2026-2027 Board of Directors
President: Joann Impallaria
I have been a member of the organization for three years and believe it is a wonderful way for local women to gather, share ideas, and provide references and referrals for each other’s businesses as well as act as a support system for young women through our scholarship and WIB Gives Back programs.
I am an entrepreneur with 20+ years of experience, currently serving as a real estate agent for Remax Professional Associates in Sturbridge and rank within to Top 10 agents for the company.
I am able to bring my knowledge to Woman in Business with enthusiasm and a profound understanding for what it takes to be successful in today’s ever changing marketplace.
I look forward to meeting everyone at our upcoming meetings this fall and into the new year.
Please feel free to reach out to me any time with your ideas or to chat in general about your visions for the group as we continue to move forward on our journey together.
Websites: SturbridgeRealEstateExperts.com
https://www.facebook.com/JoannImpallariaRealtor
Vice President: Maria Dubois
I’m the founder of New England Media & Marketing, where I help businesses tell their stories through photography, video, branding, websites, and creative marketing. I’m also a newly licensed Massachusetts real estate salesperson, excited to explore commercial real estate.
Community is a big part of my life. I founded Sturbridge Gardeners Community to bring people together through gardening, learning, and a shared love of nature.
I joined Woman in Business because I value connecting with women who understand the joys and challenges of building something of their own. What I love most is the opportunity to share ideas, encourage one another, and build meaningful friendships. As Vice President, I’m excited to help more women feel welcome, connected, and confident.
A fun fact about me: when I’m not working or gardening, you might find me learning to DJ! I love trying new things and believe we’re never done growing.
Websites: www.nemediamarket.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sturbridgegardenerscommunity/
https://www.instagram.com/mariaduboisexperience
Treasurer: Karen Ceppatelli
Secretary: Doreen Gemme
I am the founder of NewLife Development LLC where I help manage service organizations improve financial visibility, streamline operations, and create efficient business processes, with a particular focus on accounting systems and professional services application integrations such as ConnectWise. As a former Financial Controller and long-time business consultant, I enjoy helping business owners gain clarity and confidence through better reporting and well-designed processes that give people time back.
My connection to Woman in Business goes back more than 30 years through my mother, Carol Porra, who was passionate about this organization. Today, I value WIB not only for the professional relationships but also for the opportunity to learn from and support other women who lead with experience, generosity, and heart. I am practicing more “peopling” and this is a great organization to do that with 😊.
Some fun facts about me: I love bringing order to complexity, whether that’s solving a business process challenge, organizing information, traveling with my husband in our fifth-wheel camper, or spending time studying God’s Word and encouraging others in their faith journey. While I may come across as confident in business settings, stepping onto a stage is still outside my comfort zone. That’s why many people are surprised to learn that my husband and I serve on the worship team at Greenville Baptist Church in Leicester, MA, which continues to be such a blessing to us.
Website: www.newlifedev.com
Membership Chair: Maria Maury
Maria Maury, Marketing Expert, is passionate about helping local businesses grow, connect, and stand out in their communities. Through her work in marketing, she partners with local business owners to strengthen their online presence, improve their websites and digital marketing, build brand awareness, and develop strategies that help them connect with more customers. Outside of work, Maria is actively involved in her community through local business organizations, networking, volunteer efforts, and initiatives that support local families. She is also the Vice President of Smiles After the Storm, a nonprofit dedicated to helping local families in need. Maria became involved with Woman in Business (WIB) because she believes in women supporting women, building meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for one another to succeed. She also loves to travel and try new things—and a fun fact about Maria is that she has gone skydiving twice!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/marketingexpertcentralma/
Social Media Manager: Mikela Kay-Wilson
Legacy Honorary Board Member, In Memoriam:
Carol Porra: Carol was a member of Woman In Business almost since its inception, and served multiple terms on the Board over the decades to include former President in 2011. Carol was the epitome of a kindness, gratitude, and energy. She was the first to welcome new members at meetings, and supported WIB’s annual Festival of Giving Trees, as well as the scholarship fundraiser. She generously donated her beautiful pieces of artwork to brighten up the homes and businesses of WIB members. Her contributions and efforts to better the community around her truly reflects the very essence of WIB. She was, and forever will be, a true inspiration.