Women Honored at YWCA Darien/Norwalk Luncheon

The YWCA Darien/Norwalk honored six women at the 5th Annual Women of Distinction Awards and Luncheon on May 29, 2014 at Woodway Country Club, where over 160 were in attendance. The distinguished honorees were: Jenny Schwartz, Mary Genco, Rhonda Kiest, Patricia Phillips, and Maryann Lehmann, MD.  Sloane Bessey was honored as a Young Woman of Distinction, recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of a woman under 21 years of age.

The Women of Distinction Awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of local women in the community and acknowledge their outstanding contributions. CT State Representative Terrie Wood presented official State of Connecticut General Assembly citations and Special Certificates of Recognition from Congressman Jim Himes, recognizing each of the honorees. Whitney Ball provided insight into each woman prior to the award presentations.

 “These women’s accomplishments demonstrate that they truly are pioneers, role models, leaders and mentors. They embody the YW's mission of empowering women.  We are grateful that this annual event continues to be embraced by the community as demonstrated by the number of remarkable women who are nominated each year, the support of the event by former honorees and the many attendees at the event,” stated Heather Cavanagh, executive director of the YWCA Darien/Norwalk.

Local sponsors made the event possible and the YWCA Darien/Norwalk would like to extend sincere thanks to Title Sponsor, William Raveis Mortgage Real Estate and Insurance; Gold Sponsor, Darien Rowayton Bank; Silver Sponsor, Baywater Properties; Bronze Sponsors, Allstate & The Life Solution Center of Darien; and Persimmon Sponsor Helen Ainson. The event was co-chaired by Julie Forsyth and Marilu Cleary. To find out more about the YWCA Darien/Norwalk visit ywcadariennorwalk.org or call 203-655-2535.

The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving women the support and tools they need to transform their lives, be confident in their choices and raise healthy families.  Its national mission, eliminating racism and empowering women, translates locally into a vision to create opportunities for growth, leadership and empowerment for all women and families. The YWCA Darien/Norwalk is located at 49 Old King’s Highway North in Darien, CT.  For more information, please visit www.ywcadariennorwalk.org or call 655-2535.