The Women of Westport are those women we’d like our children to emulate, who are making our town as great as it is, and who we’d like to see living here for the next one, two, three hundred years.
This year, we asked YOU to nominate these women!
First, you all have great taste.
Second, your list of nominees is impressive in size, scope, and diversity. You wrote about women of all ages and backgrounds, doing incredible and interesting things. Each deserves recognition for making our community outstanding.
Every nomination was thoughtful and well-considered (and would make that woman’s day if you told her what you wrote.)
We tasked - challenged, rather - our voting committee with narrowing down the nominations.
Now, we’re delighted to introduce you to our 2023 Women of Westport!
Erica Adler
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Founder & Clinical Director of North Star Wellness
WLM: You’ve helped many grateful families manage the problematic behavior of loved ones, primarily eating disorders. As the mother of young children, what can you do to help “prevent” disorders?
EA: “Be mindful of the way you talk about your own body and other people's bodies.
“Be mindful of your language around food. It is best to be neutral. No food is ‘good' or ‘bad.’
“Be careful with compliments and comments about bodies. They can negatively impact body image by making people believe they need to be a certain size to receive praise. Plus, someone’s body is the least interesting thing about them, so let’s take the focus off that & put it on what’s really important like who they actually are & what makes them, THEM.
“Do not discuss dieting with your child even if it is something you are pursuing for your own health goals.
“Be mindful of what a healthy relationship around exercise looks like. Make sure your child knows that movement is intended to add value to your life, improve mood, increase stress tolerance, not about how thin you need to be.”
WLM: What are three things you value, besides friends and family?
EA: “I value the tough times, the challenges and obstacles because they always teach us what we are capable of. I value self acceptance - loving yourself for who you are. I value honesty. Keeping secrets does not work- being honest is hard, but it works.
“I value hard work. My practice has shown me that hard work and determination pay off and is immensely satisfying.
“I value laughter. We have to laugh - it IS the best medicine, especially in the hardest of times.”
Sara Deren
Founder & CEO of Experience Camps
WLM: Experience Camps is a national non-profit that provides free overnight summer camps for children grieving the death of a family member. What is the greatest challenge of bringing together children from such an enormous range of cultures and backgrounds?
SD: “There is always an initial challenge in bringing together kids who come from different life situations. But all of our campers share something very specific - they are grieving the death of a family member. They quickly find connections through their stories and feelings, which makes their differences less important.
“We also work hard to recruit volunteers that mirror our camper demographics, and train our staff to recognize and challenge their own biases, so that we can provide a space that values and protects each and every person.”
WLM: What is the best thing to say to a child when someone close to them has died?
SD: “I’ll start with a few things NOT to say. Don't say ‘they're in a better place now’, or ‘be strong for your mom or dad,’ or anything that starts with the words, 'at least…’. Instead, tell them, ‘I'm here for you, and then show them you mean it. Take them out for ice cream. Show up at their basketball games. Remember their birthday and the anniversary of the death and tell them you're thinking of them on those days. Ask them if they'd like to hear stories about the person who died. Keep checking in - their grief will change over time but it won't go away.”
Runa Knapp
Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer
Board Member of B Local Connecticut.
Jasmine Silver
Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer
Board member of Sunrise Association.
FoundHer is helping women and mothers return to the workforce after a career break. It’s also B-Corp certified. Why is that an important designation for your employers to be aware of?
R&J: “FoundHer is the only female-led B-Corp certified full-service recruiting agency in the country. We want our employers - and candidates - to know that our services aim to solve a social issue through our work serving an underserved population of candidates, and to combat the discrimination that mothers often face when returning to the workforce after a career break.
“As a purpose-driven business, we also seek out diverse and/or women-owned small businesses for our own vendor needs such as legal, marketing, PR, etc.”
What are the most common mistakes women make when reaching out to employers after being a stay-at-home parent?
R&J: “Discussing salary or flexibility in the first meeting, especially before assessing whether the job is a fit on either side.
“Presenting an employer an outdated resumé. Resumés should have work history gaps filled in with relevant volunteer or consulting arrangements and technical skills and/or courses completed during the gap period.
“Entering the workforce too quickly: many of our clients were executives who have since chosen ‘purpose over profit’ after a career break. They’ve had time to evaluate what makes them happy, what works with their schedule, and what kind of work is fulfilling.
“Re-entering the workforce alone. Consult with former colleagues, friends, and consultants like us who have a pulse on the current job market."
Nicole Gerber
Secretary, Wakeman Town Farm (WTF) Executive Committee
Fundraising + Sponsorships Coordinator, WTF Committee
Board Member, Westport Downtown Association
Board Member, Unite the World with Africa Foundation
District 7 Representative, Westport Democratic Town Committee
Former Co-Director, AWARE: Assisting Women through Action Resources and Education
You’re currently working with Unite the World with Africa and Wakeman Town Farm. What do you do for each and what drew you to these organizations?
