Professional Women of Westchester Celebrate Women’s History Month with Emmy Award-Winning News12 Anchor and News Director, Janine Rose

More than 65 Women Gather at the Crowne Plaza to Listen and Learn from
Westchester’s Most Respected Journalist

Rose Discusses Attitudes and Career Milestones that Made a Difference

WHITE PLAINS, NY (March 5, 2013) – Professional Women of Westchester, now in its third year serving the unique networking needs of enterprising women, celebrated Women’s History Month on March 4th at the White Plains Crowne Plaza.  Special guest speaker, Janine Rose, long-time anchor and news director for News12 Westchester, brought down the house with a frank talk about her climb to prominence and the attitudes, actions and people that helped her along the way. 

“Listening to Janine speak was a breath of fresh air,” says Jamie Imperati, President of Professional Women of Westchester.  “We like to think of our organization as one that is comprised of women who keep it real – Janine fit right in.  She only spoke for 20 minutes, but she said a lot and it was authentic insight that really resonated with our members.  The question and answer session was still going strong after 40 minutes.”

Rose talked about breaking into the competitive field of broadcasting.  She recounted her willingness to accept a customer service post at Cablevision for $4/hour in order to secure a future position in TV production – that commitment contributed significantly to her success.   

“Having passion for what you do is the thing that will keep you focused and on track for success,” says Rose.  “I never ask anyone to do anything that I wouldn’t do first.  My father always said, it’s a lot easier to pull a string than to push it and that’s why I lead by example.”

Rose shared personal accounts and struggles that she worked through during her career, including caring for sick parents, divorce and the realities of working a 9am to 9pm job. Her authentic presentation resonated deeply with women in the audience – many of which share similar challenges.

 

 

Hudson Valley celebrates Women’s History Month

Published: March 5, 2013 8:37 AM

The Professional Women of Westchester held their annual event to help women succeed in business. (March 5, 2013 8:09 AM)

WHITE PLAINS – The Professional Women of Westchester marked Women’s History Month with its annual event to help women succeed in business yesterday.

News 12 anchor and news director Janine Rose was honored last night as the keynote speaker at the networking group’s annual event at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains.

The organization has been in existence for three years and already has 400 members across the region. “Our goal is to bring professional women together in the county of Westchester, to not only allow them to interact and do business together, but to also learn and share best practices,” says the organization’s Lisa Kaslyn. ….  [read more] [see video]

Pretty in Pink a Huge Success

On Tuesday October 23, 2012, The Professional Women of Putnam and Westchester hosted a special benefit event with proceeds going to Support Connection, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services to people with breast and ovarian cancer. The event which was called “Pretty in Pink” took place at Augie’s Prime Cut and raised over $1,000 in raffles and pink hair extensions to benefit Support Connection.

The Professional Women of Putnam and Westchester encourages women from a variety of trades, even the same trades, to connect and network with each other in a non-competitive environment for continued growth opportunities. Monthly networking meetings are held where members listen to speakers on a variety of topics and enjoy the opportunity to meet and talk with other business women.

In addition, the organization does what it can to give back to the community. Several times a year, the networking meetings are designated to benefit a local charity.

To learn more about The Professional Women of Putnam and Westchester visit www.professionalwomenofputnam.com or www.professionalwomenofwestchester.com

Support Connection, Inc. is a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Founded in 1996, Support Connection is based in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., but through our toll-free hotline and website we serve people throughout the country. Services include: One-on-one peer counseling and support groups, offering women the opportunity to connect with other cancer survivors; Ongoing wellness classes; Holistic health workshops; Public educational programs; Information and referral services; A toll-free cancer information and support hotline (1-800-532-4290.) To learn more, visit www.supportconnection.org or call (914) 962-6402. Support Connection Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support: We’ve been there. We care.

 

“Westchester’s Greatest Leaders and Bosses….”
Published July 26, 2012

“Unlike members of other business groups in Westchester, the 400 women who make up Professional Women of Westchester, Putnam, and Connecticut, res- pectively, are not out lobbying government or looking to solve Westchester’s convoluted tax structure.

