WOW! Forum Returns October 23 to Empower Women Across the Northwest Corner
This Year’s Theme: “Unmasking Your True Self: Owning Your Story” — Featuring WFSB’s Kara Sundlun as Keynote Speaker
TORRINGTON, Conn. — After a year off, the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce is bringing back WOW! Forum, its signature half-day professional development event for women, on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at CT State Community College, Northwestern Campus in Winsted, Connecticut.
Now returning after more than 20 years as a regional tradition, WOW! Forum offers a source of inspiration, motivation, networking, empowerment, support, education, and encouragement for women across careers and industries. This year’s event is built around the theme “Unmasking Your True Self: Owning Your Story,” and brings together a keynote address with four featured speakers covering self-worth, personal style, financial resilience, and storytelling.
The day’s keynote speaker is Kara Sundlun, news anchor at WFSB and author of Finding Dad: From “Love Child” to Daughter. In her address, “Owning Your Story,” Sundlun will draw on her own life journey to explore the power of embracing one’s truth, rewriting limiting narratives, and finding strength in vulnerability.
Joining her as featured speakers are:
● Suzanne McColl, LPC — licensed psychotherapist, author, and speaker, presenting on reclaiming self-worth and overcoming imposter syndrome. She’ll speak on Understanding Your Superpower.
● Mary Carangelo — fashion therapist, personal stylist, and author, presenting on Style Without Expiration.
● Jacqueline Baldwin — financial advisor and author, who will discuss Navigating Life’s Transitions and sharing lessons on resilience and self-discovery from her book The Bend in the River.
● Amey Stone — Nationally recognized financial journalist, and managing editor at Barron’s who will talk about Women and Money, and Changes on the Horizon.
Attendees will choose two breakout sessions to tailor the day to their interests, and the program will close with a fireside chat panel featuring all five speakers. The event also includes lunch, a raffle, and book signings.
Because CT State Community College’s Northwestern Campus has a smaller capacity than previous WOW! Forum venues, seating is limited this year and organizers are encouraging early registration. Past forums have sold out.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available at the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels, offering area businesses visibility through event signage, program advertising, and complimentary tickets.