NG: “I met Anne Wells (Unite founder) and within five minutes we were talking about Unite, her experiences in Tanzania, and how she was focused on empowering extraordinary-yet-impoverished and marginalized youth and women in Africa. Without hesitation, I offered to do a holiday Shop for Good event. The rest is history. I’m working on getting us an invitation to present our work at The United Nations.
“I started volunteering at WTF in the early days of the pandemic. I had just wrapped the successful and heart-wrenching metastatic breast cancer awareness and fundraising Portraits campaign in support of The Cancer Couch Foundation (WLM, May ’20).
“A friend of mine said the WTF Committee was looking for someone to help develop a sponsorship program and did I have any interest. I met with the team and I knew immediately that WTF was my new charity.
“We are all passionate about the Farm’s commitment to organic farming and its mission to educate our community about the importance of sustainability. I also appreciate how supportive the Committee is of my many fundraising ideas, including trying out new events such as EcoFest and Drinking with Chickens… and we have lambs and baby goats! What’s not to love?”
Monique Hodges
Founder & CEO, Gebanah
Vice President, Westport Downtown Association
WLM: You recently founded Gebanah, a consulting service to develop workplace culture through local philanthropy. Are there any specific experiences you’ve had or witnessed which prompted you to do this?
MH: “An MIT Sloan Management Review showed that toxic culture is the #1 reason employees leave companies. I created Gebanah - meaning “to give” - because in today’s world, a positive workplace culture is crucial to the stability of a successful business.
“My years of serving on the boards of two nonprofit organizations and becoming the President and CEO of one in Westport illustrated to me that the needs of nonprofits are expansive and often seem endless. I saw an opportunity to broaden my service.”
WLM: You’re the Vice President of the Westport Downtown Association (WDA) and a Past President of the Westport Young Woman’s League (WYWL). What drew you to these organizations?
MH: ”Joining the WYWL in 2016 gave me a focus greater than myself and my work. I was drawn to their dedication to volunteering and enjoyed being a part of executing fundraising events that raised money for our grants program, which gives annually to nonprofits throughout the county.
“My nomination to the WDA came as I managed the governance and business affairs as President & CEO of the WYWL. It was of particular interest for me to join the WDA, which was in the process of becoming a nonprofit, in amplifying their mission of being an advocate for local businesses and enhancing our community's downtown experience.”
WLM: What are three things you value, other than friends and family?
MH: “Being authentic, acting with integrity, and having compassion.”
Lynn Rider
LCSW, Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist
WLM: Throughout your career as a clinical therapist, you’ve focused on families and children. Why did you choose this profession?
LR: “I saw a gap in treatment for this population and a huge opportunity to make a difference in life trajectories when we start earlier.
“There’s a wide-open developmental window from age 0-5, when we can foster coping skills more quickly than later. These kids don’t say, ‘I have a problem’ but sometimes their big behaviors scream, ‘I need help.' Problems with self-control signal their coping skills are actually getting in their way.
“My positions as a clinician and clinical supervisor at Child First included serving as a child therapist to kids and foster parents in the foster care system.
“Foster kids suffer unexpected, unexplained losses that rock their worlds. Helping them trust and connect with a consistent, supportive, nurturing adult can reestablish their sense of security, let them make sense of their experiences, and write a new chapter in their story. It takes a lot of time and commitment from foster parents, something the system isn’t always set up to deliver.”
WLM: What do you think is the best advice you gave your own kids when they were young?
LR: “My kids never wanted advice when they were young! I think every kid wants someone who can stop trying to fix everything and just go where they go. Follow their feelings.”
WLM: If you could stand in front of every child in our schools and tell them anything, what would it be?
LR: “I’d rather have a moment with their parents. When something’s not right the first thing they do is blame themselves. I wish parents could see themselves the way we see them. Parents aren’t the problem, they’re the best solution we’ve got.”
Sonya Harris-Jagenberg
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Co-Chair, A Better Chance Westport Board Member, Urban Impact Bridgeport
Tutor, Kid Power
WLM: As a black woman from Nebraska whose husband is European, this puts you in a unique position to appreciate and applaud cultural differences. What do you think we, both collectively and as individuals, can do better to be more inclusive?
SHJ: “Everyone should be more accepting of individuals who are different from our ethnicity and background, who have different beliefs. It's important to acknowledge and address systemic inequalities and biases that prevent certain groups from having equal access to opportunities and resources. Both in my professional life and social circles, I've noticed that people are often too concerned about others' negative perceptions when they lack knowledge. We’re all learning, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!”
WLM: Why do you choose to work with kids who live in underserved areas?
