TUESDAY,
APRIL 30, 2024

SUNDAY,
MAY 5, 2024

THURSDAY,
MAY 9, 2024

TUESDAY,
JUNE 4, 2024

FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

4th Annual “Queens of the Green” Golf Tournament

Location: Lyman Orchards Golf Course, Middlefield, CT

Queens of the Green is an entry-level scramble golf tournament fundraiser providing access for Black and minority women to experience golf. Golfers of all levels are welcome to attend this event. Golf lessons and golf guides are available to assist you in navigating the golf course.

Registration Includes: Light Breakfast, Golf Clinic, 9-Hole Course, Networking Lunch (Beer & Wine), Golf Clubs, & Custom Polo Shirt.

Proceeds from Queens of the Green are used to provide a scholarship to a Black or minority student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate level S.T.E.M. program throughout Connecticut.

FEBRUARY 27, 2024

Black History Month Luncheon – Guest Speaker, Dr. Dwayne Smith (SCSU)

Black entrepreneurs are invited to a lunch full of empowerment, accountability, and community! Guest speaker, Dr. Dwayne Smith – Southern Connecticut State University

Dr. Dwayne Smith, an accomplished higher education leader. He is current the Interim President of Southern Connecticut State University. He has served as CEO of Housatonic Community College where he secured substantial funding, expanded partnerships, and boosted STEM programs. Previously, at Harris-Stowe State University, he achieved accreditation successes and secured major grants. Smith’s leadership has earned national recognition, reflecting his dedication to advancing education and fostering inclusivity.

FEBRUARY 1,  2024

Discover CMWP Membership

This event is for:

• New members who recently joined CMWP
• Existing members who want to network and learn what CMWP has been up to
• Women interested in becoming a CMWP member

Join us to meet the CMWP leadership team and other CMWP members. Learn about:

• The Collaboration of Minority Women Professionals (CMWP)
• CMWP Foundation, Inc.
• CMWP Advisory Board
• CMWP member benefits from our partner organizations
• Annual Queens of the Green Golf Tournament
• CMWP committees & book club
• Slack channel & member-only Facebook group
• Sponsorship opportunities
• Member-only events and programming
• All current and future events and activities

Apply for membership now – cmwpfoundation.org/membership

DECEMBER 11, 2023

2023 CMWP Foundation, Inc Holiday Event

Everyone is welcome to network during CMWP Foundation, Inc.’s Annual Holiday Fundraiser! Enjoy an evening of food, raffles, and making business connections while dining on delicious eats. Don’t forget your business cards. Digital or paper! Proceeds support a scholarship for a Black or brown undergraduate or graduate STEM student in a Connecticut-based college or university.

Limited childcare available.

OCTOBER 2023

Career Readiness Series with University of New Haven

Location: UNH West Haven and Orange, CT Campuses

CMWP Foundation, Inc. partnered with the Women in Business Club (WIB), Justice for Equity Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI), and The Career Development Center within UNH to deliver a 5 part Career Readiness Series for undergrad and graduate students.

THURSDAY,
OCTOBER 5, 2023

3rd Annual “Queens of the Green” Golf Tournament

Location: Lyman Orchards Golf Course, Middlefield, CT

Queens of the Green is an entry-level scramble golf tournament fundraiser providing access for Black and minority women to experience golf. Golfers of all levels are welcome to attend this event. Golf lessons and golf guides are available to assist you in navigating the golf course.

Registration Includes: Light Breakfast, Golf Clinic, 9-Hole Course, Networking Lunch (Beer & Wine), Golf Clubs, & Custom Polo Shirt.

Proceeds from Queens of the Green are used to provide a scholarship to a Black or minority student enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate level S.T.E.M. program throughout Connecticut.

FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

Bridgeport Minority Small Business Speed Networking & Resources

Free speed networking with Black and minority businesses. Local, regional, and state resource partners available to learn about access to capital, resources, and opportunities. Includes dinner and 1 drink ticket.

Location: The Gather Tap & Tavern 155 State Street, Bridgeport, CT, 06604

This event is sponsored by MetroCOG, DECD, US EDA, and CMWP Foundation, Inc.

Cost: Free

WEDNESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

Master the Art of Online Sales Through Marketing Webinar

Join CMWP Foundation, Inc. and Rhonda “Nova” Smith, CEO of Nova Raft Business Advisors LLC, as she discusses online sales and marketing strategies to increase revenues.

Nova has designed apparel for fortune 500 companies in New York City, such as Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors. In addition, she spearheaded new business developments with international and domestic manufacturing companies that led to an increase in annual sales and revenue. Nova’s extreme attention to detail in apparel and technical design transitioned her career within the fashion industry to the Global Manager of Product Development, Sourcing, and International Imports for corporations and small businesses.

This event is sponsored by MetroCOG, DECD, US EDA, and CMWP Foundation, Inc.

Cost: Free

WEDNESDAY,
AUGUST 30, 2023

Network at the Wadsworth with CMWP & David J. Hopkins

Network with CMWP Foundation, Inc. and local businesses for a quarterly business networking meetup with Guest speaker, David J. Hopkins, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Greater Hartford!!

