The BWF is excited to highlight influential female leaders in our business community and shine a light on them to share their inspirational stories with other women.
Women who are leaders in Connecticut’s business community, sharing their vision, determination, and impact that make them “Maker & Shaker”. The BWF is showcasing their dedication, innovation & excellence, which embodies the very spirit of The Business Women’s Forum. Together we can inspire other women to dream big, break barriers, and create lasting change!
Gina Bianca is the owner of The Network Salon & Yoga Studio in Plantsville, CT. She is a nationally recognized beauty industry educator, entrepreneur, and mentor.Gina entered the beauty industry straight out of high school, attending Paul Mitchell The School, before opening her first salon at just 23 years old. What followed was a journey of constant evolution, learning, and determination as she navigated the realities of salon ownership and an ever-changing industry.Today, Gina leads The Network, a dynamic space for hairstylists, yoga instructors, educators, students, and clients alike. Her passion lies in creating environments where people can truly shine.Beyond the salon, Gina has built a 7-figure independent education business, teaching in over 40 states and internationally. She is the founder of The Network Mastermind, a coaching and education program designed to equip hairstylists and salon owners with real-world tools, leadership development, and sustainable growth strategies. She has also launched her own product line, hosted a podcast for over six years, and led transformative retreats for salon owners.
Gina’s work has been featured in Beauty Launchpad, Modern Salon, Elite Daily, and Behind the Chair.
Gina Bianca’s leadership, authenticity, and dedication over the years have made her a powerful force of dedication in Connecticut’s business community. But what makes her a true Maker & Shaker is her commitment to mentorship, elevating others, and helping them to also achieve their goals and dreams!
Congrats Gina!
Website: www.thenetworksalon.
Instagram: @iamginabianca @thenetworksalon @thenetworkyoga
Facebook: @ginabiancact @thenetworksalon @thenetworkyoga
LinkedIn: @ginabianca
Email: ginabiancahair@gmail.
Read her feature in Beauty Launchpad (Nov/Dec 2024):
https://beautylaunchpad.
Maria Bruscino Sanchez
Maria is the president and owner of Sweet Maria’s, an award-winning and iconic cake and cookie shop in Waterbury, CT!
Maria has built her business from the ground up through passion, creativity, and hard work. What began as a home baking venture has grown into one of the region’s most beloved bakeries.
Her generosity and community involvement have made her a familiar and trusted name across Waterbury and beyond. Maria’s impact is not only measured in awards, like her 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year award, but in the generations of customers who continue to celebrate their milestones with her creations.
What sets Maria apart is her passion for supporting fellow women in business, knowing that collaboration and mentorship can spark innovation and build confidence in others. Her dedication to her craft has made her a true force in Connecticut’s business community and a shining example of why she’s being honored as a Maker & Shaker.
Website: www.sweet-marias.com
Instagram: @sweetmariasbakery
Facebook: @sweetmariascake
LinkedIn: Sweet Maria’s Inc / Maria Bruscino Sanchez
Email: sweetmarias@msn.com
Location: Sweet Maria’s, Inc. 159 Manor Avenue, Waterbury CT
06705
Elizabeth Ceppos, Co-owner and founder of Cross Culture Kombucha in CT
Liz launched her business out of both personal inspiration and a vision for something new in Connecticut.
In 2018, Liz and her team opened Connecticut’s first kombucha taproom and brewery. Four years later, in 2022, they expanded to a larger location, and their kombucha is now available in stores across the state.
For Liz, the best part of running Cross Culture Kombucha is serving her customers and watching an idea come to life as a finished product enjoyed by the community.
For Liz, a network of women leaders means strength through support. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate her as a true Maker & Shaker at the BWF!
Connect with her:
Website: crossculturekombucha.com
Email: liz@crossculturekombucha.com
Instagram: @crossculturekombucha
Facebook: @crossculturekombucha
Visit her Tap Room:
60 Shelter Rock Road, Unit 12, Danbury, CT 06810
AmyKate, Event Planner & Decorator and the creative force behind The Party Network by AmyKate
AmyKate launched her business in December 2021, inspired by her lifelong love of celebrating family and friends. What began as a passion quickly grew into The Party Network: a full-service event planning and decorating business that brings unforgettable celebrations to life across Connecticut.
