OCT|15|2026
Join us for New Hampshire’s largest event supporting women & girls at our 22nd Annual Women Building Community Luncheon with special guest, Cole Brauer.
Whether you’re a long-time Luncheon attendee or planning to attend WBC for the first time, we can’t wait to be in community with you! Connect with new and old friends, celebrate the work of our 2026 grantees, and learn more about how we can build a better future for women and girls in New Hampshire.
Cole Brauer is a trailblazing American offshore sailor who became the first and only American woman to sail around the world solo, nonstop, and unassisted, when she placed second in the Global Solo Challenge in 2024 — the only woman out of nineteen competitors.
Cole holds the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe in a 40-foot sailboat, cementing her reputation as one of the most formidable sailors of her generation. That same year, Cole was named Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, one of the sport’s highest honors.
Known for her grit, precision, and unfiltered storytelling from the high seas, Cole has become a magnetic voice in modern ocean racing. She has built a devoted digital community of more than 500,000 followers and has reached millions with her raw, real-time dispatches from some of the most extreme environments on Earth.
Cole continues to push boundaries as co-skipper for the prestigious Team Malizia, competing at the highest levels of international offshore racing while inspiring a new generation to chase bold ambitions beyond the horizon. Her memoir, First Light: Sailing Solo but Not Alone, comes out in September 2026.
DOUBLETREE HOTEL
700 ELM ST, MANCHESTER, NH
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9:30 AM |
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11:00 AM |
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12:00 PM |
Luncheon Begins |
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During her 36 years in public service, Senator Jeanne Shaheen has been a tireless champion for women and girls in New Hampshire, as the first woman elected Governor and United States Senator.
Join us as we celebrate Senator Shaheen for her trailblazing career and share an exciting announcement!
The first woman in U.S. history to be elected both a Governor and a United States Senator, New Hampshire’s Jeanne Shaheen is a trailblazer with a reputation for working across the aisle.
She is committed to serving the citizens of New Hampshire and improving the lives of the middle class. A steadfast champion for women and girls, Shaheen – the only woman on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee – leads action in the Senate to break down barriers impacting access to education, reproductive care and economic opportunity.
Senator Shaheen is a champion for pay equity and is working in the Senate to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would help eliminate the gender wage gap and end pay discrimination. She also proudly helped introduce the Even Playing Field Act, which would ensure equal pay, investment and working conditions for U.S. national team athletes, coaches and other personnel.
As Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Shaheen has continuously secured record-high funding to support Violence Against Women Act programs and serves as a fierce advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
She has served in the Senate since 2009 and is a member of the Senate Committees on Armed Services, Foreign Relations, Appropriations, Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Select Committee on Ethics.
Before the luncheon, we will present our new major research report — followed by a panel discussion.
Before the luncheon, we will present our latest Status of Girls research report – followed by a panel discussion.
Before the Luncheon begins at noon, visit our Grantee Showcase (11:00–11:45 AM), where you can learn about the impact of our incredible grantees!
