Based in WBDC’s new downtown Hartford women’s business center, Concilia “Cece” Ndlovu will manage WBDC’s programs and services for the organization’s
Capitol Region

STAMFORD, Conn. — The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is pleased to announce Concilla “Cece” Ndlovu as its new Program Manager, managing and delivering WBDC’s programs and services for the organization’s Capitol Region, which includes Hartford and Tolland Counties. In her role, Ndlovu will continue to build strong community relationships and support women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses throughout the Greater Hartford area.

A women entrepreneur herself, Ndlovu is ideally positioned to thrive in this role to advocate for and cultivate women throughout the region as they start or grow their businesses. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Cece to WBDC as she steps into this pivotal role of leading programs and services from our newest office in Hartford,” said WBDC Founder and CEO Fran Pastore. “Cece’s personal journey as an entrepreneur and her experience in economic development and finance gives her incredible insights into the challenges and opportunities facing women entrepreneurs. I am confident she will prove to be a valued resource for empowering and supporting women business owners across the region.”

While studying at Trinity College, Ndlovu and her sister co-founded Diverse Au Pairs. Based in her hometown in South Africa, the organization empowers young women by providing opportunities to participate in cultural exchange programs in the United States. 

Before joining WBDC, Ndlovu built a strong and diverse resume spanning banking, marketing, real estate, alumni relations, and business development. Most recently, she served as an economic development specialist for the Town of  Manchester.

Ndlovu holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, magna cum laude, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Urban Planning, both from Trinity College in Hartford. She is currently pursuing an MBA with a focus on Project Management.

About the Women’s Business Development Council

The Women’s Business Development Council’s (WBDC) mission is to support economic prosperity for women and strengthen communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services that create and grow sustainable jobs and businesses across Connecticut. WBDC educates, motivates, and empowers women to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. Since 1997, WBDC has educated and trained nearly 20,000 clients in all of Connecticut’s 169 towns—helping women to launch, sustain, and scale over 14,700 businesses, create and maintain more than 33,800 jobs in Connecticut, and access $63.7 million in capital. Since 2020, WBDC has provided more than $11 million in grants to help fuel growth in small businesses throughout Connecticut. Visit ctwbdc.org for more information.