GIRLS WITH IMPACT EXPANDS REGIONAL BOARDS WITH 21 DYNAMIC LEADERS FROM CONNECTICUT & NEW YORK
PRESS RELEASE
October 21, 2025
Greenwich, CT – The national non-profit Girls With Impact (GWI), the leading business and leadership training program for young women, today welcomed 21 dynamic leaders from across Connecticut and New York to its two Regional Boards.
The new regional board members will help propel GWI’s growth from having prepared 20,000 young women and girls for the workforce to more than 50,000 by 2030 with a focus on its homebase of Connecticut and neighboring New York.
“Amid their busy lives, these extraordinary leaders from Connecticut to New York put GWI and our future at the top of their impact agendas,” said Jennifer Openshaw, GWI’s Chair & CEO. “Thanks to them and their commitment, the next generation of young women will have a chance to reach their potential and help us drive equal opportunity and influence in business.”
GWI’s mission is to close the gender gap in business by equipping young women with the skills, confidence, and networks to succeed. According to McKinsey, without significant intervention, it will take another 50 years for women to achieve equal representation in business leadership. GWI aims to accelerate that timeline by creating a pipeline of diverse, skilled leaders.
Since its founding, GWI has delivered rigorous, real-world business and leadership training to nearly 20,000 young women nationwide. More than 90% of graduates report greater leadership confidence, and many go on to launch businesses, pursue STEM careers, and secure internships and scholarships at top companies and institutions.
The addition of these 21 new board members underscores GWI’s momentum and the critical role of community leadership in fueling its mission to reach tens of thousands more young women by the end of the decade.
GWI’S NEW YORK REGIONAL BOARD MEMBERS ANNOUNCED:
Lorraine Hariton (New York, NY)
Former CEO, Catalyst
“Girls graduate from college at higher rates than men. We must ensure that girls are prepared for the workforce, as they play a key role in the economic vitality of the 21st century and America’s competitiveness. GWI is leading on this front– that’s why everyone should support them.”
Sarina Huang (New York, NY)
COO, Corporate Affairs, Citadel
“Supporting GWI is deeply personal to me because it levels the playing field for girls and young women through programming I wish I had access to. Too often, girls receive outdated messages that limit their potential, and GWI helps rewrite that narrative. This work is essential not just for women’s advancement but for the strength of our businesses and society as a whole.”
Monika Mazur (New York, NY)
Partner, BlinkRx & McKinsey
“Investing in girls’ leadership at an early age not only helps shape future leaders for our communities, but also creates more confident, self-assured women who know their worth. Girls With Impact is providing the access and mentorship I wish I had earlier, and I’m excited to help expand that impact.”
GWI’S CONNECTICUT REGIONAL BOARD MEMBERS ANNOUNCED:
Martha Brown (Greenwich, CT)
Brand Strategy & Communications Specialist, EY Leader (Ret.)
“GWI fills a critical gap between the classroom and the business world by sparking young women’s know-how, insights, and confidence about pursuing career passions and possibilities. Every employer should partner with this organization.”
Leslie Cafferty (Greenwich, CT)
Chief Communications Officer at Booking Holdings
“The work GWI is doing is critical to a thriving economy and a better world. I’ve watched GWI grow since its inception. As I travel the world as a leader in tech, I can tell you there is no organization as effective in resolving gender inequities in the corporate realm as GWI.”
Karen Choi (Greenwich, CT)
Partner, The Capital Group
“You cannot be what you cannot see. That’s why GWI is essential. The organization provides role models for all young women, which enables them to see what is possible and dream big.”
Nicole Enslein (Greenwich, CT)
CEO & Founder, Sublime Communications
“As a female founder and owner of Sublime Communications, I know firsthand the power of opportunity and representation. The chance to help pave a brighter path for the next generation of female leaders is deeply meaningful to me. Giving of ourselves to empower others is the most rewarding work there is, and serving on this board allows me to turn that belief into real impact.”
Robin Kencel (Greenwich, CT)
Real estate broker, Robin Kencel Team, COMPASS
“I remember finishing business school and being told we needed to step into the new world ready to compete with men–from dressing like them to working harder and smarter to ‘prove ourselves.’ We’ve made headway since then, but not enough - and that’s why GWI is essential.”
