Businesswomen's Committee
Planning committee meets approximately once a month
Co-Chairs: Jillian Burgess, Lindsey Egan
Staff Liaison: Michelle Pepin, Director of Events
Mission: Organized in 1986, the group is committed to the growth of Cape Ann business and the professional development of the Chamber’s female members. They provide a forum for the region’s businesswomen to network and raise funds for scholarships that aid women with continuing education.
The committee hosts events throughout the year. They include quarterly mixers, a summer sunset sail, and a fall luncheon in October with a notable and inspirational speaker. These events help further the Committee’s mission of supporting and advocating for women. In 2005, the group established the Carolyn M. O’Connor Scholarship where two scholarships are awarded annually to women who are going back to school or are considering a career change to advance their life. To date, the Division has given away over $20,000 in scholarships.
Dear Businesswomen's Committee,
Thank you for recognizing KS and me last night as the Carolyn M. O'Connor Scholarship recipients. It truly was an honor. This experience has been so encouraging and empowering. It has strengthened my conviction and determination as I take these next steps out of my comfort zone and strive towards continuing my growth as a future businesswoman of Cape Ann.
The level of support shown by all the Businesswomen's Committee members last night was endearing and inspiring. I look forward to coming together again with you all in the future and will undoubtedly be looking for information about the mentorship program mentioned.
One day I hope to join the committee myself and pay forward this excellent opportunity for growth to another, just as you all have done for me. Until then, I will continuously endeavor to live up to the potential the committee has seen in me and make good on the investment in my future that was made, and I will always be eternally grateful.
Sincerely,
MM
Carolyn M. O'Connor Scholarship
This scholarship was established by the Chamber’s Businesswomen’s Committee, to help Cape Ann area women achieve their continuing education and career goals.
Carolyn O’Connor was the first Chairperson of the Businesswomen’s Committee. This scholarship honors her dedication to and involvement with the Businesswomen and the Chamber over the years. Organized in 1986, the Businesswomen’s group is committed to the growth of Cape Ann businesses and the professional development of the Chamber’s women members.
In 2005 the group established the scholarship fund to give back to the local community. Scholarships are awarded annually. We welcome applications from women who are returning to the work force after an absence or are considering a career change, in an effort to better their life situation. Women who, for whatever reason, were not able to complete their education/training.
The deadline for the Carolyn M. O'Connor Scholarship is October 1. Download Application
About Carolyn M. O'Connor
Founder of the Cape Ann Businesswomen's Committee
Carolyn M. O’Connor was a great advocate for Cape Ann and a valued Chamber member and volunteer.
She was the first Chairwoman of the Chamber’s Businesswomen’s Committee, which she helped organize in 1986 to support the growth of Cape Ann businesses and the professional development of the Chamber’s women members. In honor of her leadership and service the committee established the Carolyn M. O’Connor Scholarship in 2005 to help Cape Ann area women achieve their continuing education and career goals.
In the early 1980s she served two terms on the Gloucester City Council, where she also co-chaired the Planning and Development Committee. Her extensive community service included the Cape Ann League of Women Voters,
the Overall Economic Development Committee of Cape Ann and Addison Gilbert
Hospital.
While Ms. O’Connor served as an aide to former Congressman Michael Harrington in the 1970s, her work on federal and state funding projects helped deliver millions of dollars to Cape Ann, including grants for the Gloucester fishing industry, the Jodrey State Fish Pier, and the Cape Ann Commercial Fisherman’s Loan Fund.
In grateful appreciation for her support for the businesswomen of Cape Ann and her service to the Cape Ann community, we offer two scholarships each year to help Cape Ann area women achieve their continuing education and career goals.
