STAMFORD, Conn. — The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) today announced two strategic staffing updates designed to strengthen the organization’s ability to support small businesses across Connecticut. Jennifer Garcia has been promoted to Child Care Program Director, and Jaclyn “Jackie” Carter has been appointed as the new Program Manager for the West Region.
Garcia, who joined WBDC in June 2025 as a Child Care Business Advisor, will step into her new role to lead programs and services specifically tailored to help early childhood businesses start, grow, and thrive. Carter, stepping in as Program Manager for the West Region, will oversee initiatives – including curriculum development and community engagement – that provide aspiring and existing business owners with the resources they need to achieve their goals.
“Jennifer and Jackie each bring valuable experience, strong community connections, and a deep commitment to helping entrepreneurs succeed,” said WBDC CEO Fran Pastore. “Jennifer’s leadership will continue to strengthen our support for Connecticut’s early childhood businesses, while Jackie’s background in program management and community engagement will help us expand access to resources for women-owned businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the western region.”
Jennifer Garcia, Child Care Program Director (photo)
Garcia brings more than 20 years of experience in business strategy, marketing, operations, and entrepreneurship, spanning corporate leadership, consulting, and small-business ownership. Prior to joining WBDC, she held senior leadership roles in direct-to-consumer and B2B organizations, including companies focused on serving educators, children, and families. A lifelong Connecticut resident, Garcia holds an MBA in Marketing from Sacred Heart University and a BS in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.
Jaclyn Carter, Program Manager, West Region (photo)
Carter brings experience in program management, learning and development, client engagement, training, and facilitation. In addition to her work supporting small businesses, she is the owner of Zumba with Jackie LLC, a community-centered fitness business launched in 2023 to bring people together through movement, connection, and wellness. Carter holds a BS in Psychology from Sacred Heart University and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from the Jack Welch College of Business.
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 over 22,700 clients across all 169 towns in Connecticut — helping women launch, sustain, and scale over 17,000 businesses, create and maintain more than 42,890 jobs, and access over $90 million in capital. Since 2020, WBDC has provided more than $20.6 million in grants to help fuel growth in small businesses throughout Connecticut. Visit ctwbdc.org for more information.
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