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Women's Summit


When & Where 

May 20, 2026

Saint Clements Castle & M​arina
1931 Portland-Cobalt Rd, Portland, CT 06480



Hosts

Danielle Brown
Danielle Brown
Big I CT Chair of the Board,
Double Eagle Insurance Broker

Melissa Gatto 
Melissa Gatto
Big I CT Immediate Past Chair,
Lawley Regional Marketing Manager



Speakers

Alane Wilansky


Alane Wilansky ​
Co-Owner & CFO of ARK Distillery
Alane Wilansky is the co-founder of ARK Distillery, a women-owned craft spirits business in Colchester, CT known for its handcrafted vodka, gin, whiskey, and bourbon. With a background in finance and a passion for quality bourbon and community impact, she helped ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) as a brand rooted in craftsmanship, philanthropy, and local engagement.
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Michele Dreiding
Owner of Here To The Moon Travel
Michele Dreiding is a Connecticut native and passionate travel advisor who turned her love of exploring the world into a thriving career after transitioning from tech sales. With over a decade of experience in travel planning, she specializes in creating seamless, start-to-finish experiences that make the planning process stress-free and memorable.
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Jenna Rogers
Founder & CEO of Career Civility
Jenna Rogers is the founder of Career Civility and a communication strategist dedicated to redefining how professionals connect and collaborate in the workplace. With a background in tech sales and leadership, she designs practical training programs that help organizations improve email communication, clarify expectations, strengthen team dynamics, and build more productive, engaged cultures.
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Photo gallery 



Questions
Allison Just
Allison Just
Meeting & Event Manager
ajust@bigict.org 
860-563-1950 EXT: 249


Stronger Together: Women Elevating Women in Insurance 

The Big I CT Insurance Women’s Summit is back, and this year, we’re bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation.

Join us for a dynamic day of connection, inspiration, and skill-building designed for women across the insurance industry. From meaningful networking and engaging discussions to practical takeaways you can apply immediately, this summit is built to help you grow both professionally and personally.

We're excited to introduce a new group of panelists to our “No Bad Questions: Real Talk” session, featuring accomplished Connecticut women entrepreneurs outside of the insurance industry from businesses that you may already know! From fashion, distilling, and travel, these women are innovators, business owners, and customers themselves. Through anonymous Q&A and honest dialogue, they’ll share insights on leadership, resilience, customer experience, and navigating challenges at every stage of business and life.

You’ll also gain actionable tools in our interactive workshop, “From Tension to Teamwork: Communicating Effectively with Anyone,” focused on intergenerational communication and handling difficult conversations with confidence. Stay tuned for more details on our other sessions– but trust us, it's worth the wait.

And remember, whether you're early in your career or a seasoned professional, this summit is your space to connect, reflect, and level up alongside a powerful community of women.​

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Registration opens soon!



Agenda
9:30 AM | Registration & Welcome

Enjoy complimentary coffee, continental breakfast, and a mimosa/juice bar.

10:00 AM | Kickoff & Speed Networking

10:45 AM | Keynote *TBA

12:00 PM | Lunch

12:45 PM | PANEL No Bad Questions: Real Talk with Connecticut Women Entrepreneurs

Panel featuring Mary Scasino (LaModa Fashions), Alane Wilansky (Ark Distillery), and Michele Dreiding (Here to the Moon Travel).

Introducing a new vibe this year... CT entrepreneurs outside the insurance space! All women pushing and thriving in the world, and personal and commercial customers themselves. Submit your questions anonymously and our panel of incredible women, at different stages of their career and life, will share their thoughts. We'll provide questions in advance to our panelists, including your submitted questions.

1:30 PM | Table Chat

1:45 PM | Break & Sweet Treat

2:00 PM | Level Up a Skill
From Tension to Teamwork: Communicating Effectively with Anyone
Jenna Rogers

​Focus on intergenerational communication and navigating difficult conversations.​

3:00 PM | Moment at the Summit