2025 event Archives - BusinessWest

Scenes from the 2025 Women of Impact Event

By BusinessWest Staff December 10, 2025

Special Coverage Women of Impact 2025

View the Photo Gallery from the December 9 Celebration at the Twin Hills Country Club

BusinessWest has long recognized the contributions of women within the business community and created the Women of Impact awards in 2018 to further honor women who have the authority and power to move the needle in their business, are respected for accomplishments within their industries, give back to the community, and are sought out as respected advisors and mentors within their field of influence.

Go HERE to view the 2025 Women of Impact Digital Section

The eight stories below demonstrate that idea many times over. They detail not only what these women do for a living, but what they’ve done with their lives — specifically, how they’ve become innovators in their fields, leaders within the community, advocates for people in need, and, most importantly, inspirations to all those around them. The class of 2025 features:

Tara Brewster

Vice president of Business Development and Director of Philanthropy at Greenfield Savings Bank

Ayanna Crawford

President of AC Consulting and Media Services

Tracy Friedenberg

Executive director of Bacon Wilson, P.C.

Rania Kfuri

Vice president for Philanthropy, Sales, and Marketing at Glenmeadow

Chelsea Kline

Executive director of Cancer Connection

Angelina Ramirez

CEO of Stavros Center for Independent Living

Amanda Sanderson

Executive director of Resilience Center of Franklin County

Sarah Rose Stack

Lecturer of Public Relations at UMass Amherst

Photos by Bob Zemba, Simple Truth Imaging

Presenting Sponsors

Partner Sponsor

32nd Annual Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer

By Adam Basch, Esq. July 29, 2025

In partnership with the Baystate Health Breast Network and Baystate Health Foundation, the Rays of Hope Walk & Run raises funds to benefit research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, breast cancer programs and services, outreach and education, and awards grants to various community support programs and organizations right here in Western Massachusetts. Since 1994, Rays of Hope has been committed to improving the breast health of people in our communities with quality and compassion. The Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer has grown from 500 to over 20,000 participants and has raised over $17.7 million for our community. The event includes a 2- and 5-mile walk, 8K run, survivor ceremonies, and entertainment, creating a vibrant and memorable experience for all. Breast cancer survivors and supporters are encouraged to register as an individual or as a team to fundraise and help spread awareness for breast cancer care and resources located right here in Western Massachusetts. Please visit our website at www.baystatehealth.org/raysofhope to learn more about the event and to create a fundraising team! This is a great way to engage employees and customers while supporting a cause that is near to so many in our community.

Brew at The Zoo

By Adam Basch, Esq. July 14, 2025

Join us for a day of 21+ fun at The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center, presented by PeoplesBank! This event features tastings from your favorite local breweries, a home brew competition, live entertainment, food trucks, a raffle, and of course, animal interactions. Brew at The Zoo runs from 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2nd, with a special hour-and-a-half of up-close animal encounters for VIP ticket holders starting at 12:00 p.m.. Visit forestparkzoo.org/brew to purchase tickets and learn more!

Know Before You Go: A valid ID is required for all attendees and will be checked at the gate. No one under 21, including designated drivers, will be permitted inside The Zoo on Saturday, August 2nd. All ticket sales are final. This event is rain or shine, and no refunds will be issued in the event of rain.

Will Bike 4 Food

By Ryan Leary July 9, 2025

Will Bike 4 Food (WB4F) is back for its 15th year!
Join us on Saturday, September 21st at the Lion’s Club Pavilion in Hatfield, MA for a day of cycling, community, and compassion. This beloved annual event raises critical funds and awareness for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, helping to combat food insecurity across the region.

Thanks to the generous support of our 2025 presenting sponsor, Stop & Shop, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever!

Ride Options for All Levels:
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a fun day out with the family, there’s a ride for you:

Century Ride (100 miles)
Half Century Ride (50 miles)
Quarter Century Ride (25 miles)
Family Fun Rides (12 miles & 4 miles)
Ride Virtually:
Can’t make it in person? No problem! Registered riders can also participate virtually by completing their miles anytime during Hunger Action Month (September).

Event Highlights:
-Scenic routes through the Pioneer Valley.
-Post-ride celebration at the Lion’s Club Pavilion sponsored by Five College Movers.
-Food, music, and family-friendly activities.
-Opportunities to connect with fellow riders and support a great cause.
-Every mile you ride helps provide meals to neighbors in need. Come pedal toward a hunger-free future!

Bingo in the Berkshires

By Ryan Leary July 9, 2025

Join us for Bingo in the Berkshires on Wednesday, July 31st at Greylock WORKS—an evening of bingo fun and great food, all to benefit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and games begin promptly at 6:00 PM. Enjoy ten rounds of bingo hosted by the one and only Molly Keehn, the Bingo Queen.
Your $35 ticket includes bingo cards for all ten games, snacks, and a delicious meal provided by Guido’s Fresh Marketplace. All proceeds from the event will support the Food Bank’s mission to reduce food insecurity across Western Massachusetts.
If you have any questions, please contact our Event Coordinator, Risley Dudley, at [email protected].

Get your tickets today at:
https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/registration-form/?formId=8739f5c2-4c0a-4413-b2e5-03238d71b584&envId=p-IpqDzpUJ20Ghw3nIpqVB8w&zone=usa

Scenes from the 2025 40 Under Forty Event

By BusinessWest Staff June 20, 2025

40 Under 40 Class of 2025 Event Galleries Special Coverage

View the Photo Gallery of the June 19, 2025 Event Here:

[Show thumbnails]

Event Photography by Underwood Photography

40 Under Forty was launched in 2007 to honor young professionals in Western Massachusetts, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries. Many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial opportunities.