Non-profit announces chosen recipients to be recognized at 25^th Annual Strong, Smart, and Bold Awards Celebration

MERIDEN, CT, January 22, 2026— In 2026, Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central Connecticut (GIMCC) will present the prestigious Strong, Smart, and Bold Woman of the Year Award to an accomplished woman who exemplifies confidence, strength, perseverance, and impact in the communities it serves, as well as individual “Strong,” “Smart,” and “Bold” awards at the Annual Awards Celebration on March 18, 2026. GIMCC is proud to announce this year’s honorees:

• Robyn Swanson, SVP/Co-Acting CEO for Ellafi Federal Credit Union – Strong, Smart, and Bold Woman of the Year
• Enileika Lopez-Riddle, Director of Access at Rushford – Strong Award
• Adinelia Ramos, Family & Community Engagement Specialist for CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts – Smart Award
• Patricia Gardner, CCSU Administrative Faculty Emerita – Bold Award

GIMCC’s award selection committee convened just a couple of weeks after nominations closed to discuss the nominations submitted for this year’s awards. The nominees come from many different fields including education, politics, sports management, healthcare and wellness, finance and operations, entrepreneurship, and community service, among others. While many communities directly impacted by these nominees’ professional endeavors exist within central Connecticut, various other communities in further-reaching areas of the state are impacted by their work as well.

“It was wonderful to see so many submissions praising such committed individuals in our central Connecticut communities across all four award categories this year,” says Laura Tiedge, GIMCC Executive Director. “The diversity in professions, as well as areas and avenues of impact will bring outstanding examples of inspiration and dedication to an Annual Celebration that has been part of our affiliate’s history for almost a quarter of a century. We are delighted to honor Robyn, Enileika, Adinelia, and Patricia for all their meaningful efforts to improve the lives of women and girls in Connecticut.”

In recent years, the Celebration has taken place in May, but this will be a landmark year in which the affiliate transitions the event to March, framing it in Women’s History Month. This will provide the opportunity to highlight inspirational female leaders in Connecticut during an internationally recognized celebration of women’s societal contributions. It will additionally serve as the kick-off of their 8-week Annual Support Campaign, concluding with Girls Inc.’s Network-wide fundraiser, “Girls Inc. Together,” in early May 2026.

This year’s honorees are impeccable role models for girls who have demonstrated their leadership through service, and who are positively impacting the lives and futures of Connecticut’s girls, mirroring what Girls Inc. wishes for every girl to be: Strong. Smart. Bold. Award recipients will be honored, and all nominees acknowledged, at the Annual Strong, Smart, and Bold Awards Celebration. It will be held on March 18, 2026, at The Lodge at Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort.

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About Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central CT

In partnership with schools, community-based organizations, and at Girls Inc. centers, Girls Inc. focuses on the development of the whole girl. Girls learn to value themselves, take risks, and discover and develop their inherent strengths. The combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment, and evidence-based programming equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers, and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Each day, Girls Inc. inspires ALL girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Girls Inc. of Meriden and Central CT Website

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