Women-Owned Business Day 2023

Invited State Leaders

The Honorable Ned Lamont, Governor

The Honorable Susan Bysiewicz, Lieutenant Governor

Co-Chair: The Honorable Patricia Billie Miller, State Senator, Deputy President Pro Tempore

Co-Chair: The Honorable Heather Somers, State Senator, Chief Deputy Republican Leader

The Honorable Martin Looney, State Senator, Senate President Pro Tempore

The Honorable Bob Duff, State Senator, Senate Majority Leader

The Honorable Kevin Kelly, State Senator, Senate Republican Leader

The Honorable Matt Ritter, State Representative, Speaker of the House

The Honorable Jason Rojas, State Representative, House Majority Leader

The Honorable Vincent Candelora, State Representative, House Republican Leader

Remarks from our Title Sponsor

Zahra Ben Ammar, Executive Director- Business Banking Area Manager, JPMorgan Chase

WBDC Client Testimonials

Amy Kenkel, Co-Owner, Leaps & Bones LLC

Giovanna Quispe, Owner, Rise and Shine Nursery & Pre-K Academy

Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream

A groundbreaking documentary-style film produced by the U.S. House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth. Narrated by EMMY® award-winning actress Sarah Jessica Parker, this first-of-its-kind movie features three true stories from across the country of what it means to find economic security in America, as well as the diverse paths people are taking to get there.

Reflection on Grit & Grace: Overcoming Barriers to Economic Security for Women Entrepreneurs

Panelists:

The Honorable Beth Bye, Commissioner, Office of Early Childhood (OEC)

Erin O’Brien Choquette, Chief Executive Officer, CT Paid Leave Authority

Alexandra Daum, Commissioner, Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)

Giovanna Quispe, Owner, Rise and Shine Nursery & Pre-K Academy; WBDC Client

Laurie Surprenant, Co-Owner, Leaps and Bones; WBDC Client

Moderator: Fran Pastore, Chief Executive Officer, WBDC