STAMFORD – Women entrepreneurs were recognized Tuesday, March 18 for “driving real change” during a Women’s History Month event at NBC Stamford Studios.
“Leadership is not about holding titles,” said Marie Rocha, founder of Realist Lab, a non-profit division of Realist Ventures. “It’s about creating opportunities, driving meaningful change, and building strong foundations for the next generation of women leaders.”
Realist Lab hosted the panel discussion of women business leaders dubbed “Leaders of Impact” hosted by Realist Lab. The event brought together attendees from across Fairfield County to hear from influential women leading change in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and community development. That included Mayor Caroline Simmons.
“Marie and Realist Lab have done incredible work for our city,” the mayor said. “It’s inspiring to watch what a trailblazer she is and how passionate she is about supporting entrepreneurs and ecosystems in our community.”
The panel discussion was moderated by Mendi Blue Paca, president and CEO of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, and featured Cristina Vittoria, CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich; Nancy Coughlin, CEO of Person to Person; and Sheri West, founder and CEO of LiveGirl.
These leaders shared their experiences, challenges, and insights on building sustainable programs, supporting youth and entrepreneurs, and creating real impact at the local level.
“Women are leading the charge in philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and community development, yet their impact is often overlooked,” Rocha said. “This event is about recognizing the powerful role of women in shaping our communities and driving real change. We are honored to bring together such an influential group of leaders to inspire and educate future changemakers.”
The mission of Realist Lab, which is located at 700 Canal St. in Stamford, is to empower entrepreneurs by building a community rich in expertise and resources, giving them the tools to create enduring, sustainable businesses. The company is dedicated to fostering vibrant communities, driving meaningful change, and creating opportunities for historically marginalized groups.
