Inspiring individuals are everywhere in Westport. Look through the pages of this magazine in any given month and you’ll find incredible business owners, philanthropists, parents, experts, artists, and so much more. But once a year we have the great honor to look through your nominations to select the Women of Westport, and the resulting list is, to me at least, the most inspirational issue of the year. This year’s list consists of 12 incredible women, who represent the very best of the Westport, Weston, and Wilton communities with their giving and joyful spirits. Get to know the Women of Westport 2025 over these next 12 pages, and if you don’t see your favorite woman of Westport on this list, don’t forget to nominate her in 2026. (You can also email me now: sara.gayneslevy@citylifestyle.com. I will hang on to all nominations, I promise!) Congratulations to these remarkable women. -Sara Gaynes Levy, editor
Tara Welch, preschool teacher
There isn’t always glory in becoming an early childhood educator. But there should be— it’s a challenging, essential job that shapes our community’s children in vital and important ways. And Tara is exceptional among them: as one of her nominators put it, “she gets up every day to change the life of a child in this community.”
A joyful calling: “I originally went to school for criminal justice, but I began working at the preschool my son attended. It didn’t take long to realize the joy I had working with children, and feel that ‘I really love my job’ feeling. Having such an impact on their lives, even at such a young age— building trust, nurturing curiosity, fostering a love for learning—is the most rewarding job.”
Love for the community: “We moved to Westport two years ago. My favorite thing about raising my children in Westport is the opportunity for growth. The ability to have access to so many programs, both in and out of school. For my children to know that there are tools and resources to lead to their future, all while around some amazing families.”
A giving heart: “When I was young, I did pageants, and was crowned Olympic Miss Ambassador for Connecticut when I was six. I loved doing the fundraising, and at the end when the money was raised, standing with a check bigger than me and seeing all the smiles. I learned from a young age the importance of making a difference. I still love giving back to the community. I donate custom birthday packages to schools for fundraising, with personalized items (t-shirts, tumblers, tote bags), and was featured on News Channel 8 for the Easter baskets we donated. I don’t think there is ever a point where we can give back too much.”
Bridget Flynn, co-chair of the Compo Playground Organizing Committee and founder of Divine Organizing
“Being part of a community has always been important to me,” says Bridget, who was raised in Weston. She learned a volunteer spirit from her parents, who were involved in their local church, and particularly her mom’s work with the Weston Women’s Club. Her own Westport life has centered around helping others, whether it’s through the Westport Young Woman’s League, her role co-chairing the Compo Beach Playground Renovation Project, or her business helping people organize their homes.
A homecoming: “When I moved back after being away for ten years, I felt a bit like an outsider. As a single woman with no children and a solo business owner, I didn’t know many people. It can be an odd experience to connect to your hometown as an adult. That’s when I joined the Westport Young Woman’s League—I wanted to be part of something bigger. In the WYWL, I found what I was looking for: friendships, the opportunity to give back, and a deeper connection to my community. As a past president, I am honored to stand among the women before me who worked to make Westport a welcoming home for all.”
Organizing is healing: “ I’ve always loved helping people get rid of things; from a young age, I innately understood how our personal environments impact how we feel about ourselves. As an adult, I see that it also impacts our ability to move forward in our lives.”
Improving our town: “The year I was President of the Westport Young Woman’s League, I got involved in the Compo Beach Playground Renovation Project. WYWL has been involved in each iteration of the playground, so it was only natural that I step in to become co-coordinator, along with lifelong Westport resident Samantha Owades. We have been working with the Westport Rotary Club, who gifted the playground to the Town, and with residents who have lent their talents to update the playground’s safety, improve the layout, and make the playground more accessible. I have learned so much about what it takes to bring a community project to life. Seeing so many people come together for Westport’s families has been truly inspiring.”
Sharon Finkel, board-certified functional medicine health coach and breast cancer survivor
Facing cancer is a terrifying— and often lonely– place to be. When Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, the former immigration attorney says she found herself “searching for reassurance, hope, and real-life experiences from people who had been through something similar.” So, she became that lifeline for others, getting certified as a functional health medicine coach and walking away from her corporate career. She has been sharing about her healing journey—for mind and body— through public speaking and on her Instagram account, @an.earth.mama, ever since.
