POWERFUL WOMEN Partner Insights
Women-Owned Businesses |
Fairfield County
Amsterdam Hotel
19 Clarks Hill Ave., Stamford 06902 327-4300 • stamfordamsterdam.com sales@stamfordamsterdam.com
Balancing Act Financials LLC
1074 Hope St., Suite 203 Stamford 06907 548-0223 • balancingactfinancials.com anne@balancingactfinancials.com
BCM Media
30 Old Kings Highway South Darien 06820 326-1477 • bcmmedia.biz bmckenna@bmcmedia.biz
Benay Enterprises Inc.
30 Main St., Suite 303, Danbury 06810 744-6010 • benay.com info@benayei.com
BMW of Darien 140 Ledge Road, Darien 06820 656-1804 • bmwdarien.com
Co-Communications Inc.
2 Forest Park Drive, Farmington 06032 860-676-4400 • cocommunications.com stacey@cocommunications.com
COUTUREDossier
43 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich 06831 900-1600 • couturedossier.com info@couturedossier.com
Danika Communications 15 E. Putnam Ave., No.386 Greenwich, CT 06830 661-3663 • danikapr.com ryan@danikapr.com
E.R. Becker Company Inc. 16 Betts Place, Norwalk 06855 852-8077 • erbeckercompany.com ellie@erbecker.com
Fairfield Marketing Group 830 Sport Hill Road, Easton 06612 261-5855, ext. 202 • fairfieldmarketing.com info@fairfieldmarketing.com
Gilda Bonanno LLC
25 Old Kings Highway North Darien 06820 979-5117 • gildabonanno.com info@gildabonanno.com
Greenwich Medical Spa
1285 E. Putnam Ave., Riverside 06878 637-0662 • greenwichmedicalspa.com
and Andrey Omelich, founders
Bonanno, founder and owner 2006
Johnson
Gilda
Keynote speeches, presentation skills coaching, training in communication and leadership skills
Marria Pooya 2005
At 20 Years in Stamford, MKDA Thrives Under Julia Riso Livingston’s Leadership
As a leader in commercial interior design and architecture at both the local and national levels, Julia Riso Livingston, RA—Northeast Regional Managing Principal of MKDA Stamford—has been instrumental in building and sustaining MKDA’s 20-year presence in the Stamford market. At its milestone 20th anniversary, MKDA Stamford stands under her leadership as a trusted regional design partner, serving commercial building owners, developers, and tenants across workplace, healthcare, retail, and multifamily sectors.
Julia’s reputation is built on a strategic, advisory-driven approach, which pairs design excellence with a deep understanding of branding, leasing, and market positioning. Frequently called upon by commercial
building owners, she advises on large-scale repositionings, capital improvements, and prebuilt and turnkey programs that enhance asset value and accelerate leasing. Her ability to anticipate market shifts and guide clients through evolving workplace and real estate demands has resulted in a high rate of repeat business and long-standing client relationships.
“Good design is always a team effort,” said Julia. “Purposeful collaboration in our open studio environment produces the strongest solutions. We listen carefully, offer informed guidance, and build relationships rooted in trust – because that partnership is ultimately our greatest strength.”
Over the course of her career, Julia has led the design of interiors for firms including
Eldridge Industries, Guggenheim Partners, Wiggin & Dana, Lovesac, and PURE Insurance. On the landlord side, she has delivered major capital improvement and repositioning projects on behalf of George Comfort & Sons, Alchemy-ABR Investment Partners, Black Diamond Capital Management, The Feil Organization, and Lincoln Property Company, among others.
In recent years, Julia has successfully expanded MKDA Stamford’s reach into new and growing sectors. She has spearheaded a strategic push into healthcare design, leading multiple projects for Orthopedic Neurosurgery Specialists and serving as on-call building architect for prominent medical office properties. She has also guided the studio into retail and emerging markets, including
the launch of Hi! People’s first Connecticut location, with additional sites underway. Julia’s professional excellence has earned her numerous industry recognitions, including Woman Making an Impact by the Westchester County Business Journal, Women of Influence by GlobeSt.com, and Leading Lady in Commercial Real Estate by Real Estate Weekly.
“In offering exceptional design and first-rate service, Julia has formed lasting business relationships and made significant contributions to Stamford’s real estate and business communities,” said Michael Kleinberg, CEO of MKDA. “Her strategic mindset, leadership, and adaptability continue to make a meaningful impact for our clients, our firm, and the industry at large.”
Women-Owned Businesses |
Fairfield County
LISTED ALPHABETICALLY - COMPLETED BY GARY LARKIN / GLARKIN@WESTFAIRINC.COM -
Organization
Impact Personnel Inc.
