Last week I had the pleasure of being the photographer for the YWCA’s “In the Company of Women” Annual Fundraising Luncheon which is a gathering of 1400 Connecticut women at the Connecticut Convention center.  It’s full of the state’s women leaders (political, business, youth, and more) including Governor Jodi Rell, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, and Catherine Smith, CEO of ING U.S. Retirement Services.  The keynote speaker was Jeannette Walls, author of the very popular book group pick “The Glass Castle” (great book, if you haven’t read it).  I found it fascinating to hear her story first hand and have the opportunity to talk with her one-on-one as we waited to photograph her with guests. 

The YWCA mission is “to empower women and girls and eliminate racism.”  They are “committed to creating opportunities one woman at a time.  The YWCA
serves Greater Hartford with vital programs, including early learning
and school-age childcare; emergency, transitional and permanent
supportive housing; child abuse prevention; youth leadership
development; and financial literacy education.”  If you’d like to make a donation or volunteer, you can find out more information here.