Ayesha Khan (Greenwich, CT)
GWI Co-Chair & Philanthropist
“As an executive, founder, and busy mom of 3 boys, I've seen firsthand the significance GWI is making to change the lives and level the playing field for women in business. I'm proud to dedicate my time and talent to an organization that is driving equal representation for women.”
Gina LaVersa (Greenwich, CT)
Co-Founder of Precision Capital Advisors
“I have been so inspired by the team at GWI. It is rewarding to be a part of the mission to help girls acquire skills and develop the confidence to dream, achieve, and thrive.”
Jenny Lee (Greenwich, CT)
Partner & Co-Head of Private Capital, Brigade Capital Management
“When I saw the impact GWI is having on young women, it made me think of the incredible mentors and sponsors who have supported and inspired me throughout my career. That network and support system is critical, and it’s something I want my own daughters to have.”
Julie Lenehan (Ridgefield, CT)
Executive Recruiter
“GWI has filled a crucial gap by focusing on young women and giving them the tools to understand how successful businesses are built and run. Thousands of girls have developed business plans and gained leadership and management skills through its programs. As an executive recruiter, I see GWI as an invaluable resource preparing the next generation to create and lead the jobs of the future.”
Linda Petrone (Greenwich, CT)
Founder & Managing Director, Sage Search Advisors
“As a woman in finance, I have seen the persistent challenges women face in achieving equal footing to their male counterparts. GWI’s programs equip girls with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to succeed in the professional world from a young age, which builds a more equitable future.”
Annie Ritchie (Norwalk, CT)
Chief of Staff, BiC
“I’m joining GWI to share lessons from my 20-year corporate career and my journey as a woman and working mother. My goal is to inspire and empower the next generation of women to thrive personally and professionally.”
Kristen Rivers (Greenwich, CT)
COO, SkyeGlobal
“I care deeply about GWI’s mission because I want our next generation to see a world where a woman’s financial independence is not something she has to defy odds for. By giving our girls resources early, we give them the choice to be resilient and committed to their careers on their own terms.”
Haley Rockwell (Greenwich, CT)
Managing Director, UBS Financial Services
“I’ve been deeply inspired by the stories of women whose lives have been transformed by GWI, gaining confidence and a jump-start in their business skillset. Having spent my career wishing I’d learned these skills earlier, and being a mother of two daughters in the workforce, I know firsthand how crucial the knowledge GWI teaches is in shaping one’s path.”
Mia Schipani (Stamford, CT)
CEO & Brand Strategist, Schipani PR
“Every young woman deserves the tools, confidence, and opportunities to land better jobs, build brighter futures, and step into leadership. When we level the playing field, we don’t just empower individuals — we strengthen communities and create a more equitable future. Girls With Impact provides the mentorship and training young women need to launch ideas, lead with courage, and thrive in today’s world.”
Nick Simmons (Stamford, CT)
CEO, Pursuit
“Girls With Impact is vital to Connecticut because it equips young women with the leadership and business skills to thrive in a changing economy. Through hands-on, project-based learning, GWI helps close gender gaps in entrepreneurship, innovation, and career readiness. As our state builds a more inclusive and future-ready workforce, GWI ensures that young women are leading the way toward a stronger, more equitable Connecticut.”
Natalie Stein (Greenwich, CT)
Global Head Commercial Counsel, Stackadapt Inc.
“Every young woman should have the confidence and skills to turn her ideas into action. By supporting GWI, I have the opportunity to help young women build leadership skills, resilience, and support the next generation of changemakers.”
Kristina Testa-Buzzee (Norwalk, CT)
Grant Performance Manager, Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy
“I was first introduced to GWI through my professional life, but the mission quickly became personal. Growing up in Norwalk, I had few female role models in leadership and saw the need for programs like this, especially for first-generation college students. Supporting GWI means helping ensure today’s girls have the opportunities I wish I’d had.”
Chelsea Woody (Greenwich, CT)
Business Development Consultant, Linda Hoffman Interiors
“Girls With Impact aligns perfectly with my commitment to creating leadership and educational opportunities for future generations of girls. Investing in girls' education and leadership skills creates ripple effects that benefit entire communities, promoting greater equity and opportunity. Being part of this organization allows me to contribute to meaningful change and help cultivate a new generation of confident, capable female leaders.”
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