Melissa Conner
SY: You’re a Connecticut native and Weston resident with a background spanning JBC and angel investing through After Hours. What led you to focus on supporting women founders and leaders?
MC: I’ve always been drawn to building, whether that’s brands, communities, or opportunities. My career in consumer and brand strategy showed me how many extraordinary women were leading companies and shaping culture, yet often lacked access to the same networks, visibility, and capital that accelerate growth.
Through my work with JBC and angel investing with After Hours alongside my business partner, I began seeing firsthand how powerful it is when women are not only in the room, but actively opening doors for one another. Supporting women founders felt like a natural extension of the work I was already doing, connecting people, sharing resources and helping great ideas gain momentum.
I’ve come to believe that when women invest in and advocate for each other, the ripple effects extend far beyond business.
Dee Poku and Melissa Conner
SY: For readers who may not know it yet, what is The WIE Suite and what inspired you to launch the Connecticut chapter?
MC: The WIE Suite is a global membership community founded by Dee Poku that brings together women across industries, founders, executives, investors, and creatives, through meaningful connection, mentorship and access. It’s built around the idea that relationships are one of the most powerful forms of capital.
Having spent many years in New York, I experienced how transformative those kinds of communities can be. When I moved back to Connecticut, I realized there were so many accomplished, ambitious women here but fewer intentional spaces where they could regularly gather, collaborate and support one another.
Launching the Connecticut chapter, and now serving as the Connecticut Brand Ambassador, felt like an opportunity to bring that same energy and access closer to home, in a way that reflects the unique character of this community.
SY: Why do you believe Connecticut is the right place for a community like this right now?
MC: There’s been a real shift over the past few years. Many women who built careers in cities like New York have returned or relocated to Connecticut, bringing incredible experience, creativity and entrepreneurial ambition with them. At the same time, more women are launching businesses, investing and redefining leadership on their own terms.
Connecticut has always had talent; what it has needed is more connective tissue. Right now, it feels like an inflection point where people are actively looking for community, collaboration and purpose-driven networking rather than traditional transactional spaces. The timing feels incredibly aligned.
Women of Fairfield County gather to celebrate the launch of the The WIE Suite’s CT Chapter
SY: Were there women who inspired you to bring this chapter to life and who reflect the kind of leadership you hope to foster here?
MC: Absolutely. I’ve been inspired by many women, both mentors from my New York years and peers here in Connecticut — who lead with generosity and authenticity. The women who influenced me most are those who quietly create opportunity for others, share knowledge openly, and understand that success becomes more meaningful when it’s collective.
Sheri West, founder and CEO of LiveGirl, is someone I deeply admire. Her organization’s mission is to build confident, career-ready leaders, and she approaches that work with such genuine care for the next generation of young women.
Michelle Ruiz Andrews is another person I respect immensely. She’s an incredibly accomplished journalist, but beyond her professional achievements, I admire her thoughtfulness as a modern citizen. At a time when many hesitate to speak up, Michelle consistently uses her voice with clarity and conviction.
And Sarah Robinson has built something truly special. I’ve watched her grow her vision from the very beginning with extraordinary passion and commitment. Her energy and belief in what she’s creating are contagious, and she does it all while raising a family and parenting four children. It’s incredibly inspiring.
SY: What’s your vision for the Connecticut chapter, and what do you hope women gain from being part of it?
MC: My vision is for the Connecticut chapter to become a true hub, a place where women feel both inspired and supported, whether they’re scaling a company, exploring a new idea or simply looking for thoughtful connection.
I hope members gain tangible value, mentorship, partnerships, investment opportunities, but also something less measurable: a genuine sense of belonging. When you’re surrounded by women who understand your ambitions and truly want to see you succeed, it changes how you show up professionally and personally.
Ultimately, I want this community to help women realize they don’t have to build anything alone. The goal is connection that turns into collaboration, and collaboration that leads to lasting impact.