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It’s Women of Distinction Wednesday, and this week

It’s Women of Distinction Wednesday, and this week we’re celebrating Sarita Hanley and Ella Bryer (swipe —>)

Originally from Puerto Rico, Sarita built her life across Philadelphia and New York City before settling in Stamford, where she has lived for over 30 years. Deeply rooted in a belief that giving back is a responsibility, she has dedicated her time to numerous local and global causes. From helping found Building One Community to volunteering internationally through service trips and her work with Catholic Relief Services and the Order of Malta, Sarita has made a lasting impact on thousands of lives.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, Sarita shared:
“The one action to take to create a stronger community, without a doubt, is partnership.”

Inspired by Saint Mother Teresa, she continues to lead with compassion and a belief in the power of small acts of kindness to create meaningful change.

Her personal motto: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

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We’re also celebrating Ella Bryer!

A junior at Darien High School, Ella is co-president of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) at The Depot and an active member of Post 53, where she serves as both uniforms officer and an EMT. Through her leadership and commitment to helping others, she plays an important role in supporting the wellbeing of her community.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, Ella shared:
“One action that we can take to make our community stronger is always showing up for each other in times of need.”

Inspired by her mother’s strength, dedication, and unwavering support, Ella is motivated to work hard and lead with purpose in all areas of her life.

Her personal motto: “You only have one life to live. Make sure it’s yours.”

✨ Help us celebrate Sarita, Ella and all of our 2026 Women of Distinction honorees.

🎟️ Join us on June 5 at Shorehaven Golf Club — tickets available at the link in our bio.

She ran her own hedge fund at 23. Built a platform

She ran her own hedge fund at 23. Built a platform celebrating hundreds of women entrepreneurs. Wrote two books. Now she's taking our stage. 🎤

Meet Holly Hurd — keynote speaker for the 17th Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon, just one month from today.

Holly is the founder of VentureMom.com and author of "VentureMom: From Idea to Income in Just 12 Weeks" and her newest book, "The Life-Changing Power of One Question."

Tickets are going fast. 🎟️ Click the link"Women of Distinction" link in our bio to reserve your seat.

Sponsorship & silent auction opportunities are still available also at the "Women of Distinction" link in our bio. Every ticket and sponsorship directly supports YWCA programs for women and families in our community.

#WomenOfDistinction #YWCADarienNorwalk #WOD2026 #HollyHurd #WomenInBusiness #CTEvents

Good wine. Great women. Real conversation. 🍷 We l

Good wine. Great women. Real conversation. 🍷

We launched our first all-women's Winetasters group this year, and it's everything.

"What keeps me coming back is the conversation. Laughter, stories, and the kind of easy, unguarded dialogue that feels increasingly rare." — Stefanie McDermott, YWCA Member

This is what community looks like. And it started with one of our own members saying, "let's make this happen."

Registration for our Fall 2026 Winetasters & Gourmet sessions will open mid to late summer — drop a 🍷 in the comments if you want in!

#YWCA #Winetasters #WomenWhoConnect #GirlsNight #Community

Welcome to another edition of Women of Distinction

Welcome to another edition of Women of Distinction Wednesday!

This week, we’re proud to spotlight Sydney Johnson & Katie Cutler (swipe —>)

A senior at Darien High School, Sydney is deeply involved both in athletics and community service. She plays field hockey and tennis, volunteers as a tutor for elementary students, and serves as a leader on the Depot’s Student Governing Board. Having been involved with The Depot since middle school, she now helps plan events and works to ensure it remains a welcoming space for all.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, Sydney shared:
“One simple way to make a community stronger is by showing up for each other.”

Inspired by Serena Williams, Sydney admires her confidence, resilience, and determination to succeed at the highest level.

Her personal motto: “Be where your feet are.”

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We’re also introducing you this week to Katie Cutler!

A senior at Darien High School, Katie is a student leader of the Depot’s Volunteer Club, where she helps organize and participate in service opportunities throughout the community. She is also a dedicated gymnast, having represented Connecticut at the USAG Regional Competition for the past two years, and coaches youth gymnastics at Chelsea Piers.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, Katie shared:
“One action we can take to make our community stronger is doing small acts of service for others on a consistent basis.”

Her personal motto: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

✨ Help us celebrate Sydney, Katie and all of our 2026 Women of Distinction honorees.

🎟️ Join us on June 5 at Shorehaven Golf Club — tickets available at the link in our bio.

Join us for a fun night out in Darien! 🛍️🥂 Start

Join us for a fun night out in Darien! 🛍️🥂

Start your evening at @magnoliadarien with 15% off your purchase (when you register), then head just around the corner to @lykos_taverna for happy hour with your first drink & lite bites on us.

📅 Thursday, May 7
🛍️ Shopping: 5–7 PM at Magnolia
🍸 Happy Hour: 7–9 PM at Lykos Taverna

Grab a friend and make a night of it! Register at the "Upcoming Events" link in our bio for your 15% off code.

A little glimpse into our favorites folder ✨ We’ve

A little glimpse into our favorites folder ✨
We’ve got so much coming up, and we’d love to have you there.
Click the link in our bio to join us!

ELIMINATING RACISM, EMPOWERING WOMEN, AND ENSURING PEACE, JUSTICE, FREEDOM AND DIGNITY FOR ALL

#ONAMISSION

Make a difference and join us in our mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

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