2023 Women Rising Award
Shellena Pitterson, the founder and owner of Orchid Maids, has been awarded the 2023 Women Rising Award by the Women’s Business Development Council, an organization celebrating the successes of women in business. The fact that the keynote address was given by former tennis star Katrina M. Adams attests to the significance of this event.
This award is reserved for women in business who achieve success in their respective industry, attain their set goals, and showcase commitment to customer satisfaction and maximum quality of service. All these are professional qualities embodied by Shellena, making her a deserving recipient of this award.
Carlene B. Lee Woman Business Enterprise Award
Mrs. Carlene B. Lee was elected as the first woman President to lead the NAACP Norwich Branch in 1972. She led the Norwich Branch in a dynamic move by establishing a Job Bank Program and the program successfully placed more than 200 people in jobs. Secondly, she opened the first NAACP Norwich Branch Office with support of the Norwich Chamber of Commerce.
Mrs. Carlene B. Lee was a fighter for inclusion of women and blacks by helping to improve employment opportunities, working with individuals pursuing business opportunities and those seeking appointment on boards & commission in the city of Norwich.
2021 Carlene B. Lee Woman Business Enterprise Awardee
Shellena Pitterson is the owner of Orchid Maids, based out of Norwich. Orchid Maids became fully operational in 2019 concentrating on residential cleanings in Southeast Connecticut. With a Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Energy Management and currently working on her Master of Science in Organizational Management, Shellena knew she wanted to be able to put her degrees to use in helping her community and providing sustainable jobs. Since Orchid Maids’ conception, she is proud to have been able to employ half a dozen employees with plans to be able to grow more. Her certifications include being certified as a Small/Minority Business with the State of Connecticut and a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Connecticut.
Connecticut Economic Development Summit
Continuing her tradition of professional excellence, Shellena Pitterson was actively involved in the Connecticut Economic Development Summit as a presenter, sharing her immense experience in the competitive business climate of today’s world.
She discussed the potential for empowering the workforce and explained how to overcome the potential hiring difficulties she herself has faced on more than one occasion, stating flexibility and favorable compensation as the two key factors in attracting experienced professionals to her business.
Finally, she commented on the necessity of following all the modern trends and developments, emphasizing the need for steering the young in the right direction and empowering them to seek career opportunities in up-and-coming fields, such as solar energy. Looking forward is the only way to progress, and Shellena Pitterson has no desire to look back.