Women of Impact
Save the Date
We invite you to virtually celebrate these amazing and impactful 8 women on January 28, 2021 from 6:30pm-8:00pm.
The event will feature virtual networking, a presentation featuring our honorees & sponsors, as well as a new and exciting addition to the program!
This event will be free of charge and live streamed through the REMO platform. The event link will be made available HERE a week before the event. If you would like the link sent directly to your email, please RSVP by clicking the link below.
RSVP’s must be submitted by January 25, 2021 at 5:30pm.
When BusinessWest decided a few years back to create a new recognition program to honor women in this region, one big decision involved what to call it. ‘Women in Business’ would have been one obvious choice, though it might have left out some women making a difference in the community outside the business world. ‘Women Leaders’ was another option, and that certainly describes all those we’ve honored over the past three years.
But ‘Women of Impact’ was the right call — because there are so many different ways to make an impact and create positive change in the world. And in a year when people are more stressed, worried, and overwhelmed than ever before, we desperately need to hear about women who are improving quality of life and moving the needle in a positive direction on any number of important issues facing society.
In short, we want to show the variety of ways that people, and especially women, can be impactful. We were successful with that assignment in our first two years, and the stories for this year’s third cohort are equally meaningful — and inspiring.
Nomination requirements and information
Nominations are closed for 2020 consideration. Click HERE to be directed to the online nomination form to submit for 2021 consideration.
Nomination Deadline: Aug. 13, 2021, 5 p.m.
For sponsorship information contact:
Kate Campiti 413.781.8600 (ext. 104) [email protected]
Kathleen Plante 413.781.8600 (ext. 108) [email protected]
Scenes from the Dec. 9, 2019 Luncheon
2nd Annual Women of Impact Awards
2019 Women of Impact Honorees
Tricia Canavan, President, United Personnel Services
Carol Moore Cutting, President, CEO, and General Manager, Cutting Edge Broadcasting
Jean Deliso, Principal, Deliso Financial Services
Ellen Freyman, Partner, Shatz, Schwartz & Fentin
Mary Hurley, Massachusetts Governor’s Councilor
Lydia Martinez-Alvarez, Assistant Superintendent, Springfield Public Schools
Suzanne Parker, Executive Director, Girls Inc. of the Valley
Katherine Putnam, Managing Director, Golden Seeds
2019 Co-emcee
Taylor Knight joined 22News in July of 2018 as a multimedia journalist. Currently, Taylor is the co-anchor of the 22News weekday morning newscasts and a reporter for the 22News I-Team. Before arriving in Springfield, Taylor was a reporter for FiOS1 News in New Jersey. Taylor began her career as a multimedia journalist in Connecticut, covering news and sports in Fairfield County. Taylor earned her B.A. in broadcast journalism at Temple University in Philadelphia. During college, she interned at WFSB in Connecticut and NBC Sports Philadelphia. In her free time, Taylor enjoys spending time with her dog, running, and watching the Philadelphia Eagles. She is excited to now be “Working for You!”
2018 Women of Impact Event
More than 400 people turned out at the Sheraton Springfield on Dec. 6, 2018 for BusinessWest’s inaugural Women of Impact luncheon. Eight women were honored for their achievements in business and with giving back to the community. Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito attended and offered remarks on subjects ranging from advancements in STEM education to a host of bipartisan efforts at the State House. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno also offered remarks. The keynote speaker was Lei Wang, the first Asian woman to complete the Explorers Grand Slam.
See the 2018 Women of Impact Program Flipbook HERE
The 2018 Women of Impact Honorees:
• Jean Canosa Albano, assistant director of Public Services, Springfield City Library;
• Kerry Dietz, principal, Dietz Architects;
• Denise Jordan, executive director, Springfield Housing Authority;
• Gina Kos, executive director, Sunshine Village;
• Carol Leary, president, Bay Path University;
• Colleen Loveless, president and CEO, Revitalize Community Development Corp.;
• Janis Santos, executive director, HCS Head Start; and
• Katie Allen Zobel, president and CEO, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
2018 Women of Impact Honorees
Celebrating the 2018 Women of Impact
Scenes from the Women of Impact Event
More than 400 people turned out at the Sheraton Springfield on Dec. 6 for BusinessWest’s inaugural Women of Impact luncheon. Eight women were honored for their achievements in business and with giving back to the community. Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito attended and offered remarks on subjects ranging from advancements in STEM education to a host of bipartisan efforts at the State House. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno also offered remarks. The keynote speaker was Lei Wang, the first Asian woman to complete the Explorers Grand Slam.