Honoring a Legacy and the Power of Many: WBEC Metro NY’s Grand GALA-xy Luncheon
The New York Grand GALA-xy Luncheon was more than just a reflection on the past 25 years—it was a call to action for the future. The event, held at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York, was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and elevation—hallmarks of our mission over the past 25 years.
Our 25th anniversary marks an incredible milestone. Over the past two and a half decades, we are proud to have created a space where women-owned businesses can thrive, grow, and build lasting legacies. The luncheon was not only a tribute to this journey but also a testament to the community that has made it all possible.
A Celebration of Collaboration and Empowerment
Throughout the day, speakers and participants highlighted the collective efforts that have driven the organization’s success. With the theme “The Power of Many,” the luncheon underscored the vital role that collaboration and community support have played over this last quarter-century.
The event featured a variety of dynamic programming, beginning with networking opportunities that allowed attendees to connect with peers, share insights, and explore potential partnerships. The energy in the room was palpable, as women business leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate partners shared their stories of triumph and perseverance, all while looking for ways to continue fostering growth within the community.
Elevating Our Wins
Elevation was one of the key pillars of discussion to celebrate the many members of our network who've made a lasting impact within our community via our awards program. And so, the celebration continued with award winner announcements that reminded us of the many wins that we have made both individually and collectively as a network - with the best wins of all, those that have also contributed to the success of our fellow WBEs!
We were thrilled to announce the following award winners as a part of this celebration:
Outstanding Corporation Award: Bristol Myers Squibb, the multinational pharmaceutical company, accepted by Sundari Pai Luts, their Senior Manager, Global Supplier Diversity.
Outstanding Women’s Business Advocate Award: Dawn Wells, Director of Supply Chain, Northwell Health, New York's largest healthcare provider.
WBE Star Award: Darcy Flanders, Founder and Chief Brand Strategist, BaselineGroupNY, a woman-owned, award-winning creative agency.
President’s Award: Diana Domenech, CEO, Accelerate Consulting Experts LLC, management consulting company with global diversity and sustainability expertise.
We were thrilled to also honor these outstanding corporate partners and WBEs for their contributions to the network's success via the following Done Deals™ Award categories:
Corporate Opportunity Award: Capital One, holding company specializing in credit cards, auto loans, banking, and savings accounts, accepted by Katie Swegle, Managing Vice President, Premium Card.
Corporate Champion Award: Pfizer Inc, the multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporation, accepted by Colleen Mascia, Supplier Diversity Program Manager.
WBE Champion Award: Shari Verrone, President, Stackable Sensations, providing on planet positive sustainable items, online stores, unique innovative solutions that inspire and delight.
WBE Connection Award: Shari Verrone, President, Stackable Sensations, (again!)
Access New York City Award: Coranet Corp, a national leader in IT infrastructure and low-voltage solutions and seamless integration of mission-critical infrastructure for all real estate assets, accepted by Kevin O’Brien, Director of Sales, on behalf of CEO & President Margaret Marcucci.
All of these champions exemplify the power of our network and the lasting impact we can make together and demonstrate not only individual successes, but successes of the network as a whole.
Keynote Spotlight: Fawn Weaver’s Inspiring Journey
Another integral part of the event was an intimate and powerful fireside conversation with Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey–moderated by Avis Yates-Rivers, Vice Chair of WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV and President and CEO of Technology Concepts Group International (TCGi). As our keynote speaker, Fawn shared her remarkable journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and legacy-building with our network of women business leaders and corporate partners. The discussion was one of the event's highlights. Fawn’s entrepreneurial journey, rooted in honoring history and building legacy, was a perfect reflection of the values that WBEC Metro NY holds dear.
Fawn’s story illuminated the broader theme of the luncheon: the power of resilience and collaboration in the face of challenges. Her personal insights into overcoming adversity and breaking barriers added depth to the event, and served as the perfect backdrop for a day to be thankful and hopeful for the future of each of our businesses and our community. Together, we’ve built a vibrant community where women-owned businesses thrive, and Fawn’s journey beautifully reflects the power of collaboration and perseverance.
Looking to the Future
As the luncheon came to a close, the message was clear: the journey is far from over. WBEC Metro NY is more committed than ever to fostering an environment where women-owned businesses can thrive, not just for the next 25 years, but for generations to come. Through ongoing collaboration, innovation, and support, the organization is dedicated to building a legacy that will inspire future women entrepreneurs.
The Grand GALA-xy Luncheon was a celebration of community, perseverance, and the power of many. As WBEC Metro NY moves forward, its mission remains the same—to elevate women in business and create lasting impact. The event was a fitting tribute to 25 years of success, and a bold step toward an even brighter future.
Join us at our next event and be part of this extraordinary journey. Together, we will continue to forge partnerships, drive innovation, and celebrate the achievements of women-owned businesses everywhere.