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 Darien and New Canaan.
1) Michele McCallion Ayoub - Private Wealth Advisor & Senior Vice President-Wealth Management at UBS
Michele is a Private Wealth Advisor and Senior Vice President-Wealth Management at UBS with offices in Greenwich, CT, and New York City. Michele’s expertise includes working with women in life transitions, such as a career change, loss of a spouse and divorce, helping them maintain financial security.
What is your top career lesson?
As a Private Wealth Advisor, I have learned to not only work hard, but to work smart, and to have a long-term perspective. Perseverance is key. Staying determined and patient, even in the face of setbacks, will lead to eventual success and personal growth.
How do you overcome challenges?
I maintain a positive mindset and seek support from my network. A friend shared this with me: Grit with Gratitude and Grace, Optimism, and Patience. I remind myself to practice GOP when life seems difficult.
What’s one habit or routine that helps you maintain balance and productivity?
Incorporating exercise, good nutrition, and a positive mindset helps me maintain balance. Understanding the importance of prioritizing and delegating tasks helps me manage my time efficiently and ensures I allocate time for both work and personal activities, which is key to maintaining balance.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My family – my husband, my son, and my daughter. I am privileged to have the opportunity to be a working mother and partner. My family is the first to celebrate my successes and encourage me when I face disappointment.
Favorite pastime?
I enjoy cooking and gardening. My tulip garden is a celebration of motherhood and friendship. Every year, I invite friends to gather in my backyard and pick from the 4000 tulips in my garden. I encourage guests to bring baby supplies which we donate to the Malta House in Norwalk. I cut the remaining tulips and donate them to Staying Put in New Canaan which distributes them to the seniors in the community. I am a Dame in the Order of Malta, a Catholic lay religious order dedicated to serving the poor and the sick around the world.
QUOTE:
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
Advice for aspiring leaders
My advice for aspiring leaders is to listen actively and communicate openly with your team. Building strong relationships and trust is essential for effective leadership.
2) Nora Ochoa de Ellis - Founder Manager Partner Visual Art Sur Gallery
1. What is your top career lesson?
I used to be romantic—letting life flow, trusting in the natural course of things. I believed that if you poured your heart into something, everything else would align. I’ve learned that passion without boundaries only flourishes when built on mutual respect, not just goodwill. I’ve evolved. I’ve also learned to set my limits, and choose my battles.
2. How do you overcome challenges?
One remarkable example for me is María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan political leader who has fearlessly fought for democracy despite facing persecution, threats, and political bans. Her unwavering courage demonstrate that standing up for what you believe in is a necessity.
3. What’s one habit or routine that helps you maintain balance and productivity?
The news. knowing everything that is happening in the world makes me feel connected to reality and allows me to observe how the world changes writhing the hour. Staying informed keeps me grounded about how history is being shaped in real time.
4. Who is your biggest supporter?
My three sons. Their love is unwavering, and their presence in my life is a constant reminder of the power of unconditional love. Having raised them with values rooted in love, equity, respect, and empathy, I see those very principles reflected in the way they support and uplift me.
5. Favorite TV show?
Friends. Because it’s the perfect mix of life’s little chaos.It’s reminds me that no matter what happens—bad dates or job struggles —everything is better when you have people who truly get you. Plus, who doesn’t love a show that proves coffee shops are basically group therapy sessions?
6. Tell us your favorite inspirational quote/words to live by.
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.”– Amelia Earhart
7. What advice do you have for aspiring leaders?
“In the fable Alice in Wonderland, there is a phrase that may be appropriate. Standing before the King, the White Rabbit asks him, ‘Tell me, Your Majesty, where should I begin?’ To which the King gravely replies, ‘Begin at the beginning, and then go on until you come to the end… then stop.’”
