As my time as Co-Chair of the Working Women’s Network comes to an end, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible village behind WWN.
Being part of WWN has been the most rewarding experience I’ve had at Yale. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a bit of a social butterfly. WWN gave me the opportunity to do what I love most: bring people together, celebrate others, build new friendships, and create meaningful connections.
Along the way, I learned from incredible women, grew as a leader, and built friendships I’ll always treasure.
The truth is, if people thought I was a good Co-Chair, it’s because I had an incredible team beside me every step of the way. They made me a better leader, made WWN stronger, and yes… they made me look good, too. This is my chance to shine the spotlight on them.
Before I begin, I also want to recognize the many members whose names don’t appear below, but whose contributions have been just as meaningful. I couldn’t possibly mention everyone, so I’ve chosen to highlight the women I had the privilege of working most closely with during my time as Co-Chair. To every volunteer, every subcommittee member, every past and present member, and every friend of WWN—thank you. Every event, every speaker, every donation drive, every recognition award, every new idea, and every success was a team effort.
Erin MacDonnell
Whenever I got stuck, my first thought was always, “Ask Erin.” If Erin doesn’t know the answer, I’m pretty sure nobody does. Our treasurer, our editor-in-house, and our walking encyclopedia, Erin, somehow always knew where to find the answer—or who to call if she didn’t.
She also works her magic behind every issue of our newsletter, making the rest of us look good. But what I admire most isn’t everything she knows; it’s how generously she shares it. Erin, thanks for answering more questions than you probably ever expected. WWN has been lucky to have you… and so have I.
Nikitia Tillman
You were there at the very beginning of this adventure, and I honestly can’t imagine a better person to have shared those first steps with. Your kindness, grace, and quiet leadership made those early days so much easier. I’m so grateful our paths crossed.
Netal Patel
My partner, my co-chair, the yin to my yang—or even better, “la mantequilla de mi pan francés.”
Thank you for never making me feel like I was bothering you with my endless “You know what…” and “I have an idea…” conversations. Somehow, you never ran away.
What I’ll remember most isn’t a meeting or an event. It’s that no matter how busy things got, you always ask, “How are you doing?” or “Do you need anything?” Those simple questions made me feel seen during some very busy seasons of life. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner or a better friend to share this journey with.
Stacey Bonet
If Stacey says she’ll take care of something, go ahead and cross it off your list. It’s already done. She doesn’t make a big deal about it. She just gets things done.
Stacey also leads one of the WWN initiatives closest to my heart—our mentoring program. I truly believe mentoring changes careers and sponsorship changes lives. Thanks to Stacey and her amazing subcommittee, that program continues to grow and make a real difference. And yes… I shamelessly brag about it like it’s my own.
Kat Viera & the Advocacy Subcommittee
If there was a way to help our community, Kat had probably already thought of it.
From donation drives to supporting organizations across New Haven, especially those serving children, you reminded us that our work doesn’t stop at Yale. Thank you to every member of the Advocacy Subcommittee for reminding us that advocacy starts with showing up.
Kat, I have to say it… you remind me so much of my mom, my Chispita, that I can’t help calling you Mini Chispita.
Lisa Kimmel
One thing I love about Lisa is how excited she gets whenever she finds a new resource, article, or program that might help someone else. Whether it’s raising awareness about perimenopause and menopause or encouraging us to prioritize our well-being, you’re always looking for ways to support our community. Thank you for reminding us that taking care of ourselves matters too.
Danielle Casioppo
Every week, Danielle reminded us to slow down and take a breath.
Through yoga, mindfulness, and your gentle encouragement, you showed us that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of everyone else.
Thank you for helping so many of us pause, breathe, and carry a little more kindness with us—especially toward ourselves.’
Joanna Roche & Joanna Carmona
The Recognition Awards are WWN’s signature event, and the two of you are a big reason why they’re so special. Most people only see the beautiful ceremony. I’ve seen everything that happens before that.