Location: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, Hartford, CT

Includes Light Dinner and 1 drink ticket. (Drink tickets for the first 30 attendees only)

Presented by Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG).

Cost: Free

WEDNESDAY,
AUGUST 16, 2023

Digital Strategies to Elevate E-Commerce & Increase Sales 

CMWP Foundation, Inc. and Rhonda “Nova” Smith, CEO of Nova Raft Business Advisors LLC, discussed digital strategies to elevate e-commerce & increase sales.

WEDNESDAY,
AUGUST 2, 2023

Holistic Wellness with CMWP

CMWP brought wellness to TRUMBULL!  FREE in-person wellness event focusing on 4 pillars of wellness. various wellness sessions where Black and brown businesses hosted 15-minute wellness sessions.

• Financial Wellness
• Physical Wellness
• Mental Wellness
• Social Wellness

Stations include – Yoga, Fitness, Zumba, Sound Meditation, Mindful Movement, Vitamin Shots, Reiki, and Caribbean line dancing

Guest Speaker, Frank E. Brady will be discussing managing emotional stability.

• Lunch and refreshments served
• Childcare provided

THURSDAY,
JULY 27, 2023

Practice Golf with CMWP @ Golf Cove

Practiced golf with CMWP as we prepare for the CMWP 3rd Annual Golf Tournament – Queens of the Green!

Cost: $20 Per Person

Event Included: Golf Lessons, Golf simulations, Special CMWP Drink, Appetizers & refreshments

Adults & Kids 8+, Kids under 8 welcomed with parent’s supervision

WEDNESDAY,
JULY 19, 2023

CMWP & CRCOG Business Coaching – Setting Business Goals

Participants learned tips for Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals and develop three S.M.A.R.T. goals for their business.

Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time specific (S.M.A.R.T. ) goals help you stay focused and organized when you’re reaching your personal or professional goals.

Setting small goals helps prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and eventually giving up completely. Once you outline your S.M.A.R.T. goals, you’ll know what success looks like and how to measure it. This is important because when you establish S.M.A.R.T. goals, your team is better positioned for success.

THURSDAY,
JUNE 22, 2023

Access to Capital – NHE3 Grants & CT Loans with Joe Williams

Director of NHE3 Operations at the Community Foundation of Greater New Haven, Joseph “Joe” Williams explained how to obtain loans and grants through the organization. The NHE3 grant aims to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses establish equity, grants, business advisement, and technical support.

FRIDAY,
JUNE 16, 2023

​Entrepreneurial Wellness with CMWP

Various wellness sessions where Black and brown businesses hosted 15-minute wellness sessions.

• Financial Wellness
• Physical Wellness
• Mental Wellness
• Social Wellness

Guest speaker, Patrina Dixon of It’s My Money discussed the importance of financial wellness as a Black business owner.

• Lunch and refreshments served
• Childpreneur vendor tables and Childcare provided

WEDNESDAY,
MAY 10, 2023

CMWP – New Member Orientation

New & Seasoned Members learned how to make the most of your CMWP membership.

THURSAY,
MARCH 30, 2023

DINE TO DONATE @ ELM CITY SOCIAL

CMWP @ Elm City Social Thursday 3:00pm, 266 College St., New Haven, CT 06510

Two exclusive drinks were served for Women’s History Month that benefited CMWP – The Cadillac Margarita and the Hanky Panky cocktail.

TUESDAY,
MARCH 21, 2023

Women’s History Month Business Panel with CMWP & Albertus Magnus

CMWP members discussed their journey to entrepreneurship at The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Albertus Magnus College.

Panelists:

• Shawniel Chamanlal, LSCW, CEO & Founder, Healing Springs Wellness Center
• Luvena Leslie, Owner, The Curly Hair Salon
• Dr. Jennifer Pierre, CEO & Owner, JenteelNature Health
• Natalie Pryce, The Careerpreneur, Pryceless Consulting

Host: Kobéy Smith, Founder, Kobéy Enterprise, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center Coordinator

FRIDAY,
FEBRUARY 24, 2023

Black Entrepreneur Empowerment Luncheon

CMWP along with Howard K, Hill, a prominent New Haven community leader, owner of Howard K. Hill Funeral Homes, Founder of the Black Business Alliance, and Board President for the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon full of empowerment, accountability, and community!

WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY 15, 2023

Capability Statements & Business Certifications

This interactive virtual workshop provided attendees with the tools and resources to prepare capability statements and acquire business certifications.

Are you prepared to do business with large corporations, the federal government, and local municipalities?

Every year, the federal government and corporations spend billions of dollars funding contracts. An expertly designed capability statement and business certifications can significantly improve your potential for success.

A capability statement, certifications, and socioeconomic designations are your vehicle to winning contracts.

WEDNESDAY,
JANUARY 18, 2022

CMWP & CRCOG Business Coaching – Setting Business Goals – Part II

Participants learned tips for Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals and develop three S.M.A.R.T. goals for their business.

Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time specific (S.M.A.R.T. ) goals help you stay focused and organized when you’re reaching your personal or professional goals.

In each of the following sessions, participants will review their progress on their goals and receive feedback on ways to stay on track to ensure they achieve the goals they’ve established for their personal or professional growth.

THURSDAY,
DECEMBER 8, 2022

CMWP 4th Annual Networking Holiday Fundraiser

Kicked off the holiday season with CMWP! The evening was filled with networking, connections, delicious food, and FUN!! A portion of ticket proceeds were donated to The Village for Families & Children.

WEDNESDAY,
NOVEMBER 16, 2022

CMWP Business Workshop – Contract Winning  Proposals

Attendees reviewed strategies to write proposals that win contracts!

This workshop provided the tools needed to prepare proposals that actually win contracts!

WEDNESDAY,
OCTOBER 19, 2022

CMWP & CRCOG Business Coaching – Setting Business Goals – Part I

Participants learned tips for Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals and develop three S.M.A.R.T. goals for their business.

Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time specific (S.M.A.R.T. ) goals help you stay focused and organized when you’re reaching your personal or professional goals.

In each of the following sessions, participants will review their progress on their goals and receive feedback on ways to stay on track to ensure they achieve the goals they’ve established for their personal or professional growth.

FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

2nd Annual “Queens of the Green” Golf Tournament

Entry-level golf tournament, with golf instructors available to assist in navigating the golf course.

Experienced golfers, join for a day of FUN!!! Men, invited to join as an instructor or volunteer, and your donations are much appreciated!

THURSDAY,
SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

CMWP Minority Business Networking

Kickoff networking event in partnership with the Capitol Regional Council of Government (CRCOG) on Thursday, 9/15/2022 from 5pm-7pm @ The Russells in Hartford, CT.

This event is free. Includes complimentary buffet & drink ticket.

June/July

Golf Clinics (Golf Fore Women)

Join Marissa Kulig of Lyman Orchard – the 2021 LPGA Golf Teacher of the Year  – in a 5-week golf lesson series. Learn the fundamentals of golf, in-depth drills, workbooks, guides, coupons, and more….

WEDNESDAY,
MAY 25, 2022

Bank Blitz – In Person Event

Liberty Bank and the Collaboration of Minority Women Professionals met in -person to learn about the business banking products available to small business to help grow your business.

Friday,
December 10, 2021

CMWP – 2021 HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

CMWP celebrated their 3rd Annual Holiday Fundraiser at Anchor Spa Restaurant in New Haven, CT.

DECEMBER 1st – 12th

12Ks of CHRISTMAS RUNNING/FITNESS EVENT  *MEMBERS ONLY*

CMWP participated in the Hartford Marathon Foundation (HMF) 12k’s of Christmas. Together they ran (or worked out) a combined 160+ miles over 12 days.

Friday,
October 8, 2021

1st Annual “Queens of the Green” Golf Tournament

The Collaboration of Minority Women Professionals hosted the 1st Annual “Queens of the Green” Golf Tournament at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT. Attendees joined us for a golf clinic, lunch, and 9 holes of golf.

​

Friday,
September 24, 2021

CMWP Networking Happy Hour (Virtual)

CMWP members and guests to discuss all things business.

Thursday,
July 29, 2021

CMWP Plays Golf!

CMWP joined the Hamden Chamber of Commerce for the ladies golf outing – Margaritas & Mulligans at Lyman Orchards Golf Club.

Wednesday,
May 26, 2021

Minding Our Mental: Depression, Anxiety and Ways to Cope

Tamar Draughn, LPC and CMWP discuss mind and body techniques to help employers, managers, and business owners focus on mental wellbeing.

Wednesday,
April 28, 2021

Franchising While Black

Tamika Franklyn and CMWP discuss – Franchising While Black – The Basics

Friday,
April 2, 2021

Networking Happy Hour

CMWP members and guests discuss all things business, mindset, and growth related.

Wednesday,
February 25, 2021

Taxes 101: LLC vs S-Corp

Deanah O’Donnell discusses the tax ramifications of filing your business taxes as LLC vs S-Corp

Wednesday,
January 27, 2021

Network with Purpose

Thursday,
November 19, 2020

Business Financial Check-In – How’s Your Money Working For You?

Wednesday,
October 28, 2020

Is Certification Right For Me?

Friday,
September 25, 2020

Leveraging Transferable Skills

Thursday,
August 20, 2020

Being Your Authentic Selves Anywhere

Diane Winston of Winston Strategic Partners discusses Being Your Authentic Selves

Thursday,
June 25, 2020

Breaking Barriers with Alicia Bowens-Mercardo

Alisa Bowens-Mercado of Rhythm Brewery shares Strategies about Breaking Barriers in Any Industry

Friday,
February 28, 2020

Vision Boards Workshop

Tina Kadish leads us in a hands-on workshop to create our 2020 vision board

Friday,
January 31, 2020

Mindset, Goals, & Vision Luncheon

Tina Kadish discusses boosting our mindset, goals, and vision for 2020

Thursday,
December 12, 2019

Holiday Event @ Cascades Banquet Hall