Village to Honor Local Changemaker Evelyn Johnson at 25th Annual “Girl Within” Event
Thousands of women and girls to benefit from The Village’s largest annual fundraiser on Dec. 5
Hartford, Conn. (November 20, 2025) The Village for Families & Children’s annual Girl Within event on Friday, December 5, will raise funds that help 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-fifth year, Girl Within has raised more than $1.7 million since its inception to provide services that help women and girls 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 their community.
The Village has named Evelyn Johnson, who has been a community leader in Greater Hartford for 25 years, as the 2025 Girl Within Woman of the Year in honor of her inspiring efforts to empower young people across the region and advance equity through service, mentorship and advocacy.
“We are so proud to honor Evelyn Johnson as our 2025 Girl Within Woman of the Year. Evelyn exemplifies the true spirit of community and has dedicated decades to empowering girls and young women across our region. Her unwavering commitment reflects the very heart of our Girl Within event,” said Village President and CEO Hector Glynn.
For 25 years, Johnson has held several board seats and volunteer roles where her focus is on advocacy and mentorship for local youth. By day, Johnson is the Assistant General Counsel at The Hartford, and she also serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford and previously chaired the board of Aurora Women and Girls Foundation. Through these roles and her volunteerism with groups such as Grace Academy, the Junior League of Hartford and Faith Church Wolcott, Johnson has worked to uplift and inspire young people — especially girls and young women — for decades.
1 - 2025 Girl Within Woman of the Year Evelyn Johnson speaking with girls who are part of The Village's Sisterhood Group from MLK, Jr. Middle School in Hartford.
The Village’s 2025 Girl Within Young Woman of the Year is Marisa Caponetti, a courageous and inspiring high school student who turned a personal battle with a rare bone cancer into a powerful movement for change.
Despite undergoing extensive treatment and missing school, she founded “CapoStrong” and fundraised more than $125,000 for children’s cancer research. In addition, Marisa is an honor roll student, school club president and volunteers through her church. Her resilience and leadership continue to uplift and unite her community.
Past Woman of the Year honorees include:
Lhakpa Sherpa (2024)
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/gw25.