In celebration of our annual Women’s Issue, we’re honored to spotlight a group of inspiring women who are shaping our community through creativity, leadership, and connection. From business owners and innovators to digital creators and community builders, these women are leaving a meaningful mark on Greenwich and beyond.
Penny Goffman is an innovative entrepreneur, speaker, stylist, writer, and devoted mama, known for her ability to connect and empower women. In her recent role as Head of Community at HeyMama, she supported working mothers by fostering relationships across the country through engaging events and curated connections, enabling them to grow both their networks and net worth.
What is your top career lesson?
Always take the meeting. You never know who knows who and where a meeting may lead you. It could be that month, that year or even long term down the road. That one singular meeting is a kickoff to a new relationship that can grow & connect you in ways you never imagined.
How do you overcome challenges?
Flexibility & Creativity. I'm a Type A, extremely efficient and organized personality but when it comes to challenges it's pivotal to embrace the issue at hand, and be nimble. The worst thing you could do is spend time and energy on what ifs, what if I did that differently. The show must go on, and a forward thinking, creative attitude is critical. With the cards that are dealt, how can you make the best hand? What creative approaches can you map out to overcome and even thrive. This requires flexibility and pivots. The less red tape, the better!
What’s one habit or routine that helps you maintain balance and productivity?
Movement, period, end of story. I have consistently worked out at least 4 days/week since I was 22 years old, now 45. There is nothing that gets in the way, not travel, no children, not my mood and certainly no excuses. I'm pretty cut throat about it. We're adults. You want to feel good, move your body baby. Don't take my word for it, the science behind movement is endless impacting every single aspect of our lives including focus and energy which are critical to entrepreneurial life.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My HUSBAND, hands down. My rock. My lover. My cheerleader. My mentor. My therapist. My best friend. My financier. My sounding board. The one who makes it all happen with and for me. I've had some crazy ideas, like being 5'2 and driving a 24 ft bus for my exited business Jolie Gotique with zero prior experience, and he never even flinched. Lots of talk about women not needing men, hear me roar type of mentality. Sure, I can roar but I need him and I'm perfectly proud to admit that.
What advice do you have for aspiring leaders?
My advice is twofold: Firstly, lead in the way you wish to be led. If you respond well to praise, feedback, reviews, thoughtful notes, thank yous, gifting, downtime, structure, team bonding - then ensure you are feeding your team these elements. Secondly, take a mirror to yourself. We all have strengths and weaknesses. We are put in that position for our strengths, but if we don't acknowledge our weaknesses the overall team or community will suffer. Leaders need growth, learning opportunities, mentorship and camaraderie with other leaders to thrive, develop and motivate their communities. A leader is only as strong as the team they lead - be the source of energy and inspiration.
Stacey Sears Higdon
Stacey Higdon is the President of the Junior League of Greenwich and has been a dedicated leader within the organization for 11 years. In addition she is on the Board of directors for the Greenwich skating club where she co-chairs the figure skating program. She holds a Master’s in Communications and a Bachelor of Commerce degree. With a diverse background spanning 12 years as a Brand Manager in the consumer packaged goods industry and five years as a television reporter, anchor, and producer, Stacey brings a wealth of experience in leadership, media, and strategic brand management.
What is your top career lesson?
Never stop learning. Identify one aspect of your job that excites you the most, then dive deeper—research, take courses, and become the workplace expert in that area.
How do you overcome challenges?
The Junior League is filled with intelligent, accomplished women, and I really believe two minds are better than one - when I hit a challenge I turn to these incredible women to overcome the challenge as a team.
What’s one habit or routine that helps you maintain balance and productivity?
Leading an organization means tasks can pile up fast. To stay ahead, I make sure to do at least one thing every day—even on weekends and holidays. Sometimes, it’s as simple as spending 5–10 minutes sending an email to keep a project moving. I also tackle small tasks and respond to emails right away whenever possible, otherwise your inbox can become overwhelming!
Who is your biggest supporter?
My biggest cheerleaders are my family, especially my husband and three kids. My 13-year-old and 10-year-old twins are always excited about my work with the Junior League and other organizations. They’ve even helped out many times, which is especially meaningful to me—I want them to understand the value of service and the impact of giving back.
What advice do you have for aspiring leaders?