The group instead comes together to learn from one another and to network. It’s the brainchild of 35-year-old founder Jamie Imperati, a former marketing professional and current owner of whatandwhen4kids.com, an online event calendar that caters to local moms ” …… [read more ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamie Imperati Honored as “Forty Under Forty” Rising Star by
The Business Council of Westchester

Honoree & Pres. of Professional Women of Westchester says Chief Contributor to her Success is a High Energy Focus on Uniting Women in the Business Community

WESTCHESTER, NY (June 22, 2012) – Jamie Imperati, president of the Professional Women of Westchester, was named a Rising Star at the Business Council of Westchester’s annual “Forty Under Forty” event hosted and presented by MasterCard Worldwide at their corporate headquarters in Purchase, NY on June 7, 2012.

Imperati says her high energy focused leadership and dedication to her goal of uniting women in the business community is integral to her success. “I love people and I’m passionate about helping women in business. I have a knack for marketing and an unstoppable dedication for what I do,” says, Jamie Imperati.

Each year, the business Council of Westchester proudly honors 40 young leaders who help make Westchester County a vibrant business community.  Rising Stars is designed to honor individuals under the age of forty who surpass expectations, raise the bar and set new standards for success in their chosen profession. These forty young men and women exemplify leadership, foresight and a vision for the future of Westchester County.

“Ten years from now, I want to be remembered as a driving force that helped pave the way for women to grow their businesses.  It is my goal to help small business owners build their network and increase revenue,” adds Imperati.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Givers & Good Causes Honored at Professional Women of Westchester’s 2011 Holiday Fundraiser and SHERO Award Gala

Fundraiser Benefits Hope’s Door, a Local Charity & Shelter
Helping Victims of Domestic Abuse

Maria Freburg, Market Manager, Webster Bank,
Named 2011 SHERO Award Winner

WHITE PLAINS, NY (DECEMBER  7, 2011) — Professional Women of Westchester (PWW), a networking group for enterprising women,was filled with the holiday spirit Monday evening, December 5th, when the group held its second annual Holiday Benefit for Hope’s Door and SHERO Award Celebration at Benjamin’s Steakhouse in White Plains.
More than 80 women attended the affair, which raised thousands of dollars in gifts, toys, clothing, gift cards and checks for Hope’s Door.  Andrea Naso Nord, Director of Development and Community Relations for Hope’s Door and board members, Jean Marie Connolly and Elizabeth Cronin were on hand to accept the donations.

“The staff and board at Hope’s Door are very grateful to the members of Professional Women of Westchester for their generosity and thoughtfulness,” said Andrea Naso Nord. “Thank you once again for hosting a GREAT event benefitting Hope’s Door.”
“The holidays are a time of reflection, family and giving thanks,” says PWW president, Jamie Imperati. “So often we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle, that we forget about the thousands of families right on our doorstep who don’t have a safe home to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or a simple dinner.  We’re delighted and honored to help our friends at Hope’s Door, because they never forget about any family in crisis.”

And the 2011 SHERO Award Goes to…Maria Freburg
Webster Bank’s Market Manager for Westchester County, Maria Freburg, was nominated as this year’s SHERO Award winner.  Based on her heroic and tireless support of Westchester businesswomen; as well as a supporter of children and the disadvantaged in the Westchester community, including work with the White Plains Youth Bureau, Westchester Jewish Community Services, The Abbott House, Girls Inc., and many more, Maria was selected as this year’s award recipient.
PWW president, Jamie Imperati and co-founding board members, Rose Colonna, Tasteful Treats & Treasures and Lisa Kaslyn, Prosper Communications, presented Maria with a plaque and necklace emblazoned with the PWW logo as a memento of the award and recognition of her honorable achievements in the community.
About Hope’s Door
Hope’s Door, formerly The Northern Westchester Shelter, is a private non-profit organization, which was founded in 1980 to provide a safe haven and caring services to survivors of domestic violence. While our name has changed, our mission remains the same: Hope’s Door seeks to end domestic violence and to empower victims to achieve safety, independence and healing from the trauma of abuse.  Visit: northernwestchestershelter.org for more information.
About “Professional Women…”
The “Professional Women of…” brand represents an organization, which is comprised of three chapters: Professional Women of Putnam, Professional Women of Connecticut and Professional Women of Westchester.  Our programs and initiatives are led by our members’ needs – professional, emotional and educational.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Women of Westchester Celebrates 1st Anniversary
with an Evening of Financial Empowerment