An unexpected calling: “I’ve always been a private person, so sharing my journey publicly wasn’t something I expected to do. But I realized that if sharing my own experience could help even one person feel less alone, then it was worth stepping outside my comfort zone. Around that time, I was selected to participate in Amplify Voices’ Speaker Training Experience and had the opportunity to give a stage talk, sharing my story with a live audience. This experience was a defining moment for me—it showed me the power of storytelling and how sharing openly could truly make an impact. Support from others who truly understand can make all the difference. If I can provide that for even one person, then I’m fulfilling my purpose.”
A legacy of service: “ My parents were Soviet immigrants who sacrificed so much to build a better life for us, and they instilled in me that connection and service are what really matter. No matter how little we had, they always found ways to help others. My mom passed away at just 52, and helping others feels like the most intuitive way to honor her.”
Her holistic approach: “The biggest shift has been my mindset. I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities to grow. That doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. But when I find myself in a dark place, I shift my focus to what is meaningful and good in my life. Before cancer, I saw health mostly through a physical lens—diet, exercise, the basics. Now, I understand that true wellness comes from alignment in mind, body, and spirit.”
Rachel Musa, founder of Dog Friendly Finds CT
When Rachel met her now-husband, he had a dog named Biggie, then 12. It was Rachel’s first time caring for a pooch— growing up, her father was allergic, so they never had one— but she and Biggie bonded immediately. Though Biggie has since sadly passed away, Rachel and her husband now have three dogs: schnoodle Weezy, Yorkie mix Usher, and and Schnauzer/Dachshund mix Nelly. Nearly three years ago, Rachel and her friends were looking for more dog-friendly places in Connecticut. Rachel started to keep track of her finds on an Instagram account, @dog_friendly_finds_ct, which has grown to more than 24,000 followers.
Helping fellow dog lovers: “I started the account to document where I was taking my crew. It was really meant as a place for me to keep track of our adventures. From there, my brother helped me design the website, which is home to 37 lists that are in categories (breweries, restaurants, shopping, etc.) and have restrictions listed by location (if dogs are allowed inside, weight restrictions, etc.). I wanted to make a user-friendly guide to make it easier for all dog parents to bring their fur babies along. I never dreamed that it would grow to what it is today.”
Labors of love: “All three of our dogs love attention, especially Weezy. Everywhere we go, he thinks everyone is there for him. He would be so happy to know he has so many fur-iends following along on our journeys. My favorite feedback is hearing that a family went on an outing we recommended and had an amazing time. I’m honestly just so happy that Dog Friendly Finds is helpful for others.”
Finding forever homes: “I have learned so much about rescues and shelters, and became involved with New England Puppy Rescue as a volunteer and foster. I also help out with FETCH Rescue. Our family has fostered over 30 dogs in the last year and a half. It is so rewarding being the first safe, loving home these puppies have, and watching them start to play and break out of their shells. All dogs deserve a loving and safe home.”
Mary Dobson, MA, LMFT, CEDS, CSTS, psychotherapist and founder/CEO of LIFT Wellness Group and LiftWell Health
Mary has a (much-deserved) reputation as a mental health innovator. She founded LIFT Wellness Group, a Westport-headquartered behavioral health specialty group in 2016, and launched LiftWell Health IOP/PHP in 2024. She was among the first to earn certification in systemic school-based behavioral health intervention services in the U.S. She is a certified eating disorder specialist, and won the 2023 Women’s Innovator Award through Westfair Business. “When founding LIFT, many didn’t understand what I was doing,” Mary says. “The concept of a multi-disciplinary specialty group to fulfill the physical, psychological, dietary, and behavioral needs of families across a continuum of care did not exist yet. Now, people [see] the value of our cohesive and integrative treatment model.”
A dynamic approach: “The mental health system in this country has come a long way over the past fifty years, and the sentiment [over that time] is clear: we cannot put individuals with mental health disorders in a bubble. We need to give them tools and support to achieve real-life recovery, with peer integration. I’m pleased to be building programs that are on the forefront of advancing behavioral health care into the future, like my partial hospitalization behavioral health day programs, where patients receive residential-caliber mental health services in comfortable, least restrictive environments.”
