Branford, CT — The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce came together on Wednesday, October 28, at The Woodwinds in Branford for the 2026 Women's Achievement Awards Luncheon. The afternoon celebrated seven remarkable women whose leadership, service and dedication are making a lasting difference across our region.
Business and community leaders, family, friends and colleagues filled the room for an afternoon of powerful stories and heartfelt moments. Throughout the program, one theme kept coming up: leadership rarely begins on a stage. More often, it starts with a single, determined choice that reaches another person, and then another.
A Message on Mentorship
This year's keynote speaker, Dr. Marie Hardin, President of Quinnipiac University, delivered an inspiring message on the importance of mentorship throughout our lives. Dr. Hardin reminded guests that each of us has been shaped by someone who believed in us, and that each of us has the power to be that person for someone else.
"This year's honorees showed us that true leadership is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the people we lift up along the way. We are so proud to celebrate them." said Renee H. Miller, Executive Director of the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce.
Meet the 2026 Honorees
Woman of the Year: Judith Corprew, President & CEO, New Haven Bank With more than 40 years in community banking, Judith is known for her financial literacy model and her work expanding access to banking, homeownership and funding for underbanked families and women business owners.
Business Leadership: Kristilee LaHaye, Owner, Globelé Energy A Certified Energy Professional, Kristilee helps businesses simplify complex energy decisions through an approach rooted in trust, education and relationships. She is a former President of the Meriden Rotary Club and serves on the Board of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.
Excellence in Advocacy: Rebecca Allen, Director of Recovery Advocacy, Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) With more than 23 years in behavioral health, Rebecca leads advocacy efforts that strengthen the voice of the recovery community throughout Connecticut and work to reduce stigma around addiction and recovery.
EmpowerHer Trailblazer: Fallon Thomas, Outreach and Community Engagement Manager, Yale University A New Haven native and historian, Fallon connects residents to career opportunities through Yale's New Haven Hiring Initiative and leads the New Haven Promise Internship Program. Mentorship, especially of young women and girls, is at the heart of her service.
Community Impact: Roz Gallagher, Town of Wallingford For nearly four decades, Roz has been one of Wallingford's most dedicated volunteers. She is a former Rotary President and a Paul Harris Fellow, and she has directed countless town celebrations, including this year's Celebrate America 250th events.
Health Impact Leader: Tracy Weiss, Owner & President, Right at Home of Middle Connecticut Inspired by her own caregiving experiences, Tracy founded Right at Home in 2013 to help older adults and adults with disabilities live with dignity and independence. She is also an Alzheimer's Association Educator and co-founder of ACAPcommunity's South Central Connecticut Chapter.
Emerging Leader: Chloe D'Andrea, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Radiall USA Since 2021, Chloe has quickly grown into a key HR and talent acquisition professional. She connects people with opportunity and inspires the next generation of manufacturing and engineering professionals.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Women's Achievement Awards would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you to BYK Additives, Nucor Corporation Steel Connecticut, allnex, Hartford HealthCare MidState Medical Center, Kamco Supply Corp of New England, TD, 7 Brew Coffee CT, Wooster Square Advisors LLC, Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals, Inc., Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, Masonicare, Quinnipiac University and DeMartino Outdoor Media.
Looking Ahead
As guests left the luncheon, many shared the same feeling: inspired to encourage someone, open a door or help someone else see her potential. We look forward to continuing this tradition and celebrating more extraordinary women in 2027.