YWCA Darien Norwalk, 49 Old Kings Highway N, Darien, CT (2026)

06/08/2026

As we begin winding down another incredible season of programs and events, we hope you'll join us for one of our final community conversations of the year.

💬 How can we better support LGBTQIA+ youth?

For the first time, YWCA's Parent Awareness is dedicating a workshop to this important topic, one that reflects our commitment to creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for all.

Join us alongside and the for an evening of learning, conversation, and connection. Hear from parents and caregivers, deepen your understanding of gender and identity, and ask questions in a supportive, judgment-free space.

📅 June 10
🕖 7:00–8:30 PM
🎟️ Free

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or community member, all are welcome.

Register here: https://ywcadn.org/event/lets-talk-learn-together-supporting-lgbtqia-youth-together/

06/05/2026

A huge thank you to all of the sponsors who make Women of Distinction and the mission of the YWCA come to life. We are truly grateful for the support of so many businesses and organizations throughout Fairfield County. Thank you!

06/04/2026

As we count down to Friday's Women of Distinction Luncheon, we're closing out our Women of Distinction Wednesday spotlights with Lucy Ball and Youth Honoree Gigi Brown (swipe —>)

As the Founding Executive Director of the Lone Pine Foundation, Lucy has spent more than four decades strengthening communities through education, philanthropy, and leadership development. A founding board member of Impact Fairfield County and current Chair of the Community Mindfulness Project, Lucy's work has focused on bringing people together, fostering connection, building trust, and expanding opportunity for all.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, Lucy shared:

"One simple but powerful action is to truly listen to one another. When people feel seen and heard, it builds trust, and trust is the foundation of strong communities."

Inspired by Elizabeth Murray and her commitment to advocacy and compassion, Lucy continues to lead with empathy and purpose.

Her personal motto: "For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it. If only we're brave enough to be it."

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A dedicated student leader and athlete, Gigi has served on Student Government throughout high school, including as President during her senior year. She has played both soccer and lacrosse all four years and will attend UNC Chapel Hill this fall. Through her leadership and involvement, Gigi is committed to creating spaces where everyone feels included and supported.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, Gigi shared:

"One action we can take to make our community stronger is to actively include others. Simple things like inviting someone new to join a group, listening to different perspectives, or offering support can build stronger connections and trust."

Inspired by her mom's hard work, kindness, and strength, Gigi strives to lead by example and make others feel valued.

Her personal motto: "Small acts create big change."

✨ We can't wait to celebrate Lucy, Gigi, and the entire 2026 Women of Distinction class this Friday at Shorehaven Golf Club.

05/27/2026

Women of Distinction is just one week away and we’re closing in on profiling our final honorees. This week, we’re highlighting our final two youth honorees: Finley Smith and Samatha Morris (swipe —>)

A junior at Darien High School, Finley is an EMT with Post 53 EMS and serves as President of EmpowHer at the Darien Depot. She is actively involved in several school clubs, including DECA, Book Club, and Honor Societies, and is also a member of the Girls Varsity Soccer and Golf teams, as well as the Unified Sports team. Through all she does, Finley is dedicated to building connection and supporting those around her.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, Finley shared:
“One action that we can take to make our community stronger is to be there for one another… When we show up for each other in the quiet, ordinary moments of everyday life, we create something profound.”

Inspired by Emma Watson, Finley admires her commitment to education and advocacy, and her ability to use her platform to create meaningful change.

Her personal motto: “If you weren’t ready, then you wouldn’t have the opportunity.”

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An active member of the Depot community since her freshman year, Samantha has been involved in Student Governing Board, Helping Hands, and the Volunteer Club. As a leader of the Volunteer Club, she helps organize events that support both the Depot and the broader community, bringing people together through service.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, Samantha shared:
“One action we can take to make our community stronger is helping others around us.”

Inspired by her mom’s dedication and work ethic, Samantha is motivated to give her best in everything she does and to show up for others in meaningful ways.

Her personal motto: “She believed she could, so she did.”

✨ Help us celebrate Samantha and all of our 2026 Women of Distinction honorees.

🎟️ Join us on June 5 at Shorehaven Golf Club — tickets available here: https://ywcadn.org/women-of-distinction-2026/

05/22/2026

Feeling overwhelmed by today’s workplace tech? You’re not alone. 💻✨

Join us for Digital Confidence for Your Workplace or Business, a practical, approachable workshop designed to help women better understand the tools shaping today’s work environments — from Zoom, Canva, and Google Workspace to AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude.

Perfect for career re-entry, small business owners, freelancers, caregivers, or anyone looking to build confidence navigating the modern digital world.

