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Op-Ed: Women’s Day 2025, Embracing Our Power Despite the Headwinds 

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[New Canaan’s Sheri West is the founder and CEO of LiveGirl and author of “Confidence Unleashed.”]

This isn’t just about equality—it’s about excellence. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, I find myself reflecting on the mission of gender parity with both hope and concern. The path forward has significant challenges, and this moment calls for renewed determination and focus on what we can control. 

The DEI and gender parity headwinds are strong and feel overwhelming. That’s precisely why now, more than ever, we must focus on aspects within our control. I’ve met many distraught women over the past several weeks, filled with anxiety in the current environment, and I say again, Now is the time to ensure that you are sitting firmly in the driver’s seat, investing in yourself, and owning your career. 
“This is not the moment to shrink, retreat, or waste energy justifying why we belong at the table. Instead, it’s the time to push forward more boldly, more visibly, and with even greater conviction in the value we bring.” —Dr. Margie Warrell, Author of ‘The Courage Gap’ 
Take a moment to reflect.

Around Town

Letter: ‘LiveGirl’ Recognizes New Canaan High School Mentors 

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Dear Editor,

On a recent Friday night, 60 middle school girls from across Fairfield County gathered at the Norwalk Carver Center for a LiveGirl Leadership Summit. These girls come together every six weeks for leadership development and team-building and have forged special bonds as evidenced by the shrieks and welcoming hugs. Also in attendance were six high school mentors: Camaren Dayton, Abigail Farley, Caroline Garrity, Olivia Hunsinger, Grace Manges and Katie Kurz. These girls received hugs too. Because these girls have established themselves as something critically important to a middle-schooler: a trusted mentor—someone they can confide in, someone they seek advice from, someone they look up to.

Around Town

Letter: Thank You, First Annual ‘Camp LiveGirl’ a Success

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Dear Editor:

Camp LiveGirl brought together 50 middle school girls from Bridgeport, Stamford, and New Canaan. The camp facilitated bonding in a diverse, team-based environment through sports and leadership activities. Senior executive women provided mentoring and reinforced the LiveGirl motto: “I am smart. I am strong. I am special.”

Creating something new requires vision and extraordinary support, which we received from the following businesses/individuals:

CT Sandwich, Oxygen, Walter Stewart’s, Nielsen, Hunsinger Family—donated lunch/supplies
Meg Domino & New Canaan CARES—a passionate partner who customized and taught a leadership curriculum for middle school girls
Ellie Aliapoulios, Camaren Dayton, Abi Farley, Kendall Genzburg, Olivia Hunsinger, Katie Kurz, Grace Manges, Isabella Savini—amazing high school students who volunteered their time & served as camp leaders
Andrea Chalon, Johnny Ostendorf & Mike Wilson—donated video/ photography services
NCHS, Jay Egan, many coaches, instructors, speakers—provided essential support

The list of names is long and serves as a true testament to the character of our community.