HVWIB Champions Women Professionals Across the Hudson Valley.
HVWiB is a community in New York's Hudson Valley where women-identifying business leaders come together to build meaningful connections, share knowledge, come together to build meaningful connections, share knowledge, expand opportunities, and support one another’s success.
A network since 2014 and nonprofit since 2025, our mission is to elevate, educate, and uplift women entrepreneurs and executives, nurturing growth and long-lasting success through a warm and inclusive approach.
Our members reside and work primarily in these seven counties within New York’s Hudson Valley:
Greene
Ulster
Orange
Rockland
Columbia
Dutchess
Putnam
Our commitment revolves around three essential pillars:
Educational Programming
We deliver enriching educational resources, including engaging workshops and accessible online tools, empowering women entrepreneurs and executives with the skills and knowledge needed for confident decision-making and sustainable business growth.
Networking Opportunities
We wholeheartedly embrace the power of meaningful connections, creating nurturing environments where women in business come together to forge partnerships, share experiences, and build lasting, supportive professional relationships.
Peer-to-Peer Advisory Support
We cherish the strength of shared experiences, facilitating an environment where members freely exchange insights, strategies, and practical advice. This collaborative spirit fosters an inviting space for mutual learning and growth.
Through our key initiatives, such as bringing inspiring events to life, expanding networks, developing valuable resources, and fostering a culture of mutual support, Hudson Valley Women in Business, Inc. warmly welcomes you to join us. Together, we celebrate women entrepreneurs and executives to not only achieve success but also leave a lasting, positive impact on the beautiful communities we serve.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our remarkable Board of Directors at Hudson Valley Women in Business is a group of dedicated and passionate individuals who are leading the way as we evolve as a nonprofit membership organization. What makes them truly extraordinary is that, in addition to volunteering their valuable time and expertise, they are all successful entrepreneurs and business leaders in their own right. Their unwavering commitment to our organization stems from a deep passion for empowering women in business and fostering an environment where connections flourish like nowhere else.
These incredible women are driven by a shared vision of creating a community that not only supports women-owned businesses and corporate professionals but also celebrates their unique strengths and contributions. Their dedication is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration in our organization, and they are excited to guide Hudson Valley Women in Business into a bright and promising future.
PresidentKati Haynes
Danielle Hughes
Treasurer
Board MemberAnnie Dwyer
Dana Hammond
Vice President
Board MemberLourdes Laifer
Board MemberBrittany Cataldo
Board MemberDiana Gerardes
Special Thanks to Our Founding Partners!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these exceptional individuals who stepped forward as Founding Partners of Hudson Valley Women in Business. Your generosity and belief in our mission have propelled us toward a brighter future. We are thrilled to recognize and honor the following Founding Partners who have generously supported our journey to become a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women in business:
Their contributions are the bedrock which we build a more robust and resilient business landscape in the Hudson Valley. Together, we're shaping a tomorrow where every female professional finds her path to success. Thank you for your invaluable support!
Meet our Founder
Lauree Ostrofsky, PCC founded Hudson Valley Women in Business in December 2014 as a welcoming space for seasoned and aspiring business owners, based around the core belief that We/Women Do Business Differently. From preferring collaboration over competition, to actively choosing to lift each other up, and innately fostering community as a way for us all to thrive.
Over the course of nine years, she grew HVWiB into a vibrant network of women leaning on and learning from each other. The largest in the region.
When Lauree decided to step down from HVWiB’s day-to-day leadership and management in 2023, she hand-picked several women to steer the organization into its newest chapter. HVWiB is now a nonprofit and a hub for all women-identifying professionals – entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and nonprofit leaders. Still, it embodies Lauree’s original, inclusive vision.
As a Business + Marketing Strategist and Author,, Lauree guides owners and leaders to create meaningful work, build businesses that last, and step boldly into visibility and confidence. She remains active with HVWiB as a speaker, advisor, and mentor.
Cheers to our Coffee Connection Hosts!
Every month, HVWIB hosts numerous Coffee Connections across the Hudson Valley. These volunteer-led, informal meetups are an easy way to get to know HVWIB better and learn about our many benefits and programs. Check out our Events calendar to see this month’s list of Coffee Connections and join us!
Cold Spring: Dana Hammond and Lourdes Laifer (first Monday of the month)
Newburgh/Beacon: Janet Rossbach and Steph Padro (first Friday of the month)
Hudson: Veronica Choroco and Helen Jonsen (second Monday of the month)
New Paltz: Erika Taylor (second Monday of the month)
Rhinebeck: Sandy Colling and Anna (second Tuesday of the month)
Poughkeepsie: Christiane Siebert and Satara Brown (second Friday of the month)
Nyack: Maria Collorafi Walls (third Monday of the month)
Woodstock: Paulina Palkovic and Juliet Lofaro (fourth Tuesday of the month)
Kingston: Michelle Rawl (fourth Friday of the month)
Would you like to host a Coffee Connection in your area? Please contact Janet Rossbach, our Coffee Ambassador, at Janet@hvwib.org with your idea!
Thanks to our Corporate Sponsors
for helping us serve women business leaders across the Hudson Valley!
Interested in sponsoring HVWIB and/or one of our upcoming events?
and our In-Kind Team
for helping behind the scenes at HVWiB!
Have Questions or Comments for Us?
Contact us at admin@hvwib.org or complete this form and we will get back to you ASAP!