We’re on a Mission
in the Hartford Region

In the Company of Women Luncheon

In the Company of Women is YWCA Hartford Region’s signature fundraising event. Since 1996, we’ve invited inspirational speakers to share their inspirational stories and lift women, girls and families. The event has grown to become the state’s largest networking event, bringing together business and community leaders, public officials and our program participants to celebrate and advance our work supporting women, girls and families in the Hartford Region.

It gives us great pleasure to introduce the Keynote Speaker for our 2024 In the Company of Women Luncheon, Collette V. Smith.

Collette V. Smith is the Founder and President of Believe N You, Incorporated. She gained international fame when she became the NFL’s first African-American female coach and the first female coach in NY Jets franchise history. Collette made her NFL coaching debut with the NY Jets defensive backs in 2017 during Training Camp.

Her professional football career started at the age of 42, playing for the New York Sharks, an all-women’s professional football team. After being sidelined by an injury, she served as Coach and Director of Marketing for the two Women’s Professional Football Leagues, the WFA and IWFL (Women’s Football League Association, Independent Women’s Football League).

Collette is currently affiliated with the WFLA, the only Women’s Professional Football League that pays their players and fosters an environment for female athletes to sustain healthy lifestyles through playing, coaching and participating in American Football at the Highest Level for Women. The League’s purpose, principals and plans are rooted in creating the development of the most pristine women’s football product in the world. Collette is an ambassador for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Up2UsSports and the Voss Foundation, which facilitates access to clean water for women in rural Africa. She is also an Official Wish Grantor with the Make A Wish Foundation. She has received numerous awards.

We can’t wait to see you on April 18, 2024!

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Sponsorship Opportunities

Each year, we are joined by corporate and small business partners who join us in making In the Company of Women such a success. Our sponsors support not just the luncheon, but our work throughout the year. We are so grateful to all our sponsors!

Contact Karol Jimenez by email at karolj@ywcahartford.org or by phone at 860-525-1163 x122 with any questions.

2024 Sponsorship Opportunities

Thank You to Our 2023 Sponsors!