Self-care by caring for others: “Believe it or not, my work is my therapy. I have found purpose, and my place in this world through this work. Many of my richest friendships have been discovered through my professional life. I’m a big proponent of discovering meaning through service, and this is something we instill in our patients as well. Everyone has a calling, and when we find and execute that well, we enter into a state of flow and alignment that, for me, is self-care.”
National impact, local roots: “I am a lifelong local, and have had the joy of watching children I once treated grow up and become helping professionals themselves. Westport has embraced LIFT and LiftWell because we understand that our community values quality. I’m honored to be in a community of peers contributing substance, with style.”
Becca Zipkin, policy director at World Without Exploitation, and co-founder, OK to Delay Westport
Becca began her legal career as a special victims prosecutor (yes, like on Law & Order: SVU) while living in Brooklyn. In 2020, around the time she and her family moved from N.Y.C. to Westport, she transitioned to her current role at World Without Exploitation (WorldWE), a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to combating sex trafficking. Becca advocates for laws on the state and federal level that protect survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. In addition, she is one of the founding members of the Westport chapter of OK to Delay, an organization encouraging parents to delay smartphone and social media access until after middle school.
Inspired by those she advocates for: “I work closely with survivors of the sex trade. They are all so brave, and have been instrumental in advocating for changes to law and policy. Working with them is the most gratifying part of my work.”
A better future: “As an attorney working on issues around trafficking and exploitation, the vast majority of what I see has a nexus to the Internet. Young people are often recruited or groomed online. I realized that most other parents do not know what is out there because it is not part of their daily lives. I connected with Erika Brunwasser about OK to Delay, which already existed in neighboring Fairfield County towns, and we brought on our third town lead Nicole Glick to begin a chapter here in Westport. It's on us as parents to preserve childhood for our children.”
The specialness of our community: “Spending time with my husband Adam and my kids in Westport brings me so much joy. I absolutely love the people here—and I have to mention the women! I have made so many wonderful friends—women with whom I co-parent, travel, laugh with and learn from. I feel so lucky. Living in Westport has been my self-care. Taking a walk at Compo Beach with a friend or with my dog Izzy is the best way to improve my mood. I hope to continue to give back to our community that has given me so much.”
Liz McKay, owner, Feather & Fringe
Even as a kid, Liz was interested in beauty— she remembers hanging out at the pool in Pennsylvania where she grew up and charging her friends $10 to do their nails poolside. But about 11 years ago, she went all-in and became an aesthetician, and nearly three years ago she opened her Westport brow, lash, waxing, spray tan and makeup salon Feather and Fringe.
Beauty is powerful: “When I set out to open my own business, my mission was always to make people feel like their best selves. There’s so much pressure for people in this world. I want to give our customers one space where they can feel beautiful whatever form they’re in.”
Giving back: “Around the time I became an aesthetician, I had to restart my life. I was very fortunate to have a lot of people willing to help me, so I’m big on giving back. I love to give people a chance because everyone deserves it and everyone needs one! I’ve worked with local businesses, offering them a space to promote their work and their missions, done an adoption event with FETCH Dog Rescue, and we hosted a beauty event where we taught and did makeup for more than 30 women and teens from the Center for Family Justice. It was the most moving event.”
An inclusive workplace: “The environment I strive for is one where everyone can be themselves. I love what I do, and the people I work with, and my clients. I try and create that for my employees so they radiate that same feeling for their clients, and everyone leaves happy and fulfilled.”
Joanna R. Manfro, vice president of shopping centers at Matthews REIS™
There’s no better word to describe Joanna than dynamo. In her corporate real estate career, she specializes in shopping centers, and has closed more than $2.1 billion in deals— $100 million in Westport alone, in just the last year. She was named a 2024 rising star by her company, Matthews, but it’s pretty clear: Joanna has risen.
