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.
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 features testaments to the possibilities of the future and the progress we as a community have made in supporting girls and women.
ONE MISSION. FOUR DAYS. LIMITLESS IMPACT.
18th Annual Stepping Up for Girls Week-Long Virtual Celebration
November 10 – 13, 2020
A week-long virtual celebration of women’s leadership and girls’ empowerment in Central Massachusetts.
Missed the event? Check out the recordings on our YouTube page.
2020 WI HONOREES
Lois B. Green Leadership Award: Liz Hamilton, Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
Meridith D. Wesby Young Leader Award: Chantale Zuzi, Burncoat High School
Special Recognition: Helen M. Shuster and Allan E. Johannesen
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 Knoles | Vianna Mercedes |
| 2019 | Kathleen Orengo | Elizabeth Oluokun |
Lead Sponsor:
Corporate Sponsors:
Little House Capital
UMass Memorial Health Care
Support Sponsors:
Assumption College
Bay State Savings Bank
Becker College
Coghlin Electrical
Cornerstone Bank
Fallon Health
Fidelity Bank
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Networking Sponsors:
College of the Holy Cross
Kerri A. Melley – Commonwealth Financial Group
LLB Architects
Main Street Bank
National Grid
Saint-Gobain
Seven Hills Foundation
Carol and Michael Sleeper
UniBank
Webster Five
Worcester State University
Media Sponsors:
WICN Public Radio
Worcester Business Journal
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 an auction of designer purses and engage with like-minded supporters.
2021 details coming soon!
Watch all the fun from our 3rd Annual Power of the Purse virtual event on June 30, 2020.
2020 SPONSORS
Lead Sponsor:
Support Sponsors:
Becker College
Coghlin Electrical
Cornerstone Bank
Fallon Health
Fidelity Bank
Marketing Sponsors:
Media Sponsors:
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
Main Street Bank
Seven Hills Foundation
Carol and Michael Sleeper
Webster Five
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.
