Event banner for GWI Trailblazer Gala with the tagline 'Investing in the Next Generation'.

COCKTAILS ⎸ DINNER | AUCTION

Join us as we spotlight why women are the answer to growth –
and why investing in the next generation matters now.

Date: February 26th, 2026 ⎸ 6 PM

Venue: Greenwich Country Club, 19 Doubling Rd, Greenwich, CT

Reserve your Tables & Tickets Here
Become a Sponsor
Maureen Polo, CEO of Hello Sunshine wearing a patterned dress standing in front of a yellow background with the words "hello sunshine" in white letters.

Featuring a conversation with Honoree Maureen Polo, CEO, Hello Sunshine, the media company founded by Reese Witherspoon behind hits like Big Little Lies and The Morning Show

Three attendees at GWI's annual Trailblazer Gala
Group of nine women and men, dressed in formal attire, gathered around a table at the GWI Annual Trailblazer Gala.
Indra Nooyi, former Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, with a guest at the GWI Annal Trailblazer Gala.
Guests at the GWI Annal Trailblazer Gala.
Guests at the GWI Annal Trailblazer Gala.
Guests at the GWI Annal Trailblazer Gala participating in the auction.

About the event

At GWI’s 6th Annual Greenwich Signature Event, we celebrate the women blazing new trails — and the next generation rising to follow. This premier evening brings together leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of business, culture, and opportunity, all while supporting business and leadership education for young women.

Our keynote conversation with Maureen Polo, CEO of Hello Sunshine, will explore lessons from her trailblazing career in entertainment and media; strategies for driving purpose-driven growth and representation; and what’s ahead for storytelling, women’s empowerment, and cultural impact.

Together, we’ll honor the women redefining what’s possible — and fuel the futures of the young women ready to lead next.

Create pathways to success for young women in the workplace and beyond.

•

Create pathways to success for young women in the workplace and beyond. •

Donate background.png

GUEST OF HONOR

Maureen Polo, CEO of Hello Sunshine, wearing a white sweater sitting on a brown leather chair against a black background.

Maureen Polo, CEO, Hello Sunshine

Maureen Polo is the CEO of Hello Sunshine, the storytelling powerhouse founded by Reese Witherspoon to put women at the center of every story. In addition to its award-winning TV and film slate—including Daisy Jones & The Six, Big Little Lies, and The Morning Show—Hello Sunshine is home to Reese’s Book Club, a global community celebrating women-centered stories through monthly picks and the podcast Bookmarkd; Shine Away, an immersive live experience that celebrates women’s stories, creativity, and connection; and Sunnie, a new media, lifestyle, and experiential brand built for and by the next generation of young women, spanning real-world experiences, mentorship, digital zines, book clubs, and more.

An award-winning executive with over two decades of experience leading high-growth media brands, Maureen was named CEO after driving major expansion as Head of Direct-to-Consumer, where she oversaw social, editorial, marketing, communications, and brand strategy—connecting millions of women through storytelling and community.

The evening also features a performance by the Greenwich High School Chamber Singers!

A champion for women’s voices in media and innovation, Maureen embodies the impact Girls With Impact strives to create: proving that when we invest in women, we unlock innovation, economic growth, and a more equitable future for all.

  • Our 10-week academy teaches young women business skills and gives them tools to tackle life and their careers, leading to outcomes such as work and college readiness, 90% increase in confidence, and professional growth.

  • Students connect with experienced business mentors for guidance and support as they develop and activate strategies to move towards a successful career.

  • The Career Accelerator is a 4-session program designed to train young women, aged 18-24, with the skills to build a professional reputation, expand their network, and confidently navigate the challenges of early career life.

  • GWI students have access to additional learning videos, career resources, and an opportunity to join the GWI Ambassador Program, Creative Club, or Teen Advisory Board to expand their knowledge and build their resume.

Reserve your seat for a night that fuels real change.

  • Sponsorships, Tables, and Tickets available

  • All proceeds benefit scholarships and program growth

  • Not able to attend? Please consider donating!

Your support fuels the following GWI programs:

Thank You to our Sponsors

Sponsorship Opportunities

Amplify your impact

A neon sign displays the word 'Trailblazer' with a glowing effect and a pastel color palette. The sign has a layered outline and a black background with the words 'SOLD-OUT' in bold black and white at the top.

  • Lead the movement. As Presenting Sponsor, your company receives top recognition across all platforms and a speaking moment on stage.

    • 1 Premium Front-Row Table for 10

    • On-Stage Speaker Role for Executive

    • "Trailblazer Presenting Sponsor" Recognition on:

      • Printed & digital invitations

      • Website, press, and all media promotion

      • Event screens and printed program

    • Emerging Leader Award for an employee (on stage & in program)

    • Full-Page Recognition in Printed Program

    • Presenting Sponsor Feature in Post-Event Recap

The word 'Innovator' written in a light, glowing script on a beige background with a slightly irregular shape.

  • Stand at the forefront of innovation and impact.

    • 1 Premium Front-Row Table for 10

    • Verbal Recognition from Stage

    • "Innovator Sponsor" Recognition on:

      • Website, invitations, media promotions

      • Event screens, printed program, and post-event content

    • Emerging Leader Award for an employee (on stage & in program)

    • Company Highlight in Post-Event Recap

Glowing neon sign with the word "Pioneer" in cursive.

  • Support the next generation of pioneers.

    • 1 Premium Table for 10

    • Emerging Leader Award for an employee (on stage & in program)

    • "Pioneer Sponsor" Recognition on:

      • Website, digital invitations, event screens

      • Printed program and post-event recap

Luminary logo with a neon-style glow effect in light yellow and pink colors.

  • Shine a spotlight on your commitment to the future of leadership.

    • Preferred Table for 10

    • Recognition on website, event screens, printed program, and post-event recap

The word 'Impact' written in a neon-style font with a glowing effect in light orange and yellow tones.

  • Demonstrate your impact through mission-aligned support.

    • Table for 10

    • Recognition on website and event screens

The word 'Advocate' written in glowing, neon-style script with a warm yellow and orange color, outlined with multiple glowing layers.

  • Join the movement and bring others into the conversation.

    • Table for 10

For more information, email Shannon King at shannon.king@girlswithimpact.org

Hear From Our Students

  • A young woman who participated in GWI programming.

    “Attending the Gala was a great experience, especially meeting so many strong female peers. I was inspired by each woman’s variety of experiences, and I am grateful to have had to opportunity to speak with them.”

    Evelyn Woo, Columbia University, Class of 2028

  • Jayla Thomas, Manager, Accounts & Partners at GWI

    “GWI started as an extracurricular activity to strengthen my college applications, but its outcomes have rippled into every facet of my life. I gained real business fundamentals—SWOT analysis, financial planning, business strategy—that set me apart in business school and made me feel confident enough to lead my family in launching our own business."

    Jayla Thomas,
    Howard University School of Business Graduate ’24
    CEO, Thomas Family Taste

  • "Being a part of Girls With Impact showed me just how passionate I was about business and how eager I am to pursue it on a higher level. Developing my own idea start to finish was exhilarating and so rewarding after winning the Ignite Competition."

    Isabella Zapata, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Questions or Sponsor Interest?

Email partner@girlswithimpact.org. We’ll get right back to you.