Share your Vision, and the why! Then leading by example is key—you have to be willing to do the work alongside those you lead. It builds trust and reassures them that they’re not in it alone. Personally, I’m always more willing to follow someone when I know they’re in it with me!
Sonia Hedvat-Waters
Sonia has been deeply involved in philanthropy, supporting causes such as Greenwich Hospital’s Gala, the Old Bags Luncheon, Mothers for Others, the YWCA, Red Cross, and Save the Children. In New York City, she contributed to the Lincoln Center Junior Board, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Temple Emanu-El, while also supporting Greenwich public and private schools during her children’s time there.
A former model, Miss Puerto Rico Universe, and trained ballet dancer, Sonia’s career took her globally. She founded Son-Ya, a design brand sold in top boutiques, and served as Head Designer for Barney’s New York private label, managing high-fashion boutiques across the Tri-State area.
What is your top career lesson?
My top career lesson is that success is built on resilience and self-trust, not just talent and intelligence. It’s about learning from failures, adapting, and moving forward with determination while keeping ego in check. Balancing passion and humility is key to long-term growth, both professionally and personally.
How do you overcome challenges?
I remind myself that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, allowing me to embrace it fully. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by a remarkable group of women, near and far, who are not only brilliant, loving, and successful but also my unwavering support system. Their strength and encouragement help me stay focused on the bigger picture and break problems down into manageable steps. I am deeply grateful for their unconditional love and support in all I do.
What’s one habit or routine that helps you maintain balance and productivity?
One habit that helps me maintain balance and productivity is setting clear priorities and boundaries. I plan my days carefully, ensuring I make time for work, volunteering, and family… although not always in that order. I also make sure to carve out time for friends and self-care, always finding happiness in everything I do.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My children inspire me every day to be the best version of myself. Their belief in me, their love, and even their challenges push me to grow and lead by example.
My late husband was my/our biggest supporter, and his wisdom, humor, and life experiences continue to guide us… we remind each other of him daily. Lat but not least My girlfriends, who are like family, through thick and thin!
Tell us your favorite inspirational quote/words to live by:
My father’s last words before he lost his ability to speak were: “Always be humble and appreciative.” Those words stayed with me/my family, and their meaning has only deepened over time. True success is found in the legacy we create… through the love we nurture in family, the values we uphold in business, and the lives we uplift through generosity.
What advice do you have for aspiring leaders?
From my father, I learned to lead with integrity and empathy. True leadership isn’t about power… it’s about inspiring and empowering others, listening, and making decisions that benefit the greater good. His quiet philanthropy as a doctor in Mexico and Puerto Rico showed me that kindness, humility, and action create lasting impact not only on who you help but on those around you too!
Jennifer Openshaw is a nationally known financial leader, author, and CEO of Girls With Impact, the nation’s leading online Business Leadership training for young women. Her expertise and national reputation as a financial innovator have made her a valuable ally in the media — from “Oprah,” “ Dr. Phil” and “Today” to CNN, Fox and CNBC.
Jennifer personally understands the challenges of many Americans. At the age of 7, she cared for her younger brothers as her mother worked two full-time jobs as a waitress to make ends meet. At the age of 14, Jennifer took on her first job as a maid in a motel and later held multiple jobs to put herself through college.
In 2000, Jennifer was named one of the Internet’s 25 Rising Stars as a result of her work as CEO and founder of Women’s Financial Network, a company created as a result of her experience in the industry and as the “Money Expert” for KCBS-TV in Los Angeles. The company was acquired by Wall Street legend Muriel Siebert (NYSE: SIEB).
What is your top career lesson?
Never eat lunch alone.
How do you overcome challenges?
I’ve created a personal board of advisors that I speak regularly with and go to for advice.
What’s one habit or routine that helps you maintain balance and productivity?
I tackle the toughest tasks in the earlier part of the day and strive to hold key meetings by 2pm. This creates mental momentum, a sense of accomplishment, and a lighter afternoon load for any family or personal needs.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My husband.
Favorite...TV show, book, podcast (pick one!)
Podcast, The Huberman Lab, focusing on science-based answers to improve your health in all facets from parenting to strategies to create more mitochondria in your body.
Quote: If there’s a will, there’s a way.
What advice do you have for aspiring leaders?
Move outside your comfort zone. Try new and tough things to build your confidence and skills.
For more information on Girls with Impact visit girlwithimpact.org