Distinguished Panel of Financial Experts from Oppenheimer, Prudential Financial
and Webster Bank Help Women Gain Control & Grow Their Wealth

Last Monday, November 7th, the Professional Women of Westchester (PWW), a popular networking group for enterprising women, celebrated its 1st anniversary at Sam’s of Gedney Way.  The event featured a distinguished panel of local female financial experts: Donna Goldman, CFP Senior Director, Investments at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Louise Gilbert of Prudential Financial and Maria Freburg, VP, Westchester Market Manager at Webster Bank. Linda Rey of Rey Insurance Agency moderated the discussion.
“Financial themes are not always easy to cover in a way that grabs people’s attention,” said Rose Colonna, PWW board member and president, Tasteful Treats & Treasures Gift Baskets.  “This panel turned a potentially dry and complicated subject into an entertaining, informative and “ah-ha” filled educational session — Suze Orman may have some competition in Westchester!

 

 

NY State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins Addresses
Professional Women of Westchester

More than 50 Women Gathered at Prophecy Restaurant to Hear the Senator Talk About the Importance of Developing a Signature Trademark that’s All your Own

 

WHITE PLAINS, NY (July 26, 2011) — The Professional Women of Westchester (PWW), a networking group for enterprising women, hosted “What’s Your Signature?”, led by speaker and New York State Senator, Andrea Stewart-Cousins. More than 50 women gathered on Monday evening, July 18^th, at the Prophecy restaurant in White Plains for the special networking event.

“We were honored to have Senator Stewart-Cousins speak to our group,” says Jamie Imperati, president, Professional Women of Westchester.“We’ve been waiting for her to come and share her inspiring story and why she attributes her success to her trademark scarves.”

Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) told the crowd she started donning scarfs while running for the Yonkers City Council because so many voters confused her with former Councilwoman Symra Brandon.  “It occurred to me that a scarf would be a great way for me to distinguish myself and let people know when they looked at me that it was me,” said Stewart-Cousins.

Stewart-Cousins, the State Senate Minority Assistant Leader, also reminded women to register as a women and minority-owned business, which may help entrepreneurs gain access to state contracts. She noted that in 2007, less than one percent of all state contracts were given to women-owned businesses and less than one percent were rewarded to minority-owned businesses. Now, all state departments are required to contract with women and minority-owned businesses for at least 20 percent of their needs. To learn more about the PWW and upcoming events visit www.professionalwomenofwestchester.com

About “Professional Women…”

The “Professional Women of…” brand represents an organization, which is comprised of three chapters: Professional Women of Putnam, Professional Women of Connecticut and Professional Women of Westchester. Our programs and initiatives are led by our members’ needs – professional, emotional and educational.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Professional Women of Westchester recently celebrated their 100th Member.
L to R above: Rose Colonna, PWW Secretary, Jamie Imperati PWW President, 100th Member Tatiana Muqattash of Liberty Mutual in Mohegan Lake, and Maria Freburg of Webster Bank.

(PWW Dir. of Communications Lisa Kaslyn of Prosper Communications, PWW President Jamie Imperati, County Executive Rob Astorino, PWW Secretary Rose Colonna of Tasteful Treats & Treasures Gift Baskets and PWW Vice President Linda Rey of Rey Insurance)

Rob Astorino Reassures Professional Women of Westchester with Messages of Growth

 

