In addition to our annual full-day conference, which attracts hundreds of women from around Connecticut, the BWF has awarded in excess of $210,000 to female students at Post University pursuing a degree in business. A program of the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Business Women’s Forum has supported dozens of local students in their business studies since its inception in 1982.

The Business Women’s Forum has a twofold mission: to energize and inspire our attendees, therefore making them more effective leaders and employees, and to support the next generation of business women through our scholarship program,” says Lynn Ward, President & CEO of the BWF. “The hard work our Forum board puts into obtaining our keynote speakers and choosing dynamic topics all feed back to supporting that core mission.”

In 2018, the scholarships were named to honor the late Jaci Carroll, founder of Jaci Carroll Staffing and founding member of the Business Women’s Forum. A relentless and dedicated community leader, Jaci’s leadership and guidance was instrumental to the creation of the Forum, leaving a legacy that is greatly admired.

2026 Scholarship Winner Celena Mickevicius

Celena Mickevicius is a Finance and Accounting major at Post University and Assistant Captain of the NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey team. She also serves as Treasurer of the Student Government Association and is active in finance clubs on campus. Celena plans to build a career in New York and inspire more women to lead in finance.

2026 Scholarship Winner Brenna Dolan

My name is Brenna Dolan, and I am a dedicated single mom of two who has built a career grounded in hard work, resilience, and compassion. With 17 years of management experience, I’ve learned how to lead with patience, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility. I currently work both full-time and part-time while continuing to pursue my long-term goals, including advancing my education and preparing to one day open my own assisted living facility. Balancing parenthood, multiple jobs, and professional growth haven’t always been easy, but it has shaped me into a stronger, more determined person. Everything I do is driven by my desire to provide for my children, serve others, and create a meaningful future for my family and the community I hope to support.