Get Involved
The Women’s Initiative hosts annual fundraising and member events to drive awareness of our philanthropic and leadership group, highlight our support of adolescent girls, and raise funds to increase our impact.
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TUESDAYS WITH WI – DEI Speaker Series Kick-Off
Tuesday, November 29th; 5-8PM
Nuestra – Bull Mansion
Download Tuesdays with WI invitation
Join us for good food, networking, and conversation!
The Women’s Initiative is launching its first-ever Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Speaker Series with the purpose of celebrating diversity, honoring local women leaders, educating members, and creating opportunities for role models and mentorship in the community.
Inaugural Guest: Laxmi Bissoondial, Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Worcester State University
Moderated by: Stephanie Williams, Chief Diversity Executive, Mount Wachusett Community College
5:00PM – Doors Open
5:30PM – DEI Conversation with Laxmi
6:30PM – Latin Dance Instruction by Ritmos Dance Studio
Appetizers courtesy of Women’s Initiative. Cash bar.
Stepping Up for Girls
A celebration of women’s philanthropy, leadership, and empowerment of adolescent girls, Stepping Up for Girls is the Women’s Initiative’s signature fundraiser to support future programming. The event highlights our funded programs, celebrates local women leaders, and the positive impact we as a community have made in support of girls and women.
20th Annual Stepping Up for Girls Celebration
Tuesday, October 18, 2022; 5-7PM
Off The Rails (90 Commercial Street, Worcester)
View 2022 event photos on Women’s Initiative’s Facebook page.
2022 WOMEN’S INITIATIVE AWARD HONOREES
Lois B. Green Leadership Award
Shauree Allotey
Director of Operations, Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
Meridith D. Wesby Young Leader Award
Morgan Johnson
Student and Social Justice Activist
Leadership Awards
The Women’s Initiative co-founders, Lois Green and Meridith Wesby, were leadership role models for many young women and their vision was to strengthen young girls and empower women. Named in their honor, the Lois B. Green Leadership Award and Meridith Wesby Young Leader Award recognize female leaders in our community.
WI Leadership Award Past Recipients
| YEAR | GREEN LEADERSHIP AWARD | WESBY YOUNG LEADER AWARD |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Val Loring | Monaye Leathers |
| 2007 | Marcy Reed | Katarzyna Koscielska |
| 2008 | Marianne Felice, MD | Iris Sanxhaku |
| 2009 | Suzanne Patton | Hanh T. Lam |
| 2010 | Colleen O’Brien | Andrea Siemaszko |
| 2011 | Patty Eppinger | Dianara Nagrone, Shaleah Morgan, Yalitza Garcia |
| 2013 | Maureen Binienda | Sabbatina Konadu |
| 2014 | Susan Mailman | McKenzie Gratton |
| 2015 | Phyllis Pollack | Tereza Ngendahoruri |
| 2016 | Maureen Gray | Katherine Esparza |
| 2017 | Patsy Lewis | Darhianys “Lula” Bethancourt |
| 2018 | Lucia Knowles | Vianna Mercedes |
| 2019 | Kathleen Orengo | Elizabeth Oluokun |
| 2020
2021 |
Liz Hamilton
Linda Cavaioli |
Chantale Zuzi
Génesis Márquez Campos |
20th Anniversary Year Sponsors
20th Annual Stepping Up For Girls Sponsors
Lead Sponsor:
Corporate Sponsors
Bank of America
Little House Capital
National Grid
Saint-Gobain
Seven Hills Foundation
UMass Chan Medical School
Unum
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Support Sponsors:
Bay State Savings Bank
Coghlin Electrical
College of the Holy Cross
Cornerstone Bank
Fletcher Tilton
Fontaine Bros.
Imperial Distributors
Main Street Bank
Marketing Sponsor:
Power of the Purse
Power of the Purse is a fun evening of camaraderie and solidarity to ignite positive change for women and girls. Enjoy a live and silent auction of designer purses and bag packages while networking with like-minded supporters.
6TH ANNUAL POWER OF THE PURSE
SAVE-THE-DATE: June 6, 2023; 5-7PM
Location TBD
View 2022 event photo album on our Facebook page.
5th Annual Power of the Purse Sponsors
Lead Sponsors:
Corporate Sponsors:
Anna Maria College
Koopman Lumber
Saint-Gobain
Support Sponsors:
Avidia Bank
Bay State Savings Bank
Bowditch & Dewey
Cornerstone Bank
Fletcher Tilton, PC
Fontaine Bros.
Food and Wine Sponsor:
Lamoureux Pagano Associates | Architects
Marketing Sponsor:
Media Sponsors:
Seven Hills Foundation
UMass Chan Medical School
UMass Memorial Health
Imperial Distributors
JCassand, Inc.
Main Street Bank
Kerri A. Melley – Commonwealth Financial Group
Pathways for Change, Inc.
UniBank
Webster Five
Worcester State University
Member Celebrations
The Women’s Initiative hosts member events throughout the year to give thanks to the hundreds of annual members and meet new supporters. Join our mailing list or follow us on FaceBook to get information on our next member event.