County executive introduces Donna Proft, Westchester’s new
head of Compliance for Minority & Women-Owned Businesses
WHITE PLAINS, NY (May 10, 2011) – Professional Women of Westchester (PWW), a networking group for enterprising women, hosted a state of the county address led by Westchester County Executive, Robert Astorino, on Monday, May 9th.  More than 75 women gathered in White Plains atop the elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel in its stunning restaurant, “42,” to hear Astorino discuss the county’s challenges, and strategies for maintaining and growing its business base.  Also present at the event was newly anointed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) / Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Compliance Officer, Donna Proft.
Astorino and Proft urged women to become certified women-owned businesses as a way to increase opportunities for work within Westchester County. “Our registry is a really great resource for women and minority owned businesses,” says Donna Proft.  “By registering you will be visible to others searching our database, and you will also receive notifications when Request for Proposals (RFP) are posted or educational workshops are offered.”
“Not surprisingly, the turnout for our county executive was terrific,” says Jamie Imperati, president, Professional Women of Westchester.  “We appreciate the informative update that Mr. Astorino delivered to our members last night.  Judging from the informal feedback, the attendees took great value from the presentation and the extended Q&A session with both Mr. Astorino and Donna Proft.”
For more information and to register as a women-owned business, visit the county website at: www.westchestergov.com/mwob .  Please visit www.professionalwomenofwestchester.com for information about our upcoming events.

Professional Women of Westchester ” Top 10 Business Women of the Decade”

March 28, 2011

The tabletop exhibit area for the first Browse & Buy Expo hosted by the Professional Women of Westchester (PWW) is at capacity.

More than thirty women-owned or women-represented businesses will showcase their goods and services from 5 until 9 p.m. at Life: The Place to Be in Ardsley on Monday, April 4. Tickets are available, for women only, to browse, mingle and conduct business….[read more]

March 18th 2011

Denim & Diamonds THE Rage at Bloomingdale’s This St. Patrick’s Day

Yesterday, even though it was St. Patty’s Day, it seemed it was Bloomingdale’s in White Plains and not the corner Irish bar that was getting much of the attention…. [read more]

Launch of “You, Your Business, Only Better” Lunch Series

PWW Vice President Linda Rey of Rey Insurance, Jamie Imperati PWW President, Kacey Grean of 100.7 WHUD, PWW Secretary Rose Colonna of Tasteful Treats & Treasures Gift Baskets, and Maria Freburg Market Manager of Webster Bank.

Professional Women of Westchester and Webster Bank Launch “You, Your Business, Only Better” Luncheon Series on April 21, 2011  with Guest Speaker, Kacey Grean, Popular Morning Show Host of 100.7 WHUD

Special, intimate members-only gathering offers exclusive networking and educational presentations.  Ms. Grean spoke about Life Balance and how having joy in a full life is what balance is all about.

To learn more about Professional Women of Westchester visit www.professionalwomenofwestchester.com

Women’s achievements honored

Mar. 13, 2011 – WHITE PLAINS — When Jamie Imperati first launched a website of things to do with children in Westchester and Putnam counties, she figured it would be wise to network… read more .. [CLICK HERE]

Making history

Kelly Liyakasa | Mar 11, 2011 – It’s been a year since Jamie Imperati launched the networking group Professional Women of Putnam.

Sister groups Professional Women of Connecticut and Professional Women of Westchester subsequently followed and Imperati’s three organizations now stand at 250 members.

“One of the greatest paybacks is seeing the members do business together,” she said. “I’m ecstatic when people tell me that they are now working with someone they met at one of my events. It is a great feeling … to know that members are spending their money with each other.”.. read more … [CLICK HERE]

~ Video On Demand – CBS News ~

 

Close to a million people saw her video on YouTube, where Nicola Briggs confronted 51-year-old Mario Valdivia for, she claims, rubbing up against her and exposing himself on the subway. Her actions led to his arrest… If you cant see video in this section then go here …  [more .....]