1698 Post Road East, Westport 06680 866-2444 • impactpersonnel.com maryann@imactpersonnel.com
Innovative Display & Design 1452 Barnum Ave., Bridgeport 06610 800-858-9450 • innov-8.com
The McIntyre Group 2 Enterprise Drive, Shelton 06484 956-2343 • themcintyregroup.com mdamato@themcintyregroup.com
Nest of Southport 362 Pequot Ave., Southport 06890 255-1734 • nestofsouthport.com esanta@nestofsouthport.com
Nielsen’s Florist Garden Shop 1405 Post Road, Darien 06820 655-2541 • nielsensflorist.com nielsen@nielsensflorist.com
PCI Creative Group 562 Glenbrook Road., Suite 2-301 Stamford 06906 327-0410 • pcigroup.net annec@pcigroup.net
Pellicci’s Restaurant 96 Stillwater Ave., Stamford 06902 323-2542 • pelliccis.com tonilupinacci@hotmail.com
The Ridgefield Playhouse 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield 06877 438-5795 • ridgefieldplayhouse.org
Saugatuck Commercial Real Estate LLC 9 Burr Road, Westport 06680 222-4190 • saugatuckcommercial.com pwickey@saugatuckcommercial.com
TFI Envision Inc.
111 Westport Ave., Norwalk 06851 845-0700 • tfienvision.com liz@tfienvision.com
Women’s Business Development Council
184 Bedford St., Suite 201 Stamford 06901 353-1750 • ctwbdc.org info@ctwbdc.org
(973) 722-5642
President Year company established Business description
Maryann Donovan, president 1989
Recruiting firm for temporary, temp-to-hire and full-time positions in the fields of sales, marketing, human resources and administrative
Donna Shea, founder and CEO 1986
Exhibits, event and branded-environment production company
Michelle D’Amato, president 1986
Staffing agency
Santa 2002
Anne Chiapetta, principal 1985
Cross media marketing company utilizing multiple communication channels to help clients meet their goals
2004
Elizabeth Ball, creative connector and president 1975
Full-service, commercial real estate brokerage firm representing tenants, landlords, developers, owners, investors, as well as buyers and sellers
and design firm
Fran Pastore, CEO and founder 1986 Entrepreneurial and financial training
Elizabeth
Interior design, upholstery, windows
Sandy Nielsen, general manager 1944
Florist
Toni Lupinacci, owner 1947
Restaurant
Allison Stockel, executive director 1983
A nonprofit theatre
Penny P. Wickey, principal
Marketing
Cuddy & Feder: Building Careers That Last
For more than five decades, Cuddy & Feder LLP has focused on creating an environment where talented professionals can build long, fulfilling careers. From the firm’s early years to today, that commitment has shaped a culture grounded in mentorship, collaboration, and long-term opportunity. Women attorneys and professional staff have played an integral role in the firm’s growth, contributing across practice areas and leadership roles while developing careers that evolve alongside the firm itself.
Many of the firm’s women have spent a significant portion of their professional lives at Cuddy & Feder, developing deep institutional knowledge that strengthens client service and reinforces continuity across teams. This longevity allows attorneys and staff to work efficiently, draw on shared ex-
“LONGEVITY,
COLLABORATION, AND CONTINUITY
perience, and maintain strong relationships internally and externally. Clients benefit from working with professionals who understand not only the legal landscape, but also the history, context, and long-term goals behind their matters.
Cuddy & Feder recognizes that career paths are not linear. The firm supports attorneys through different stages of their professional journeys, whether that means developing technical skills early on, expanding leadership responsibilities over time, or balancing evolving professional and personal priorities. Through ongoing mentorship, hands-on experience, and opportunities to lead client matters, attorneys are encouraged to grow in ways that align with both their strengths and the needs of the firm.
The firm’s commitment to flexibility and professional development has helped
foster sustained leadership and meaningful engagement. Women attorneys and staff are encouraged to take on roles that allow them to contribute to firm initiatives, mentor others, and help shape the firm’s future. This approach supports continuity while also creating space for new ideas, perspectives, and growth.
Investing in people remains central to Cuddy & Feder’s success. A focus on the retention and advancement of women strengthens teams and brings diverse viewpoints to complex legal and business challenges. The result is a firm shaped by experience, perspective, and collaboration— one that values long-term relationships and thoughtful counsel. As Cuddy & Feder continues to evolve, its commitment to building careers that last remains a defining part of its identity.
Ingenuity, thoughtfulness and insight have been the hallmarks of our law firm for over 50 years. Our attorneys help local, regional, national and multi-national clients alike identify and implement nuanced solutions to complex legal challenges in the following key practice areas: Real Estate; Land Use, Zoning & Development; Litigation; Trusts, Estates & Elder Law; Finance;
Telecommunications; Energy & Environmental; and Cannabis Law.
Women-Owned Businesses | Westchester County
Allan M. Block Agency Inc.
24 S. Broadway, Tarrytown 10591 631-4353 • ambins.com jmurray@allanblockinsurance.com
Arch Street Communications Inc.
