Janis Collins: honored for women’s business efforts. Contributed photo
Janis Collins of Westport has been selected one of 56 Women of Innovation for the 2015 Women of Innovation awards program by the Connecticut Technology Council (CTC).
The program recognizes Connecticut women in the workforce and students who are innovators, role models and community leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math, an announcement said.
Collins, a member of the Westport Board of Finance, is co-founder of Westport-based The Refinery, an accelerator for women-led businesses whose goals include accelerating the growth of early stage ventures resulting in job creation and viable investments.
The 56 honorees will be recognized and a winner in each of eight award categories will be announced during the Women of Innovation awards program at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville on April 1.
Ticket purchases and registration for the 2015 event are available online through the CTC website www.CT.org.
The Women of Innovation were nominated by their peers and selected based on their professional experience, history of innovation, ability to think creatively and solve problems, and demonstration of leadership, the announcement said.
Students were judged on inventiveness, accomplishment in science and technology, independent research, and academic achievement.
Congratulations, Janis! The Refinery is an incredible program helping women-led businesses grow from startups to prime time.
Well deserved. Janis is one of Westport’s “treasures.” Janis and her team at The Refinery are fueling the development of new businesses.