MERIDEN, CT, November 19, 2025 —

Girls Inc. asking community members to nominate impactful individuals for Woman of the Year and additional award categories

Since 2000, Girls Inc. of Central Connecticut (GICCT) has presented the prestigious Strong, Smart, and Bold Award to an accomplished woman who exemplifies confidence, strength, perseverance, and impact in the communities it serves at the Annual SSB Awards Celebration. This March, the affiliate will again present this award, along with the individual “Strong”, “Smart”, and “Bold” Awards, to celebrate those in our Connecticut communities who empower girls and women in healthy living, academic enrichment, and advocacy for positive change.

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.

Strong, Smart, and Bold Award 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. They are community members who have brought the community closer to manifesting its potential to help ALL girls reach their potential. Their leadership mirrors what Girls Inc. wishes for every girl to be: Strong. Smart. Bold.

Four Strong, Smart, and Bold award winners will be selected from nominations submitted by individuals, businesses, and organizations. The affiliate is eager to acknowledge outstanding professional and community leaders within the state who have had a positive impact on girls and women.

The nomination form, which details the award categories, eligibility, and criteria can be found at the following link: 25th Annual SSB Awards Nomination Form. All nominations must be received by December 17^th, 2025. Award recipients will be honored, and all nominees recognized, at the Annual Strong, Smart, and Bold Awards Celebration in March 2026. For Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Executive Director, Laura Tiedge (ltiedge@girlsinccentralct.org).

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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