Sun’s Women of Inspiration Night and 3 other events set for Aug. 26
The Connecticut Sun announced that the team will host their annual Women of Inspiration Night on Wednesday, Aug. 26, during their matchup against the Golden State Valkyries at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
As part of the evening’s celebrations, the Sun will honor five remarkable women whose leadership, achievements and service have made a lasting impact on their communities and inspired others to pursue excellence.
The five honorees include:
- Val Ackerman: Val Ackerman is a pioneering sports executive who helped transform opportunities for women in basketball as the founding president of the WNBA. She later became the commissioner of the Big East Conference, leading one of the nation’s premier collegiate athletic conferences and earning recognition in both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
- Secretary Stephanie Thomas: Secretary Stephanie Thomas is Connecticut’s 75th Secretary of State and the first Black person elected to the office. She has led the modernization of elections in Connecticut while working to make civic participation more accessible and engaging for all residents. Through her strong leadership and commitment to public service, she is helping inspire the next generation and creating positive change in Connecticut communities.
- Cathy Zall: Cathy Zall is a compassionate leader who has dedicated her career to serving others and strengthening communities. Her experience includes almost ten years as the deputy commissioner managing New York City’s welfare to work program. She has also made a lasting impact on Connecticut communities as Executive Director of the New London Homeless Hospitality Center, where she has helped grow programs that provide shelter and support to those in need.
- Lhakpa Sherpa: Lhakpa Sherpa is a record-breaking mountaineer who has summited Mount Everest 11 times, more than any other woman in history. Born in a remote village in Nepal, she defied traditional expectations for women and became the first Nepali woman to successfully climb and descend Everest. She continues to inspire women and girls around the world to pursue their dreams and rise above any challenge.
- Vivian Pereda: Vivian Pereda is a healthcare leader who works as Director of CampusCare Operations at Hartford Healthcare. A graduate of Post University, Pereda oversees student health, counseling and sports medicine services across Connecticut college campuses, helping CampusCare facilitate more than 21,000 student healthcare encounters. Her commitment to helping others has made her a role model for anyone pursuing a career in healthcare and an inspiration to strive for continuous improvement.
Prior to tipoff, the Sun will host three special events.
The first is the Connecticut Sun x Mohegan Sun HR Blood Drive. Anyone who donates blood will receive a free ticket to the game and discounted ticket options for additional members of their party. Those interested in donating can find more information and register through the Red Cross HERE.
In addition, the Sun will host Hoops & Handshakes, a multi-chamber networking event in partnership with the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.
Designed to foster meaningful professional connection, the event will take place from 5-7 p.m. in the Vista Lounge prior to the game. Registration includes admission to the networking event, appetizers and drinks, as well as a ticket to the Connecticut Sun vs. Golden State Valkyries game. Additional information and registration details can be found HERE.
Alongside all the events happening, the Sun will also host The Girls Locker Room, an all-day summit for high school girls at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The event will welcome students from Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford and New London, providing meaningful exposure to career pathways in sports, arts, entertainment and business. Through engaging panel discussions, interactive breakout sessions and direct access to accomplished professionals, attendees will gain valuable insights into future opportunities and pathways to success.
Hosted in partnership with Akeya McKnight and Naomi Santiago, The Girls Locker Room is designed to empower young women to envision their potential, build confidence and take meaningful steps toward their ambitions.
2025 Women of Inspiration
The Sun will celebrate Women of Inspiration Night on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2025. Alisa Bowens-Mercado, Nadya Okamoto, Stephanie Wheeler, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, and Patrice Farquharson will be honored by the Sun and Post University as exceptional women who have made strides and a difference in their respective fields and industries. The first 3,000 fans into Mohegan Sun Arena will receive a reusable cup.