By Valentina Toro
Contributor
Women in the fields of business, education and entrepreneurship were celebrated at the university’s School of Business and Women in Leadership Academy EmpowerHer! celebration on Oct. 28.
This year’s honorees included Heather LaTorra of Marrakech, Inc.; Dina Natalino of New Haven Public Schools; Vee Adusei of VASE Management LLC; Jessica Sager and Janna Wagner of All Our Kin, Inc.; and Alisa Bowens-Mercado of Rhythm Brewing Co.
Each was recognized for demonstrating resilience, leadership and dedication to their fields.
“It’s humbling, and it’s an honor to be awarded here as an honoree because it lets us know that women’s compassion and mission is still impactful,” Bowens-Mercado said.
Held in the School of Business, the event brought together students, faculty and local business leaders to honor women whose leadership continues to inspire change across their communities and industries.
The celebration featured a fireside chat with Sen. Christine Cohen, who spoke about the importance of women’s voices in leadership and business. Cohen shared insight from her work as both a legislator and small business owner, emphasizing the need for women to advocate for themselves and others.
Assistant Director of the Women in Leadership Academy Lisa Marotta said that EmpowerHer! reflects a broader goal to celebrate women’s accomplishments while also acknowledging the challenges they face.
“When women rise, we all rise. That is our message here today,” Marotta said. “It’s important to break down barriers. It’s important that we recognize that there are so many women who are making a difference.”
Finance major Jennifer Borucki, a senior and the student president of the Women in Leadership Academy, said the event served as a reminder of how local leaders can inspire students to pursue ambitious goals.
“We want to recognize local women who exemplify leadership,” Borucki said. “Some of these women are working in fields that aren’t necessarily what you would consider traditional.”
Borucki said that by hearing from women in STEM fields, they will receive a sense of empowerment and motivation to follow a similar non-traditional path.
“Seeing these women being recognized for the hard work they put in really promotes a sense of just inspiration,” Borucki said.
Dean of the School of Business Jess Boronico echoed that message, noting how inclusivity and representation are central to the school’s mission.
“The School of Business believes in recognizing people from all backgrounds and creating an inclusive community,” Boronico said. “Seeing women achieve this progressively is inspirational because we strive to see all underrepresented groups achieve that type of recognition.”
The celebration served not only as recognition of outstanding leadership but also as a call to action for continued progress. Looking ahead, organizers said they plan to expand programming that supports women in leadership roles.
“We do professional enrichment throughout the year, all sorts of community service,” Marotta said. “In the spring, our signature event will be called Game Changers, and will highlight women who are in the business of sports.”