📍 Wednesday, May 27
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 YWCA Darien/Norwalk

No tech background required, just curiosity and a willingness to learn. Register here: https://ywcadn.org/event/digital-confidence-for-todays-workplace-business/

05/20/2026

It’s Women of Distinction Wednesday, and this week we’re honored to celebrate Mónica Caballero.

Mónica is a digital media strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of Conexión Cafecito, a network dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs through connection, education, and collaboration. Through her work, she helps small businesses strengthen their digital presence while uplifting women to build confidence, leadership, and economic independence.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, Mónica shared:
“One powerful action we can take is to intentionally support and uplift one another.

When we create spaces to connect, collaborate, and share opportunities, we strengthen not only individuals but the entire community.”

Inspired by her mother’s strength, perseverance, and unconditional love—and by the resilience of women in her community, especially Latina entrepreneurs—Mónica continues to create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.

Her personal motto: “When one woman rises, we all rise.”

✨ Join us in celebrating Mónica and the 2026 Women of Distinction class.

🎟️ Tickets are now available for our June 5 celebration at Shorehaven Golf Club — learn more at the link: https://ywcadn.org/women-of-distinction-2026/

05/18/2026

We’re excited to officially welcome .co as our newest Community Partner at YWCA Darien/Norwalk 💬✨

Starting this summer, they’ll be offering weekly classes at the YWCA focused on early language development through play-based, engaging experiences for little ones and their caregivers.

Our Community Partners program brings together trusted local organizations to expand the experiences and resources we’re able to offer families, and we’re so glad to have Little Talkers as part of it ❤️

Explore all of our community partners & rental opportunities here: https://ywcadn.org/communitypartners/

And learn more about Little Talkers here: https://www.littletalkers.co

05/15/2026

💬 How can we better support LGBTQIA+ youth?

In recognition of Pride Month coming up this June, we’re opening up an important community conversation, and for the first time, our Parent Awareness series is dedicating a workshop to this topic, which is grounded in our mission of equity and inclusion.

Join us for Let’s Talk: How to Support LGBTQIA+ Youth, hosted together with Darien CT Pride and Triangle Community Center .

Hear from parents and caregivers, build your understanding of gender and identity, and ask questions in a safe, welcoming space.

📅 June 10
🕖 7:00–8:30 PM
🎟️ Free

Click this link to learn more and register: https://ywcadn.org/event/lets-talk-learn-together-supporting-lgbtqia-youth-together/

05/13/2026

It’s Women of Distinction Wednesday, and this week we’re recognizing youth honorees Abby Goertel and Sheehan McAuliffe!

A junior at Darien High School, Abby is Co-President of SADD at The Depot, where she helps lead initiatives that promote healthy choices and positive peer culture. She is also a Special Olympics swim coach and works with special needs teens through the Challenger Program. In addition, Abby is a swimmer with Chelsea Piers Aquatic Club and a member of Darien High School’s DECA business club.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, she shared:
“One action we can all take to make our community stronger is to treat each other with greater kindness and understanding.”

Inspired by her mom, Sara Goertel, Abby leads with compassion, dedication, and a strong sense of community.

Her personal motto: “Believe you can, and you're halfway there.”

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A junior at Darien High School, Sheehan is a passionate changemaker who seeks out opportunities to lead and serve. From founding the Building One Community Club to leadership roles with She’s The First and the Youth Community Fund, she is committed to making an impact locally and beyond. She also leads a Student Visionaries of the Year team raising funds for blood cancer research.

When asked what helps make a community stronger, she shared:
“Taking responsibility for the change we want to see. Communities grow stronger when people work together to solve larger problems, listen to one another, and create an environment that people want to be a part of.”

Inspired by her mom, Caitlin McAuliffe, and late family friend Annabel Marisca, she leads with compassion, resilience, and appreciation for the power of community.

Her personal motto: “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

✨ Join us in recognizing Sheehan and Abby and celebrating the 2026 Women of Distinction class in just 3 weeks.

🎟️ Tickets for our June 5 celebration at Shorehaven Golf Club are going fast — click the link to reserve yours today. https://ywcadn.org/women-of-distinction-2026/

05/11/2026

Our Women & Money: A Learning Series cohort is officially underway.

Last month, a new group of women came together for four weeks of learning, connection, and real conversations around money.

It’s all made possible because of this community ❤️

Your membership, sponsorships, and support help bring programs like this to life.
Up next: our May Economic Empowerment workshop:
✨ Digital Confidence for Today’s Workplace & Business

A session designed to demystify the tools shaping today’s workplace — from collaboration platforms to AI — and help you feel more confident navigating them.

Curious to explore more? Our refreshed Economic Empowerment page brings together everything we offer, from free 4-week cohorts to monthly workshops and beyond. Link in bio.

YWCA Darien Norwalk

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