Raised with a work ethic: “At 13, [my mother] helped me create a resume from jobs I took on from family and friends, then dropped me off at an office in White Plains, instructing me to hand it to every law firm. That led to my first real job in real estate, working after-school, weekends, and summers filing and preparing closing documents. That exposure began my interest in the principal ownership side of real estate. I spent the last year of college working for a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) in Greenwich, which led to a 15-year journey across three REITs. These experiences instilled invaluable resilience and an understanding of market adaptability. I've learned that success hinges on understanding economic cycles and making informed decisions in uncertain times.
Always pushing forward: "If I could go back and give my younger self some advice, I'd say: 'Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Build real relationships with people you trust and who can help you along the way. And don't sweat the setbacks – they're just part of the journey. Find people who inspire you and learn from them, and don't forget to pay it forward by supporting other women. We're stronger together. And never be afraid to ask questions – that's how you learn and grow.'"
A strong example: “I try to make my kids see that loving your work leads to success. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate to the next generation, particularly young women, that they have a place in what has historically been a male-dominated industry. It’s about showing that success is achievable through hard work, strategic thinking, and a willingness to take calculated risks. If my journey can inspire even one young woman to pursue a career in commercial real estate, then that’s a legacy worth having.”
Arvia Few, founder and CEO of DOTTIE, professional matchmaker, and science-based relationship and dating coach
In 2020, during the COVID lockdowns and isolations, Arvia started to feel called to help the Black community form meaningful more relationships, particularly young professionals. The very next year, she and her family moved from Houston to Westport. The confluence of circumstances— the desire to facilitate connections combined with her newfound proximity to New York City, where her own daughter was already building a career as a young professional–led her to found DOTTIE, a space for young Black people to connect socially and romantically.
Born to make connections: “DOTTIE is named after my mother and grandmother, both named Dorothy. They were great connectors who moved intentionally within their communities. Many of the young people I work with realize they haven’t made getting into a relationship a priority. It brings me so much joy that they trust me, seek my advice, and come to DOTTIE events knowing they may meet their partner. The name DOTTIE also perfectly captures the idea of connecting all the dots in your life - your education, your career, your social life and your love life.”
Leading by example: “I have been blessed to be married for 28 years, and I understand firsthand the importance of marriage and partnership. I want the same for the next generation. The best dating advice I can give is to start by doing the work on yourself. Be clear about who you are, what you want, and understand your strengths and shortcomings. When you have done that, both your confidence and your ability to be vulnerable become attractive. Secondly, treat dating like it's your job. Be intentional and put yourself in places where you can meet like-minded people, whether through volunteering, professional networks, social gatherings, or community events.”
A true calling: “I absolutely love what I do, and what’s most gratifying is creating space for people to find the love they deserve. One of the things I’m most proud of is how DOTTIE has created space for young Black professionals to openly and vulnerably express their desire for relationships, something I don’t think was happening much before. Now there’s a real dialogue around it, and that shift is powerful!”
Ambar Zaatar, founder and owner, Wild Blueberry
After having twins in 2020, Weston-based Ambar found herself—like many parents—frustrated with the clothing options for young kids. “I realized how expensive it is to constantly buy clothes, especially knowing they’ll outgrow everything so fast,” she says. “Whenever I shopped secondhand, I often felt uninspired and overwhelmed by cluttered racks filled with fast fashion. But organic and eco-friendly options were pricey and hard to justify.” So the creative-minded Ambar ended up opening her own children’s boutique, Wild Blueberry in Redding, which sells a mix of new and pre-loved pieces “without the boutique price tag.”
A creative career: “I started my career as a visual merchandiser with brands like Jack Spade, Theory, and Casper. After having children, I found it challenging to return to the corporate world, but still craved a creative outlet. I began doing pop-ups and markets, which led me to Ridgefield Vintage & Thrift. That’s where I connected with Lauryn Soden of Stems + Co. After meeting for coffee, we decided to take a leap together on a space she found in Georgetown, leading me to where I am today: opening my own shop, a lifelong dream.”
Leading with grace: “Over time, I’ve realized that stressing over what I can’t control isn’t worth the energy. I try to focus on what I can do without putting too much pressure on timing. I’ve learned to work at a pace that makes sense for me—especially with three young kids! I also have an amazing support system of family and friends, and I wouldn’t be where I am without each and every one of them.”
