Join this can't-miss nonpartisan program to:

• Discuss the impact women make on communities when they are elected to public office.
• Hear from women leaders currently serving in public service roles about what they are accomplishing, why they decided to serve, and the challenges they face.
• Discover how to get involved in the process of electing women and even becoming a candidate for office yourself.
• Network in person with influential women leaders from across Connecticut.

Agenda:

RSVP in advance at the link above.

Speakers

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz has served as the 109th lieutenant governor of Connecticut since 2019. She previously served as the 72nd Secretary of the State of Connecticut from 1999 to 2011 and was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1993 to 1999. She continues her commitment to economic growth which made her a leading voice for Connecticut residents and small businesses while she served as Secretary of the State. As Secretary of the State, she helped thousands of businesses grow, registered thousands of voters, cut bureaucratic red tape, honored veterans, and fought to keep elections fair.

Caroline Simmons was elected Mayor of Stamford, CT in 2021 with the goal of making Stamford a more equitable, inclusive, affordable, and vibrant city for its residents. In 2014, Caroline Simmons was elected to represent Stamford's 144th house district. She was appointed to be the chair of the Commerce Committee in her second term and successfully introduced, led debate, and helped pass over 16 bipartisan business bills on the House Floor. She is a passionate advocate for women and minority-owned businesses and has helped pass legislation to provide more grants and access to capital to entrepreneurs and startups and to support small businesses and job growth across Connecticut.

State Rep. Christie Carpino proudly represents the 32nd district. The residents of Cromwell and Portland re-elected her to a 7th term in November 2022. Carpino has been appointed to continue her service as the House Republican Caucus Chair. She currently serves as the Ranking Member to the Regulation Review committee. Additionally, she serves on the Government Administration & Elections, Public Health, and Legislative Management committees. Christie advocated for increased employment opportunities and resources for those with disabilities, improving veterans’ services, supporting our first responders, protecting our children, and making Connecticut more affordable. She is also a strong advocate for women’s rights. In 2023, Carpino was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls.

Michele Scott is a Tribal Councilor for the Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation. She chairs the Tribe's Economic Development and Health & Human Services Committees. Prior to being elected to Tribal Council, she served as the Executive Director of the Health Education Center, Inc. (HEC) of Connecticut. Councilor Scott currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Public Health Association, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, Tribal Leadership Council, and Co-Chair of Women United. Councilor Scott is appointed as a delegate for the National Institutes of Health’s Tribal Advisory Committee, Office of Minority Health’s Advisory Committee on Minority Health, and Administration for Children and Families Tribal Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the Connecticut Chapter of the International Women's Forum. Councilor Scott is an enrolled citizen of the Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation and is equally proud of her Eastern Pequot, Narragansett, Shinnecock, and Black ancestry.

Judy Casperson is a banking and investment professional. She has a long history of community and non-profit service which led her to serve 8 years as a Town Councilor and Chair of Human Services. Judy is a trailblazer as the first person of color elected in West Hartford. Judy is the founder and CEO of Casperson Consulting focusing exclusively on Leadership Development and Financial Coaching. She also serves on the program committee of the International Women's Forum Connecticut.