Thousands of women and girls to benefit from The Village’s largest annual fundraiser on Dec. 6

Hartford, Conn. The Village for Families & Children’s annual Girl Within event on Friday, December 6 will raise funds that help local women and girls in Greater Hartford, who have been affected by trauma and other challenges, through life-changing services at The Village.

Now in its twenty-fourth year, Girl Within has raised more than $1.7 million since its inception for programs that help women and girls to heal and build resilience, confidence and independence. The event will feature powerful stories from Village clients, and guests will hear from this year’s honorees, who have made impactful contributions to support women and girls across Greater Hartford.

The Village has named Lhakpa Sherpa, the worlds most decorated woman mountaineer, as the 2024 Girl Within Woman of the Year in honor of the inspiring resilience she’s shown against challenges in her life—from scaling the heights of Mt. Everest ten times to overcoming the depths of domestic violence. Today, she empowers other women by sharing her story.

“We are honored to recognize Lhakpa as our 2024 “Girl Within” Woman of the Year. Lhakpa has inspired so many through her courage and determination in the face of some of the most challenging personal and professional feats imaginable. She truly embodies resilience and hope, which is the core message of our Girl Within event,” said Village President and CEO Hector Glynn.

Lhakpa Sherpa grew up in adverse conditions in Nepal, where she wasn’t allowed to go to school and receive an education. She has overcome many obstacles, including surviving domestic violence. She raised her young family in Connecticut so that they could receive an education and build resilience. Her story is currently being told on Netflix through the documentary “Mountain Queen.” 

Newington High School senior Isabella Longo was named 2024 Young Woman of the Year recognition of her work in various leadership positions in her school and community, including her efforts to positively impact the mental health of her peers through mentorship. She founded a first-of-its-kind “Link Crew” to provide new students with mentors to guide them in their transition to the school. Isabella has recruited over 40 of her peers to become mentors to many freshmen, transfer and foreign exchange students to ensure they are connected and supported at school. Isabella is also a member of the National Honor Society, social chair for the student council and served as her school’s Board of Education representative.

Past Woman of the Year honorees include:

• Jessica Zachs (2023)

• Jennifer Steadman (2022)

• Paula S. Gilberto (2021)

• Racquel L. Santana (2020)

• Estela López (2019)

• Carrie Firestone (2018)

• Francine Christiansen (2017)

• Alison Coolbrith (2016)

• Carle Mowell (2015)

• JoAnn Price (2014)

• Linda Carlson (2013)

• Sallie Norris (2012)

• Janet Bailey (2011)

To learn more visit thevillage.org/gw24.