2025 Woman of the Year Evelyn Johnson inspired us with her bold leadership and dedication to uplifting women and girls.
2025 Young Woman of the Year Marisa Caponetti inspired us with her courage and determination.
Heidi inspired us with her touching story and volunteerism.
Beyonca inspired us with her amazing talents and Yvonne inspired us with her devotion to helping Beyonca thrive.
Raye inspired us with her resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Abby inspired us with her perseverance during an uncertain time.
At The Village for Families & Children 25th annual Girl Within fundraiser on December 5, donors and corporate sponsors raised more than $250,000 to provide critical support to women and girls in Greater Hartford who have been affected by trauma.
It was the most successful event in Girl Within’s 25-year history, raising a record total to support a range of services at The Village that help women and girls overcome challenges and gain confidence, independence and hope.
More than 600 guests heard inspiring stories from Village clients and powerful remarks from this year’s honorees.
A History of Serving Young Women & Girls
Founded in 1809, The Village has a long history of helping young women and girls who need guidance and support to become resilient, confident and independent, and those who have experienced abuse and neglect to heal. Proceeds from the event support early intervention, educational and empowerment programs for young women, girls and their families, as well as therapeutic, residential and educational support in safe, caring environments. The mission of The Village is to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children. We are now pleased to extend our exceptional care to adults by offering mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment.
Woman of the Year
Each year, a woman is honored at the event for her extraordinary service to girls and young women. The Woman of the Year is a volunteer who advocates for at-risk girls and young women, motivates and inspires young women to realize their potential, creates meaningful opportunities for the community to support programs that serve young women and has had a transformative effect on a young woman’s life.
Past Women of the Year
2025
Evelyn Johnson
2024
Lhakpa Sherpa
2023
Jessica Zachs
2022
Jennifer Steadman, Ph.D.
2021
Paula S. Gilberto
Past Young Women of the Year
2025
Marisa Caponetti
2024
Bella Longo
2023
Grace DiTunno
2022
Shaniece Nugent
2021
Saher Ashraf
Past Women of the Year
2020
Racquel Santana
2019
Dr. Estela López
2018
Carrie Firestone
2017
Francine Christiansen
2016
Alison Coolbrith
Past Young Women of the Year
2019
Phoebe Rotelli
Past Women of the Year
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Girl Within Committee
Chairs: Carrie Casciani and Wanita Thorpe
Members:
Carlene Bush, Arlene Carr, Jeanmarie Cooper, Diane Lipes, Rachel MacDonald, Kathleen Malet, Patricia Marealle, Andrea Oddi, Bonnie Parry, Janet Porriello and Damaris Rivera