3) Fatou Niang - Founder of S.T.A.R. and Real Estate Agent
Fatou Niang is a Luxury Real Estate Advisor and is also the founder/CEO of Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.). Fatou is also the mother of two children, including two time NFL Super Bowl winner Lucas Niang with the Kansas City Chiefs.
What is your top career lesson?
Teamwork. From my first job as an art salesperson at a gallery on Champs-Élysées in Paris to my time in PR at Disney, and now as both a Luxury Realtor and the Founder/CEO of STAR (Stand Together Against Racism) in New Canaan, I’ve learned that success is never a solo journey. Collaboration is the driving force behind meaningful accomplishments—it pushes me to grow, strive for excellence, and make a real impact.
How do you overcome challenges?
I focus on the end goal with a positive mindset. Visualizing success gives me the strength to take that first crucial step. Dwelling on the challenge itself only leads to paralysis, while action leads to solutions.
What’s one habit or routine that helps you maintain balance and productivity?
I used to start my day by immediately checking my phone, allowing stress to dictate my morning. Now, I take 5–10 minutes to simply be present—expressing gratitude for the new day before the inevitable chaos begins. Once I step out the door, stillness is rare, so I cherish that moment of mindfulness.
Who is your biggest supporter?
My family—both by blood and by choice. My friends and loved ones see more in me than I sometimes see in myself, and their unwavering support gives me the strength to keep going. I can always lean on them, and that means everything.
Favorite book?
Books have always been my greatest source of wisdom. My grandfather’s collection, including Amkoullel, l'enfant Peul, opened my eyes to rich storytelling, and later, Toni Morrison’s God Help the Child deepened my love for literature.
Favorite Quote:
“[Race] is both an empty category and one of the most destructive and powerful forms of social categorization.”
What advice do you have for aspiring leaders?
Leadership isn’t about titles, ranks, or positions—it’s about action and service. It’s about showing up for your community, your team, and the causes that matter to you. True leaders use their voice to uplift others—so don’t be afraid to let yours be heard.
4) Tina McCann - Sr. Director, National Accounts at Sarepta Therapeutics
Tina is a Biotechnology professional with a with offices in Cambridge, MA. Tina’s focus is on improving the lives of people living with rare diseases.
What is your top career lesson?
My career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries has spanned over thirty years.. I've pursued roles where I can make a positive impact, helping to improve the lives of those inflicted with debilitating or rare diseases. Sarepta is a global biotechnology company focused on precision genetic medicine. Every day is an opportunity to stand up for patients to ensure access to FDA-approved therapies. Throughout my career, I have learned the value of being dedicated to helping others. I incorporate this purpose into many aspects of my life.
How do you overcome challenges?
Overcoming challenges is a significant part of my job description. I am accustomed to staying patient while being strategic and persistent when faced with difficult situations. I recently met one of the boys and his family at an event after he received treatment and the smile on his face was special.
What’s one habit or routine that helps you maintain balance and productivity?
Spending time on philanthropic endeavors helps maintain balance and productivity. As co-chair of the St. Jude Children’s Research annual fundraising gala (Connecticut) in 2023 and 2024, I have been able to enhance my organizational and fundraising skills, meet new people, and raise money for a great cause. I had the opportunity to tour St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis and the experience was fulfilling. I left inspired and impressed by the research and work that takes place to help patients and families through a devasting diagnosis and treatment plan. The 2025 gala is taking place May 2nd at Westchester Country Club and I hope to see you there!
Who is your biggest supporter?
My biggest supporter is my family and of course my pups! My husband and I have rescued several dogs over the years, and we currently have two small breeds who add so much joy and laughter to our family. Through our pet industry business, N-Gage Brand, we make every effort to support the great work that rescue organizations provide.
Favorite TV show?
I recently came across a series, Virgin River, on Netflix. It’s like a Hallmark series with an edge, and it’s a great way to relax and wind down after a long day.
Quote:
Life is not a race.
Advice for aspiring leaders
Lead with purpose, passion, and integrity.