2024-25 Board of Directors
Jen Jones – President:
Jen is the Broker/Owner of Jones & Jones Realty, and the Founder and Master Connector of Connect & Elevate. Jen is also a newly published author of Intropreneur a book about strategies to build your business being an introverted entrepreneur.
Becky Barker – Vice-President:
Becky is the Vice President for Women and Business and also the Community Relations Manager for the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. She is also an Ambassador for the East of the River Chamber of Commerce in Western MA. Becky brings her passion for bettering the lives of those who are struggling in any way she can, with a degree in Criminal Justice from Worcester State University, she has worked with the Massachusetts Department of Corrections as an auditor to ensure inmates were placed in appropriate programs to reduce recidivism rates statewide. Additionally, she has a strong business development and networking background, having represented several major HR & payroll solutions providers in distributing their offerings to and consulting with small business customers. When not working you can catch her at the baseball or football fields and basketball court cheering on her 10 year old son or out on the trails with her two rescue pups and husband.
Brenda Lacaire – Treasurer:
Brenda is the Treasurer for Woman in Business. Brenda is also the President/Owner of Steve’s Collision Center in Sturbridge since 2015 and worked there for 20 years prior and is a licensed Auto Damage Appraiser. Brenda is a long-time resident of North Brookfield and is a member of the Emergency Management Team. She is also the Chairman for the Festival of {Giving} Trees and is a member of the Tri-Community Exchange Club and the Sturbridge Lions Club.
Sara Vatore – Secretary:
Sara is the owner of Somasynthesis Studios, where she creates spaces for healing, integration and expansion to cultivate wellness, vitality, thriving and wholeness across all layers of being. Through 1-1 Somatic Coaching, hands-on-healing Somatic Integration Sessions, nervous system nourishment retreats, group workshops, consultation and more, Sara supports leaders and entrepreneurs to expand their capacity in order to access their full potential, and be in the flow of life and business with more ease. A Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Peak Performance Coach, Level 2 MELT Method Instructor, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Intuitive Healer, and Homeschooling Mom, Sara lives in western MA with her husband of 12 years and 2 boys ages 18 and 10.
Directors:
Carol Porra (Board Member Emeritus) – Carol has been a member of Woman In Business almost since its inception and has served multiple terms on the Board over the decades to include former President in 2011. Carol remains actively involved welcoming new members at meetings, and supporting WIB’s annual Festival of Giving Trees effort and scholarship fundraiser in every way she can.
Committees:
- Membership: Open
- Social Media: Open
- Party Planner: Stephanie Dozois
- Newsletter: Christina Abbotts
- PR: Joann Impallaria
- Photography: Maria Dubois
- Scholarship Program: Jenny Anderson, Stephanie Dozois, Jennifer Gitschier, Jenn Jones
- WIB Gives Back: Amanda Normandin, Becky Barker, Christina Abbotts
- Festival of Giving Trees: Becky Barker
- Executive Committee: WIB Board Members