Yesterday may have been the first time “A Moment For Mom: Networking Lunch for Wilton Moms” was held, but the 200-plus participants were wowed by the event. The expo of Wilton more than 60 resources, service professionals, and businesses–all owned or run by women–gave attendees and exhibitors an opportunity to make more connections in town.
It was held at Trackside Teen Center, which donated its space to the effort to benefit this segment of the Wilton community.
The event was organized and pulled together in less than three weeks. Dreamt up by one person–Andrea Topalian, owner of Moments by Andrea Photography, the five-hour networking opportunity came to life thanks to the hard work of many, as Topalian says.
“It might have been my vision but it was their hard work that made it truly spectacular. Thank you Caroline Unger, Lisa Pannone, Melly Bonita, Deborah List, Anju Pandey and all the vendors and volunteers! It truly does take a village!”
One exhibitor posted her take on the event on Facebook shortly after it was over. Jennifer Iannuzzi, who recently started a therapy and counseling practice for families of children with special needs called Living Special Needs, summed up the way many exhibitors and attendees felt. She allowed us to print it in full here:
Today was one of those days that I will not soon forget!!
A month or so ago Andrea Topalian reached out to me to see if I would like to participate in a networking event for women. I was hesitant at first since my business is so new and still in the development phase. I really didn’t think I would have much to offer. But Andrea’s confidence in me gave me just the push I needed to say yes.
As Andrea’s vision to bring women together to share and to learn about each other grew, I started to feel even more apprehensive about my decision to participate in this. While I know that Living Special Needs has so much potential to help so many, I was far from confident that I could convince others of this. So I decided to put my fears, self-doubt, and insecurities aside and just go and hope for the best.
What I saw today just blew me away. Hundreds of women coming together with all different backgrounds and strengths and insights and experiences and tragedies and accomplishments were sharing and supporting one another. There was so much positivity and curiosity and genuine interest in that room today that I felt so fortunate to be a part of it.
What l learned today was twofold. First women are incredible. Their instinct is to help and encourage their friends and inspire others to be the best that they can be. And second I learned that no matter how successful we are we all have self doubt and fears and wonder if we are good enough.
As I left the event I realized that Andrea’s vision was far greater than showcasing women’s businesses; it was much more about showcasing women and their giving spirit.
Thank you Andrea and to everyone who made today a tremendous success! Way to go Wilton Women!