Style is ageless: “While my own wardrobe isn’t overwhelmingly colorful, I love incorporating color and patterns into children's looks! I usually size up so pieces last longer, and mixing patterns is a fun way to keep the style playful while still feeling effortlessly cool. I’m especially drawn to novelty sweatshirts and jumpsuits (I also have a hard time resisting a chunky corduroy), often building outfits around them. I really enjoy the hunt [for inventory] and putting all the pieces together to tell a story, hopefully inspiring people to shop pre-loved for the little ones in their lives.”
Ashley Freeman, executive director of Horizons Sacred Heart University
Ashley describes herself as someone who has always loved learning, from her own time in the Westport Public Schools to her first teaching job in the Bridgeport school system. “Growing up in Westport meant having access to incredible educational and extracurricular opportunities,” she says. “As I got older, I became acutely aware that just a few miles away, many children were growing up with vastly different opportunities.” She transitioned from teaching to working full-time with Horizons Sacred Heart University in 2019, where she helps the nonprofit achieve their goals of “advancing educational equity in Bridgeport by creating opportunities outside of school that inspire the joy in learning, prepare students for high school, and provide strong bridges to post-secondary success.”
A whole-child approach: “Having worked in classrooms and seen firsthand how systemic inequities limit opportunities for students, I was drawn to Horizons because it does more than address summer learning loss; it creates a village of support for over 100 families and more than 300 children from Bridgeport. What keeps me committed to Horizons is the power of this community—our students, families, educators, and supporters—who reimagine what’s possible in education. Everyday, I see the direct impact of our work—children discovering their strengths, families feeling empowered, and communities growing stronger together. Horizons is more than a program; it’s a movement. I am honored to be a part of it.”
Lifelong bonds: “As an educator, you hope to plant seeds of inspiration, but you don’t always get to see them bloom. This is what makes Horizons so special. Our community enrolls children as early as pre-K and supports them and their families for over nine years.”
A giving spirit: “I credit my family for instilling in me a deep sense of responsibility toward others. I grew up surrounded by love and the example of hard work. My parents showed me that true commitment is about lifting up those around you. I learned that community is about showing up—not just when it’s convenient, but when it’s needed most. That lesson has shaped everything I do, from my work in education to my dedication to building a more united and stronger Fairfield County.”
Kira Greenfield, co-founder, Hearts In Harmony Foundation
The moment Kira and her husband Mark welcomed their second child, Shea, things changed forever. Shea was born with Long QT syndrome, a life-threatening condition in which the heart takes too long to recharge between beats. “The first eight months of Shea’s life were a blur as we tried to figure out how to navigate our new normal, which was filled with hurdles and fear that we could (and still can) lose Shea at any moment,” Kira says. The Greenfields eventually connected with a renowned doctor at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Michael Ackerman, and were inspired to launch the Hearts In Harmony Foundation, which raises funds for his lab’s research to treat and cure Long QT Syndrome.
A family of light through darkness: “My mom, my best friend, taught me “it is what we make of it” rather than “it is what it is.” It’s not easy to always be positive; there are days when it’s so hard and scary. But we try to dig deep and find positivity. Having a partner like Mark who is grounded in positivity helps me so much. He pushes me to see the light whenever possible.”
Making a difference: “[After Shea’s diagnosis], I was filled with emotions—fear, sadness, anger, frustration. I knew I could use these feelings towards making a difference for Shea and many others. We have the power to change the landscape for Long QT Syndrome as the first non-profit focused on finding new therapies and, ultimately, a cure. This work is emotional, but knowing the difference we can make helps me look beyond the day-to-day.”
A village of support: “Shea has taught us so much: never take a moment for granted, celebrate every single thing possible, surround yourself with people who lift you up. I’ve learned how important our friends and family are—without their support, I wouldn’t be able to navigate life. Being there for them is just as important, and no matter what, I always have bandwidth for anything they have going on. I make sure to remind them of that. I always say I don’t believe in comparative problems. Real friendship is about feeling comfortable sharing it all!”
“This year’s list consists of 12 incredible women, who represent the very best of the Westport, Weston, and Wilton communities with their giving and joyful spirits.”