100 Women of Color Gala to honor leaders from Springfield to Stamford

Celebrating the achievements and impact of women of color from Stanford to Springfield, an inspiring night of recognition is just a days away. The annual awards gala will take place at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford later this week. 22 News reporter Aretha Odaya introduces us to some of this year's local honorees and takes a closer look at the event. Resilience, empowerment, community, and impact is what Friday's 11th annual 100 Women of Color Gala and Awards is all about. uplifting 100 diverse women across all professions nominated for their work in their communities. I'm a volunteer for the Sheriff's Department with the AISS program. I've been a mentor for over 20 years. I also am on the Community Accountability Board. I sponsored the Reading Frederick Douglass Together Springfield event for the last four years. I am the founder and CEO of Soaray Me. I've always given. That's part of who I am. and i have worked in marketing and creative roles for over 18 years photos over the years of the celebration put on by June Archer in 1128 entertainment both women sharing with me their excitement for what's ahead i'm super excited i'm super excited this is like a dream come true i would love to be alongside 100 women of color um just doing big things it's a great honor um i'm really excited about it i'm surprised i have been awarded for different things in my life but this is probably like the biggest event that i've had and 22 news anchor and change maker Ciara Speller among those being honored friday she's the co-founder for the Jeffrey Speller foundation for change always looking to give back to the game of golf in honor of her late father so you can learn more about the gala and how you can attend on our website at wwlp.com. Working for you, Aretha Odaya, 22 News.