Top “Women To Watch” In Western Massachusetts

Last Thursday I attended the awards ceremony for the Top  “Women to Watch in Western Mass” held by Western Mass Women Magazine.

I was the recipient of their Woman to Watch in Real Estate award and was honored not only to be named, but to be able to spend the evening surrounded by 24 other outstanding women from the area.  Each woman honored was not only beautiful, but accomplished and passionate about their career.  My only regret about the award and the evening was that I didn’t get to spend more time with these powerful women!

In case you missed the magazine’s cover story, here is the online edition of Western Mass Women Magazine. 

As I stood in line to be announced and presented with my award, I listened to the bios for the women before me and I started to wonder, “how did I get on this list?”.  These women are truly phenomenal and I want to give each one a personal shout out:

Anaja Paier of Westfield Bank is the Top Woman in Banking.  She is the branch manager of Westfield Bank in Southwick.

Jennifer Nolasco is the Top Woman in Culinary Arts.  She runs both Louie B’s and Nora’s in Southwick (two of my favorite spots!).

Kelly Galanis is Top Woman in Education.  In addition to being a Higher Education professional at Westfield State University, Kelly is also The Red-Headed Diva and a past client of mine.  I also discovered that Kelly is the one that intitially nominated me for my award, so she is so special to me!

Christine Burns is Top Woman in Creative Arts.  After touring the world for thirteen years with children’s theater, she is now bringing smiles to the faces of children in Western MA with Clowntique.

Dr. Janice Yanni is Top Woman in Dentistry.  Dr. Yanni is the owner of Yanni Orthodontics in West Springfield, MA and Tolland, Ct.

Jill Monson is Top Woman in Event Planning.  Jill is the owner of Inspired Marketing in Springfield.

Vikki Lenhart is Top Woman in Financial Planning.  Vikki is a Certified Financial Planner with Hart & Patterson Financial Services.

Regina Jasak is Top Woman in Insurance.  Regina owns Regina Jasak Independent Insurance in Ludlow.

Shannon Phelps is Top Woman in Nursing.  Shannon is a nurse in ICU at Mercy Medical Center.

Alison Biggs is Top Woman in Graphic/Web Design.  Alison operates an independent graphic design company that enjoys working one on one.

Michelle Provencher is Top Woman in New Home Business.  Michelle makes all sorts of custom made bags, totes, wristlets and other items under her The Love, Mich Collection.

Ashley Brodeur is Top Woman New Entrepreneur.  Ashley is a certified trainer and the owner of Active Lifestyle Fitness.

Susan Mielnikowski is Top Woman in Law.  Susan is a partner at Cooley Shrair, PC in their estate planning division.

Dr. Claudio Matorell is Top Woman in Medicine.  Dr. Matorell is the Director and Principal Investigator at The Research Institute in Springfield.

Suzanne Boniface is Top Woman in Public Relations.  Suzanne is a marketing and communications consultant operating SMBPR.

Dina Mcmahon is Top Woman in Radio.  Dina is part of the Kellogg Krew on 94.7 WMAS FM weekday mornings.  She is also a lot of fun to have dinner with (we shared a table at the awards dinner).

Ashley Kohl is Top Woman in Television.  Ashley is associate producer and co-host of “Mass Appeal” on Channel 22 each weekday at 11am.  She is also a dance instructor and I really enjoyed chatting about our mutual love for dance.

Amy Perrault is Top Woman in Publishing (Blogging).  Amy writes  “No, You Can’t Buy Me a Drink: Life of Josie M” which I find to be a really great site!

Karin O’Keefe is Top Woman in Travel.  Karin operates Fun ‘n Sun Travel and Cruise in Longmeadow.

Amanda Moyer is Top Woman in Advertising.  Amanda is the Director of Account Services for Market Mentors.

Maria Santaniello is Top Woman in Beauty.  Maria owns Salon 322 in Feeding Hills. 

Kate Kane is Professional Woman of the Year.  Kate is the Managing Director of the Springfield office for Northwestern Mutual. 

Jacqueline Williams-Hines is Volunteer Woman of the Year.  Jacqueline is the Founder, President and Executive Director of No Small Victories which promotes autism awareness.

If you read this far, then I am sure you can see what an amazing group of women this is.  I am so blessed and appreciative to Dee Fererro and the publishing staff at Western Mass Women Magazine.  I hope that you will click on the links that I provided to learn more about these impressive business women and even better, give them the gift of your business!