The mission of the Women’s Business Council is to develop and enhance the personal and professional growth of women in the Greater Danbury community and to further inspire and celebrate women through a collective network of guidance, education, support, and leadership.
The WBC was formed to create a framework of like-minded, professional women in order to learn new information, share experiences, and network to reach our fullest potential. The WBC offers unique opportunities to meet and benefit from the collective voices of women who share their successes, challenges and needs with each other in open, friendly, and nurturing environments.
“It is a privilege to be a member of the Women’s Business Council and part of an organization that is a supportive and collaborative powerhouse of our community’s vibrant female leadership.”
Andrea Gartner, Owner
Pour Me Coffee & Wine Café, Danbury, CT
Conversations, now in its seventh year, is a powerful platform to share the insights and intellect of extraordinary women who have made an impact, and inspire others to do their part and take action. Amongst others, the moderated panel discussion has featured Gretchen Carlson (former Fox News anchor, women’s advocate and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2017), Teresa Younger (President & CEO, Ms. Foundation for Women), Rita Cosby (Journalist/Author), Madonna Badger (Badger & Winters, #WomenNotObjects), Carolyn Miles (CEO Save the Children), Linda McMahon (newly appointed SBA Director), Nancy Armstrong (Producer, MAKERS Women Who Make America), Candace Bushnell (Author, Sex and the City), Holly Dowling (Inspirational Thought Leader and Donna Palomba (Founder, Jane Doe no More).
This much-anticipated event draws an average audience of 400 (primarily) businesswomen, plus local and state dignitaries and representatives. In addition, invites are always extended to a youth contingency from the local high schools and universities to give girls and young women the opportunity to hear firsthand from women who are helping to shape the world and to empower them as they pursue their journeys to womanhood.
Click here to view images from past events.
The purpose of the Heart of Women Award is to recognize women who have made a difference, inspired others and forever positively impacted the lives of those in the community. These special women have demonstrated the spirit of creativity, innovation and initiative by responding in a proactive manner to an issue, concern or event that effect the lives of others. Her actions reflect her passion and personal commitment of time, talent or treasure on behalf of others, and she has demonstrated leadership in coordinating volunteer efforts of individuals or groups for fundraising, special events, programs or services that benefit the community and inspired others to get involved, take responsibility, or assume leadership in order to effect positive change.
Nominee must be a female who either resides, works or whose impact has been felt in the Greater Danbury region - Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield and Sherman. All nominations received will be reviewed by members of the WBC Heart of Women Selection Committee. The Award recipient will be determined by majority rule.
Heart of Women Award Recipients:
2017 - Patricia Zachman, Women’s Center of Greater Danbury
2016 - Dawn Blom, DPZ Dawn's Pizzazz
2015 - Julia Horne, Principal, South Street Elementary School
2014 - Linda Anderson, The Scotty Fund
2013 - Wilda Hayes, Ann’s Place
2013 - Pat Llodra, Newtown First Selectman
2013 - Janet Robinson, Newtown Superintendent of Schools
2012 - LouAnn Bloomer, TBICO
2012 - Marie Hatcher, Matthew’s Hearts of Hope
2011 - Jane Martellino, Yes! Grace Rocks
Click here to view the award criteria and to nominate a woman who has made a difference.
Click here to register for this years Heart of Women Award Reception.
Click here to view images from past events.
Working together, the WBC Steering Committee develops vital programs and events to provide opportunities for continued growth and success. The Committee is comprised of dynamic and successful business women from the private, public, and non-profit sectors who want to help empower women in the course of their careers to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.
Ventura Law
Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce
Deloitte
Community Action Agency of Western CT
Comcast Spotlight
Regional YMCA of Western CT
Tribuna Newspaper
The News-Times
The NY-CONN Corporation
Danbury Fair Mall
CT Kitchen & Bath
Boylan Chiropractic
Pour Me Coffee & Wine Café
William Pitt Sotheby’s Int’l Realty
TD Bank
Law Offices of Melanie P. O’Brien
Church Hill Classics
Yamin & Yamin, LLP
