Friends celebrate recognition for local Women in Business

Friends gathered at Lefty’s Alley & Eats Dec. 10 to celebrate two locals recognized by Delaware Today magazine as part of the 2020 Women in Business honorees.

Stacy LaMotta, founder, executive director and events organizer of Creative Coastal Connections Corp, and Patricia Rivera, founder of Hook PR & Marketing, were feted at the watch party, which viewed the annual celebration virtually this year due to COVID-19.

LaMotta said she was honored and excited to be one of Delaware’s top women in business for 2020.

“This quote by Sheryl Sandberg sums 2020 up for me,” she said. “‘You will be defined not just by what you achieve, but by how you survive.’”

LaMotta said she is proud that Creative Coastal Connections Corp has been able to donate more than $130,000 to multiple local nonprofits over the past six years through the Southern Delaware Wine, Food & Music Festival.

“I have faith that 2021 will bring this community-building event back to Delaware, and we will continue to make a difference and change lives for the better,” she said.

In 2007, Rivera launched Hook PR & Marketing, which is based in Milton. It develops strategic brand messages and multicultural campaigns for Delaware changemakers.

“It’s an honor to be included in an event that celebrates the contributions of women in business in Sussex County and across Delaware,” Rivera said.

Each year, Delaware Today features successful, up-and-coming women in the corporate, business and nonprofit sectors.

Other local honorees include Heather Anderson, DryZone chief administrative officer and co-owner; Lauren Bohager Herlihy, SoDel Concepts director of operations and SoDel Cares president; Christina Deidesheimer,  Beebe Healthcare vice president of communications and outreach and chief communications officer; Suzanne Thurman, Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute executive director; and Kat and Brooke Wyman, Soulfire Collective owners.