31 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 400 White Plains 10601 821-5100 • asc-pr.com nmadonick@asc-pr.com
Buzz Creators Inc.
400 Columbus Ave., Second floor Valhalla 10596 358-5080 • buzz-creators.com crae@buzz-creators.com
C&A Digital One North Broadway White Plains, NY 10601 914-607-7888 elenaracheek@cadigitalny.com
Co-Communications Inc.
120 Bloomingdale Rd, Suite 305 White Plains, NY 10605 666-0066 • cocommunications.com stacey@cocommunications.com
Eileen Fisher Inc.
2 Bridge St., Irvington 10533 591-5700 • eileenfisher.com onlinesupport@eileenfisher.com
The Flower Bar 11 Addison St., Larchmont 10538 834-4900 • the-flower-bar.com orders@the-flower-bar.com
Formé Urgent Care and Wellness Center 7-11 S. Broadway, White Plains 10601 723-4900 • formeurgentcare.com
Beck LLP
1 W. Red Oak Lane., White Plains 10604 305-3464• fullertonbeck.com kbeck@fullertonbeck.com
GMG Public Relations, Inc.
23 Blauvelt Street, Nanuet, NY 10954 996-8100 • gmgpr.com
Approach Staffing Inc.
7 Skyline Dr. Hawthorne 10532 428-4800 • madisonapproach.com info@madisonapproach.com
JoAnne Murray, president and owner
Christina Rae, president
Rivera-Cheek
Gina Cappelli, president 2000
Boutique urgent care and wellness cente Fullerton
Eileen Fullerton, managing partner; Katrine Beck, founding partner/owner
ROOM
ROOM
At 4 a.m., Keith’s pain became so unbearable that he went to the White Plains Hospital emergency room. Dr. Andrew Casden, Chief of Orthopedics, determined his leg pain was caused by a severely compressed spinal nerve and operated immediately. Keith returned home pain-free that same day—on his way to a full recovery and back onto the tennis courts he loves.
Women-Owned Businesses | Westchester
County
LISTED ALPHABETICALLY - COMPLETED BY GARY LARKIN / GLARKIN@WESTFAIRINC.COM - (973) 722-5642
Organization
Mary Ann Liebert Inc., Publishers 140 Huguenot St., third floor New Rochelle 10801 740-2100 • liebertpub.com info@liebertpub.com
The New Crystal Restoration Enterprises Inc. 109 S. Regent St., Port Chester 10573 937-0500 • newcrystalrestoration.com lisa@crystalrestoration.com
Penny Pincher Boutique 184 Harris Road (Route 117 Bypass) Bedford Hills 10507 241-2134 • pennypincherboutique.com info@pennypincherboutique.com
Rey Insurance Agency 219 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow 10591 631-7628 • reyinsurance.com service@reyinsurance.com
Ruby Media Group 115 N. Broadway, White Plains 10603 268-8645 • rubymediagroup.com • krisruby.com kruby@rubymediagroup.com
Scalise & Hamilton PC 670 White Plains Road Scarsdale, NY 10583 725-2801 • scaliseandhamiltonpc.com
Silverman Realty Group Inc.
237 Mamaroneck Ave. White Plains 10605 683-8000 • silvermanrealty.com info@silvermanrealty.com
Thompson & Bender 1192 Pleasantville Road Briarcliff Manor 10510 762-1900 • thompson-bender.com liz@thompson-bender.com
Uovo Moderno 156 Katonah Ave., Katonah 10536 401-9298 • uovomoderno.org sales@uovomoderno.com
Westfair Communications Inc. 4 Smith Ave., Suite 2 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 694-3600 • westfaironline.com • wagmag.com dee@westfairinc.com
Women’s Enterprise Development Center Inc. 901 N. Broadway, Suite 23 White Plains 10603 948-6098 • wedcbiz.org ajaniak@wedcbiz.org
WOMENINBUSINESS.ORG
P.O. Box 277, Purchase 10977 288-9888 • womeninbusiness.org toby@womeninbusiness.org
Ann Liebert 1980
Lisa Cordasco, president 1960
firm serving the scientific, technical, medical and information fields
Arkin, owner 1985 Women’s luxury consignment
Laura Rey Iannarelli, owner 1987
Ruby 2009
Deborah A. Scalise NA
relations and social media agency
Bonnie Silverman N
Commercial real estate development and management firm
Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, partner 1986
Advertising and marketing, public relations, creative and digital services, special events planning and promotion
Marry Ann Hawley, owner and manager 2013
Dee DelBello 1090
General gift store with items for the home as well as clothing and jewelry
Publishing firm: Westchester and Fairfield County Business Journals, WAG magazine and associated websites
Anne M. Janiak, CEO and founder 1997
Entrepreneurial training programs and services
Toby Nadler, founder NA
National distinction for influential and successful women entrepreneurs, executives and professionals in all business sectors
Mary
Melinda