~ PWW Vice President Linda Rey, President Jamie Imperati, “Shero” Award recipient Nicola Briggs, Secretary Rose Colonna and Communications Director Lisa Kaslyn ~

Westchester In Brief

Professional women’s group debuts Nov. 8
If you’re a woman – and you’re in business – this news is for you.
Early next month marks the official launch of Professional Women of Westchester.
Created by Jamie Imperati, the founder of sister groups Professional Women of Putnam and Professional Women of Connecticut, the three chapter model “just creates a more powerful networking opportunity for women…. [read more]

People and Places

Posted Feb. 9, 2011
Professional Women of Westchester (PWW), a networking group for enterprising women, sets a new attendance record at  its first co-ed I love networking event on Monday, February 7 at the stunning Ritz Carlton restaurant, … [read more]

[Click here to read more]

New Westchester Women Networking Launched

Last March, Jamie Imperati launched the Professional Women of Putnam (PWP), following it in October with the Professional Women of Connecticut (PWC). Now Imperati has brought this successful model to Westchester as the third chapter in her business networking adventure… [read more]

The New York Medical College’s Founders’ fundraiser drew some 330 guests to the acclaimed Cipriani in Manhattan. The black-tie gala, which raised more than $325,000 for the Valhalla-based college, honored several individuals for their contributions to medical education and healthcare leadership….

Jamie Imperati of Mahopac, New York; Lisa Kaslyn of Carmel, New York; Rose Colonna of Armonk; and Linda Rey of Sleepy Hollow at the Professional Women of Westchester’s first co-ed networking event held at Restaurant 42 at the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, in White Plains… [read more]

~ LOHUD – Woman’s heroism and self-defense are a hit on YouTube ~

~ SCARSDALE — When Nicola Briggs confronted a man who flashed her on the No. 4 train, it landed her three things: a YouTube hit, an award and diamonds…. [more...]

NYC Subway Heroine and Bronxville Tai Chi Instructor

SCARSDALE, NY In a rousing ceremony attended by scores of applauding onlookers, Nicola Briggs, a young woman who was accosted by a sexual predator on a New York subway train, confronted him and then enrolled her fellow passengers in ensuring his arrest and conviction received two awards at Westchester’s D’Errico Jewelry on Thursday, December 16.  … read more

~ CBS New York – Woman Gets Award After Confronting Alleged Subway Flasher ~

NEW YORK (CBS 2) – A Westchester martial arts teacher is honored for standing up to an alleged subway flasher…[more...]

~ Westchester Magazine – Bronxville Tai Chi Instructor Honored for Confronting Subway Flasher ~

Nicola Briggs, the 38-year old Bronxville Tai-Chi instructor who became an Internet sensation when an amateur video of her confronting and helping to arrest a flasher on the subway was posted on YouTube….. [more...]

~ The Examiner News ~

The Professional Women of  Westchester Open Their Hearts to Hope’s Door

Click here for more …

~ Westfair Online ~

Professional women’s group debuts Nov. 8
If you’re a woman – and you’re in business – this news is for you.
Early next month marks the official launch of Professional Women of Westchester.
Created by Jamie Imperati, the founder of sister groups Professional Women of Putnam and Professional Women of Connecticut, the three chapter model “just creates a more powerful networking opportunity for women…. [more ...]

~ Natural Awakenings – New Westchester Women Networking Launched ~

Last March, Jamie Imperati launched the Professional Women of Putnam (PWP), following it in October with the Professional Women of Connecticut (PWC). Now Imperati has brought this successful model to Westchester as the third chapter in her business networking adventure…. [more ...]

~ StacyKnows – Nicola Briggs, a young woman who  has been described as a “folk hero”~

Briggs was accosted by a sexual predator on a New York subway train, confronted him and then enrolled her fellow passengers in ensuring his arrest and conviction…. [more...]

 

~ All About Armonk – Nearly 100 Women Gathered at Gervasi’s to Make Merry and Mingle for Business ~

White Plains (December 8, 2010) — Professional Women of Westchester (PWW) kicked off the holidays last Monday, December 7th, with their holiday party and fundraiser.  Close to 100 enterprising women mixed and mingled for business and to benefit Hope’s Door….  [more ....]

~ Professional Women of Westchester – Milongo’s Restaurant November 8, 2010 ~

~ ScarsdalePatch – Courage and Composure in Subway Flasher Incident Earn Bronxville Tai Chi Instructor Honors ~

When faced with a sexual advance on the subway, a first reaction might be to recoil in horror, but Nicola Briggs, a martial arts instructor at The Tai Chi School of Westchester in Bronxville, decided to confront her predator and hold him accountable…. [more ...]