A woman's biggest inspiration often comes from another woman in her life -- her mother, sister, friend or peer. In its ongoing efforts to empower women and eliminate racism, YWCA Hartford Region hosts the annual In the Company of Women luncheon. This event brings together nearly 1,500 diverse and successful women from the Greater Hartford area for the largest networking luncheon in the State to be inspired and to inspire one another.

Now in its second decade, the In the Company of the Women luncheon is the YW's most important annual fundraising event, with proceeds helping to fund YWCA's many programs and services that benefit the lives of women and children in the Hartford region.

Attendees get the opportunity to meet other important women who make a difference in Connecticut and gain insight and inspiration from a keynote speaker who has achieved great success, serves as a role model for women, and -- most importantly -- is helping to fulfill the Association's mission of empowering women and eliminating racism. Jeannette Walls, Isabel Allende, Dr. Mae Jemison, Lesley Stahl, Candice Bergen, Ann Curry, Anna Quindlen and Dr. Maya Angelou are among the dynamic women who have shared their motivational stories.