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2026 GWI Annual
Trailblazer Gala
Over 300 supporters gathered at the Greenwich Country Club for Girls With Impact’s 6th Annual Trailblazer Gala, an inspiring evening celebrating women’s leadership, storytelling, and the power of investing in the next generation. With an auction, raffle, and paddle raise, the event benefited GWI’s mission to equip young women with the confidence, skills, and network to lead, raising over $523,000 in support of our programs.
The night’s highest honor, the 2026 GWI Trailblazer Award, was presented to Maureen Polo, CEO of Hello Sunshine, in recognition of her commitment to elevating women’s stories and expanding opportunity for girls. In her remarks, Maureen underscored the importance of preparing young women to step into their power, sharing: “The most important thing that the next generation of girls can be doing is building their confidence. It takes the readiness to go out in the world and explore…That’s why I think Girls With Impact is such an incredible organization, because it’s lifting these girls up and saying ‘here are the tools you need and here’s the space for you to figure out who you are and how you’re going to make the world a better place through your leadership’.”
GWI Founder Jennifer Openshaw sat down with Maureen for a powerful conversation about storytelling as a tool for change and why women’s voices must be centered in media and culture.
We were also proud to recognize this year’s Emerging Leaders: Teresa Yu (Eagle Point Credit), Alex Ceren (Fiduciary Trust), and Maddie Stow (TD Securities)—leaders helping shape a more equitable future through their professional impact and community engagement. The evening included moving remarks from GWI Grads, who shared firsthand how GWI has helped them build confidence, find their voice, and step boldly into what’s next.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Eagle Point Credit, and to every sponsor, donor, and attendee who made this night possible. Because of you, more girls will gain access to the training, mentorship, and community they need to become the trailblazers of tomorrow.
The evening’s success underscored the power of investing in the next generation, ensuring more young women have the tools to tell their stories, build confidence, and drive change.
Thank you to all our sponsors, speakers, and attendees for their generous support.
Julie Lenehan, Trailblazer Honoree Maureen Polo & Tom Lenehan
Attendees at the 2026 GWI Trailblazer Gala
Amanda Carcich, Thomas Majewski
Attendees at the 2026 GWI Trailblazer Gala
Table Hosts Jenny Lee and Samuel & Karen Choi with their guests.
Emily Hanlon, Maria and Marc Magliacano
Saila Shah, Lindsey Katalan, and GWI Co-Chair Ayesha Khan
GWI Program Graduate Rashana Weerasinghe
GWI Program Graduate Ahmya Andrea
Mike and Nadine Finnerty, Jen Fishman
Sekou and Jennifer Kaalund, Joe Kelly
Pat Lunka, Laurie Jeffrey
Lisa Quackenbush, Charlotte Shropshire, Linda Petrone
Participants in the paddle raise contributing to GWI's mission.
GWI Founder & CEO Jen Openshaw