I’ve seen the planning, the emails, the countless details, and all the work that goes into making this event such a success. Thank you for everything you do to help us recognize and celebrate so many amazing women across Yale. You made it look effortless… I know it wasn’t.
McKenzie Granata
I’m pretty sure there are at least three McKenzies. It’s the only explanation.
From leading Women on the Move and writing the lead story for our newsletter, to co-chairing the Recognition Awards Subcommittee and somehow keeping our seasonal store running, you’re always one step ahead. I honestly don’t know when you find the time, but somehow you always do. Whenever WWN needs help, you’re one of the first to say, “Sure!” and somehow, it always gets done.
Fallon Thomas
I still want to know your secret… how do your days have 50 hours while mine barely have 24?
No matter how many hats you wear, you always make time for WWN. We never have to wonder if you’ll show up—you always do. Thank you for always showing up, no matter how full your plate already was.
Nandi Cummings
I honestly don’t know how you managed to lead WWN through COVID, but somehow you did.
Need to find a conference? A fellowship? A cool app? Or the answer to a random question? Ask Nandi. Somehow, you always know how to find the information.
Thank you for the great conversations, the road trips, and for always making sure we got to our destination safe and sound.
Marinda Monfilston
You have been such a special part of my journey since I first joined Yale and became involved with the Employee Resource Groups. You opened doors for me that changed my life at Yale, and I hope you know just how grateful I am.
You taught me what advocacy looks like. Although you’ve moved on from Yale, your legacy is still very much alive in the people you mentored, the communities you built, and the many leaders you inspired along the way. It is such a privilege to be part of your Sisters Circle. Thank you for believing in me and for showing me what lifting others up really looks like.
Tiffanie Harrington-Holmes
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, for talking me through more than one “Now what?” moment, and for always being willing to help.
You made this role feel a little less overwhelming. You lead with grace, a little sass, and somehow still managed to capture so many special WWN moments behind your camera. I love that, thanks to your trusty timer, the photographer is always part of the picture too.
Thank you for making this journey so much easier and so much more fun.
Ricarda Tomlin
If I can make a flyer today, it’s because of Ricarda.
Thank you for teaching me how to be “independent” and turning me into a master copycat. Sharing your legendary project folder with Jared Lui and me was an act of true generosity.
Thank you for teaching me so much and for always making us look good.
Laurie Toth
Every time we came up with another event or another idea, I knew Laurie would make sure everyone knew about it through our website.
Thank you for quietly keeping our website up to date and helping keep WWN connected. Your work may happen behind the scenes, but it’s a big part of what keeps our community together.
Your kindness, your warm smile, and your willingness to help are just as much a part of WWN as the website itself.
Cayetana Navarro & Kimberley DeMayo
Thank you for bringing new energy to our Social Justice Subcommittee and creating a space where people could learn, ask questions, and have meaningful conversations.
You embraced every idea we threw your way and turned them into programs that made WWN a stronger and more welcoming community.
Symone Maguire & Kelly Tarca
One thing I’ve always admired is how smoothly you run our Book Club. You make it look easy, but I know there’s a lot of work behind every discussion.
Thank you for creating a space where our members can connect, learn from one another, and build friendships, one book at a time.
Debbie Stanley-McAulay & the Office of Employee Engagement Team
WWN has been fortunate to be part of the Office of Employee Engagement, where we’ve had the opportunity to grow, build new partnerships, and bring ideas to life.
Debbie, thank you for believing in WWN, for always taking the time to listen, and for opening doors and making connections. Whether it was introducing us to the right people, helping us find the resources we needed, or sponsoring one of our ideas, you always helped us move forward.
And to the Office of Employee Engagement team—thank you for the work you do to support Yale’s Employee Resource Groups and the communities they serve.
Thank you for making WWN feel like home.
While my time as Co-Chair is coming to an end, I’ll always be part of the village. I can’t wait to see where this amazing community goes next, and I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.
Paula Maguina, Co-Chair & Mentor