the development of the first new office building in Westchester County in more than 25 years - a new four-story, 85,000-square-foot medical office building in Purchase, pre-leased in its entirety to WESTMED Medical Group and expected to be ready for occupancy in the first quarter of 2015.

MARGO STEVER

FOUNDER, The Hudson Valley Writers' Center

For her award-winning works as an author and poet and founding editor of Slapering Hol Press, which in 2013, initiated its publication of "Seven New Generation African Poets" with Prairie Schooner and the Poetry Foundation.

ALLISON STOCKEL

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Ridgefield Playhouse

For utilizing her background in broadcast and cable television production and multimedia firms over the past 20 years, in addition to booking talent and managing budgets for the Ridgefield Playhouse as a volunteer on its board, leading the organization to enjoy-enormous success.

LEA TAL

FOUNDER, Tal & Associates

For founding in 2006, after a successful health care career, a Westchester-based health care search firm, which works nationally and is still growing with a team of more than 20 recruitment professionals.

PATRICIA A. VALENTI

PRINCIPAL, Newmark Grubb Knight Frank

For admirably representing tenants and owners in the Westchester and Connecticut region in commercial real estate for more than 25 years; consulting for numerous prominent corporations, government agencies and retailers; and in 2013, negotiating and closing more than 100,000 square feet of commercial space with a transactional value of $11.87 million.

Copyright:	(c) 2014 Westfair Communications
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