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SheRise We Shine: Celebration of Women Accelerators’ 15th Anniversary
Women Accelerators invites you to a women’s leadership celebration event honoring WA’s crystal anniversary, celebrating 15 years of growth, connection, and leadership. This special evening brings together women leaders, mentors, partners, and supporters. Together, we celebrate leadership journeys and shared success. Most importantly, the event reflects our commitment to helping women lead with confidence and purpose.
For fifteen years, Women Accelerators has supported women through mentoring, leadership programs, and strong professional relationships. Because of this work, many women have gained clarity and confidence in their careers. This celebration marks an important milestone. It is a time to reflect on progress, recognize leadership, and look ahead to the future.
The Impact of the Community
The anniversary celebration highlights the mentors who guided others, the women who stepped into leadership roles, and the partners who supported the mission. Because of this shared effort, the organization has continued to grow and thrive.
Looking Ahead to the Future
As Women Accelerators moves forward, this celebration also looks to what comes next. Leadership becomes stronger when women support women. Therefore, this event invites reflection, connection, and renewed commitment to empowering future leaders.
About this Women Leadership Celebration Event
This women’s leadership celebration event honors the voices, stories, and achievements of women from many industries and career stages. The evening focuses on leadership in action through conversation, recognition, and connection. As a result, attendees will experience an inspiring and welcoming program.
In addition, guests will enjoy a warm atmosphere with meaningful conversations and networking. The event includes a seated dinner, signature drinks, and a panel of women leaders. Throughout the evening, speakers will share real stories of growth, leadership, and perseverance.
Event Details
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Who Should Attend This Celebration Event
This event welcomes women professionals, students, mentors, mentees, and community members. It is ideal for anyone who values leadership, growth, and meaningful connection. Whether you are starting your career or have years of experience, you will find value in attending.
Supporters of Women Accelerators are also encouraged to join. In doing so, you will learn more about the organization’s mission while connecting with others who share similar goals.
Tickets and Registration
General Admission: $100
Members’ Rate: $75 (25% discount). Join today to become a member!
Become a Sponsor!
Featured Speakers and Panel
A key part of this women’s leadership celebration event is the speaker panel. These women leaders bring different experiences shaped by leadership, service, and community work. During the discussion, they will share lessons, insights, and stories from their journeys.
In addition, panelists represent fields such as business, finance, education, and community leadership. Their stories highlight resilience, growth, and the importance of supporting others. As a result, attendees will gain both inspiration and practical insight.
Sophan Smith (Moderator)
Sophan Smith is a visionary nonprofit leader, community builder, and champion for inclusive economic opportunity. With over two decades of experience across the nonprofit, corporate, and higher education sectors, she most recently served as Executive Director of Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), where she helped expand access to entrepreneurship and built powerful cross-sector partnerships. Her leadership has been recognized with the 2022 Community Advocacy Award from Eastern Bank.
A proud Lowell native and UMass Lowell graduate, Sophan’s work is deeply rooted in her lived experience as the daughter of an immigrant mother and her commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices. Whether leading organizations, mentoring emerging leaders, or moderating meaningful conversations, she brings energy, authenticity, and a deep belief in the power of community to create change.
As the Moderator, Sophan is excited to help spark connection, elevate voices, and keep us inspired—because when communities come together, anything is possible.
Dr. Julie Chen (Introductory speaker)
Larissa C. Thurston (Panelist)
Larissa C. Thurston is the President & Chief Executive Officer at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. Before joining Jeanne D’Arc, she was the President & CEO of St. Mary’s Credit Union in Marlborough, MA. She has over 25 years of financial services experience, providing vision and leadership, and a proven track record of delivering results, driving innovation, and managing risk.
Larissa is passionate about innovation and making a difference in the community. She is committed to providing local youth with opportunities and mentorship that foster lifelong success and embracing the Credit Union’s mission of having a Heart to Serve.
Larissa currently serves on the boards of the Lowell Plan, Inc., The Lawrence Partnership, and Octant Business Services, LLC, and on the Supervisory and Audit Committee of Eastern Corporate Federal Credit Union and Vertifi Software, LLC.
Larissa earned her MBA and BS in Accounting & Finance, with a minor in IT/CIS from Southern New Hampshire University. She has continued her professional education by receiving an Executive Leadership Certificate through Wharton Executive Education, graduating from the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking, and completing the ABA’s Financial Managers School.
Shamir Rivera-Quintal (Panelist)
Shamir Rivera-Quintal was born and raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, and is a proud graduate of Lowell High School (2006) and Bowdoin College (2010), where she earned a B.A. in Sociology and Africana Studies.
Her career began in the technology sector, with roles at Constant Contact and later at a cybersecurity startup acquired by IBM. After seven years in tech, Shamir returned to her passion, serving her community by joining Project LEARN, where she expanded equitable access to high-quality educational opportunities for Lowell students.
In December, Shamir concluded her tenure at Coalition for a Better Acre, where she served as Director of Operations at the very organization where her mother volunteered, starting when she moved to Lowell more than 30 years ago. Following her time at CBA, Shamir returned to Project LEARN, where she now serves as Interim Executive Director, continuing her commitment to educational equity and community impact in Lowell.
Thao Lan (Panelist)
Thao Lan is the founder of Push Muscular, a deep tissue and sports therapy practice built around education, mentorship, and empowering practitioners to build sustainable, long-term careers. The practice works extensively with athletes and individuals seeking conservative, non-surgical approaches to pain management, recovery, and functional improvement.
In addition to her clinical and entrepreneurial work, Thao supports women from all walks of life through meditation sessions and practical self-care strategies designed to foster balance, focus, and well-being in both personal and professional life. She approaches her work with a focus on empowerment, helping others develop the skills and confidence to take control of their health, careers, and daily lives.
After serving on several nonprofit boards and managing her partner’s municipal campaign, Thao intentionally stepped back from formal community leadership to focus more actively on her children and their activities.
Thank you to the 2026 She-Rise Gala Planning Committee
- Nicole Boyson (President)
- Marcia Cassidy
- Paulette Renault Caragianes
- Vanna Howard
- Jennifer Johnson
- Thao Lan
- Maria Eduarda Mottin
- Soumetta Tessier
- Vannak Theng
- Phitsamay Uy
- Maria Vejar
- Susu Wong (Co-Founder)
Learn more about Women Accelerators here!