SHJ: “I'm a mother and, even if a child isn’t mine, I still want the best for them. It's important to me to help as many kids as I can by connecting them to great opportunities. In my experience, all children have similar needs - to be loved, listened to, appreciated, and supported.”
WLM: As the DEI Co-Chair for A Better Chance, how have you seen the concepts and teaching diversity, equity and inclusion change over the years?
SHJ: “My job didn’t exist two and a half years ago. That in itself is progress. Westport ABC has been a leader in Fairfield County ABC houses by implementing strategic DEI changes and making ABC a part of the community.
“I'm working to shift people's lenses by encouraging open and honest conversations. I believe that by focusing on people's hearts and having an open mind, we can make positive changes.”
Patra Kanchanagom and Sarin Cheung
Co-Founders, AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Westport
WLM: You started AAPI Westport, with WoW ’21 Rosie Jon, in response to hate crimes against Asians. Please share why you started this organization and what you hope to accomplish.
P&S: “We started AAPI Westport in March 2021 following a town-wide Stop Asian Hate rally to respond to the significant rise in hate crimes against Asians. Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging within our community, as well as increase AAPI visibility and awareness throughout Westport and beyond."
WLM: How do you measure the success of AAPI Westport?
P&S: “We measure our success by the response and feedback from our community members. When our programming resonates and creates connections for people, especially those who have historically felt unseen in our town, that is how we know the work we are doing is worth it. We are especially looking forward to sharing our work during AAPI Heritage Month each May.”
WLM: Where do you see AAPI Westport in five years?
P&S: “We hope to have more community members actively involved in the planning and execution of our events and programs. We see us continuing to engage and educate the larger community by sharing our stories and letting our voices be heard.”
WLM: What are three things you value, other than friends and family?
SC: “I value personal health, physical and mental, the sustainability of our planet, and kindness and empathy in our communities.
PK: “I value relating to and connecting to others as humans, education/learning and treating others with respect and grace. And, if I'm allowed a fourth- finding joy and having fun!!! (or is that five?!) And Sarin agrees with this (these) too!!!”
Alyson Luck
Recently, Director at One River School of Art
Stay at Home Mom
WLM: As a museum educator, what is your favorite museum?
AL: “I loved working at The Jewish Museum on the Upper East Side. The Museum is in the Warburg Mansion, you are surrounded by inspiring exhibitions in a historic environment. The art on view is always unexpected, and there is a captivating story behind each piece on view.”
WLM: You received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer this past summer. How did the community rally when they learned?
AL: “When I found out this past July, I was shocked. I wasn’t feeling well for months but Pancreatic Cancer is not typical at age 40, even being BRCA Positive. By the time I was diagnosed, I was Stage 4. It had spread to my liver and my abdomen. Two weeks later I had a massive stroke due to blood clots from Pancreatic Cancer.
“When I got out of the hospital 10 days later, I learned that the word had spread in the community. My wonderful friend set up a meal train for our family and I couldn’t believe it. We had hundreds of people delivering food, gifts, donations, and words of support. Friends, family, past teachers and Coleytown parents watched my two young kids - which helped immensely. Some community members offered their business services pro bono. My college friends started LUCK bracelets to support BRCA research. My friends and family went above and beyond in every way. I found it difficult to complain about what I was going through because I had an incredible support system.”
What are three things you value, other than friends and family?
AL: “ 1. Honesty, 2. Humor, 3. Scans.”
Jen Berniker
Founder/Editor, Designport
Freelance Writer & Producer
Volunteer, Center for Family Justice
SES & BMS PTA
WLM: You started Designport so people can share design ideas and, fortuitously, give us a chance to peek into people’s interesting spaces. But before that, you produced TV series and documentaries. What was one of your favorite projects?
JB: “My favorite project was, not surprisingly, producing an HGTV series called ‘Small Space, Big Style.’ After a decade of working on heavier subjects, like an hour for PBS on Anti-Semitism, shot in the Middle East, and an hour on literal garbage shot at Fresh Kills landfill, when I realized I could get paid to seek out cool homes and interview their interesting owners, I was sold. I even got to go to Tokyo and shoot some tiny houses.”
WLM: If you were doing a docu-series about anyone or anything in Westport, what would it be?
JB: “I’d be interested in looking at the way many of us (myself included) are raising our kids: the year-round sports, constant activities, tutors, and the impact it has on kids and parents alike. What is the cost and benefit in the long run? I’d interview tons of kids and ask them what they are doing when they feel the happiest and least stressed.”
WLM: How do you choose which philanthropies to support?
JB: “There are so many great causes out there, for my husband and I it comes down to personal connection. Having lost family members and friends to ALS, we understand the need to find a cure and help with patient care.
WLM: What are three things you value, other than friends and family?
JB “Travel. Humor. And community. Thank you for helping build that here!”
