WBDC Honours Five Women Entrepreneurs at 2026 Women Rising Gala

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) held a Women Rising Gala with over 600 people in attendance at Hyatt Regency Greenwich. In this event, eight distinguished personalities were awarded owing to their professional achievements and contributions towards the growth and development of their communities.

Two individuals among the awardees include two outstanding women leaders who received the Impact Award. Susan Muigai, the Chief People Officer at Mastercard, received this award along with Dr. Katherine Saunders, the co-founder of FlyteHealth and obesity medicine physician at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Key Highlights:

• WBDC honoured eight individuals at its 2026 Women Rising Gala in Connecticut
• Five women entrepreneurs received Women Rising Awards for their business achievements
• More than 600 attendees gathered to celebrate women's entrepreneurship and leadership

Five women entrepreneurs won the Women Rising Awards for their entrepreneurial endeavors and accomplishments in business. Avery Beamon of CrAves by Aves of Manchester; Sarah Gromko of GromKo, Voice PLLC of New Haven; Danielle Lutsky of Plantidote Foods of Norwalk; Gloria Montoya of My Little World of Meriden; and Oddette Staple-Brown of Oh D’Luxe Candle Company of Bridgeport received these awards.

David Wezdenko, founder and CEO of venture capital firm Blue Leaf Ventures received the Patricia Billie Miller Award for Outstanding Community Service in appreciation for his contribution to community service.

This year saw the biggest turnout at the gala of WBDC as it brought together entrepreneurs, business people, politicians, legislators and community stakeholders. The all joined hands to honor the accomplishments of Connecticut women entrepreneurs and all those supporting them to set up their businesses and scale them up.

Fran Pastore, founder and CEO of WBDC said, “The overwhelming support we saw at this year’s celebration sends a powerful message: when we invest in women-owned businesses, we invest in stronger communities, new opportunities, and a more prosperous future for our entire state.”

“We’re proud to honor these remarkable individuals and grateful to the businesses and civic leaders who continue to champion our mission.” she added on.

The WBDC Impact Award identifies people who played a part in achieving economic equality and increasing prosperity. Their contributions, visionary efforts and dedication towards the WBDC's vision have been pivotal. The award is a token of appreciation to those individuals that help build an economy that is inclusive and provides ample opportunities to women.

The Patricia Billie Miller award was named after the legendary Connecticut State Senator Patricia Billie Miller and is given to people who inspire others to reach their goals through community service. Women Rising award on the other hand is an award that recognizes clients of WBDC for their entrepreneurial spirit, business success and perseverance. This year's awardees have been selected based on their diverse range as per the business scene in Connecticut.

Through these various awards, WBDC continues to work on boosting women entrepreneurship in Connecticut. It is also reflective of the collective efforts put in by business leaders, community groups and other stakeholders in order to empower women to develop their businesses.