AmyKate embodies what it means to be a true Maker & Shaker. Her hustle, creativity, and heart for people shine through in her work. With a deep passion for collaboration and a belief that “people need people,” she has turned her love of celebrating others into a thriving business, and we are honored to share her as our next Maker & Shaker of CT!
Connect with AmyKate:
Website: thepartynetworkbyamykate.com
Instagram: @thepartynetworkbyak
Facebook: The Party Network by AmyKate
Email: partynetworkbyak@gmail.com
Adrienne Lufkin, Founder of Struesli & Chairwoman of Grace Ryan Organics, Inc.
Adrienne’s journey began as a private chef, creating meals for clients with specific health concerns while also navigating her own experiences with autoimmune disease and chronic migraines. Out of this passion, she crafted Struesli — a truly grain-free, refined sugar-free granola that adds nourishment and flavor to meals and snacks.
Since launching in 2023, Adrienne’s favorite part of building Struesli has been the people: the friendships, collaborations, and community that have formed along the way. She’s proud to see Struesli featured on store shelves and menus she once admired, and even more proud each time a customer shares how Struesli has made them feel better, eat better, or enjoy food in a new way.
Fun Fact: Adrienne’s Nantucket-based cookbook will be available in Spring 2026! Adrienne has attended the BWF in past years, and it was a great way for her to meet other entrepreneurs and make great connections for her business!
Connect Here:
Website: www.struesli.com
Instagram: adrienne_lufkin or @struesli
LinkedIn: Adrienne Lufkin | LinkedIn
Email: adrienne@struesli.com
Jamie Gaudiosi (Mirabilio), Owner & Director of Academy of Medical Training Jamie is a shining example of a woman who embodies dedication, resilience, and the passion to uplift others through education.
In 2009, at just 25 years old, she founded Academy of Medical Training in Waterbury, CT. What began as a CNA program has grown into a full training center offering phlebotomy, patient care, CPR, and medical assistant courses. Her school has helped hundreds of students launch meaningful careers in healthcare, changing lives not only for her graduates but also for the patients they go on to serve.
We are proud to celebrate Jamie as a Maker & Shaker who truly embodies the spirit of the Business Women’s Forum. @academyofmedicaltraining
Connect with her:
Jackie Loyer, Owner & The OM Center
Jackie is a shining example of a business woman who embodies creativity, resilience and the spirit of lifting others up.
Inspired by her own healing journey, she has been teaching yoga and meditation for more than 20 years, guiding students with compassion and clarity to create spaces of self-love, mindfulness, and empowerment.
In 2011, she became one of the first teachers at The Om Center in Watertown, CT, and in 2023 she fulfilled a lifelong dream by stepping into the role of owner and director.
Her leadership extends beyond the mat. Jackie launched Radiant Girls, a program that helps young girls build confidence, positive body image, and self-expression. She continues to mentor both students and teachers, building a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.
Jackie is no stranger to the Business Women’s Forum. Having attended for years, she recalls it as “a wonderful experience and an opportunity to connect, learn, and feel inspired.”
We are excited to celebrate Jackie as our next highlighted Maker & Shaker!
Connect with her:
Website: www.noplacelikeomcenter.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/theomcenter
Facebook : www.facebook.com/THEOMCENTER
Email: info@omcenter.net
Jamie Kingsley, co-owner of @Steel Beach Gym
Jamie has been instrumental in connecting woman to getting fit in our business community. Since 1995, this family- and female-owned business has supported both everyday members and nationally competitive athletes, offering sports-specific training, nutrition, recovery services, and more.
A competitive powerlifter herself, Jamie recently placed 4th at USAPL Nationals in the 56kg weight class, earning a spot at the 2026 Arnold Sports Festival in Ohio. She believes in “walking the walk” alongside her members and team, using her own journey to inspire others to pursue strength, confidence, and community.
She believes the BWF plays a vital role in helping women carve out space in leadership, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
Connect with Jamie:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
Steel Beach Gym (Oakville, CT) is a three-floor, 35,000-square-foot community hub for health, wellness, and athletic development