Allyson Mandelbaum, the featured guest speaker, is the CEO and founder of Shady Lady, a women’s hat company created to solve a simple but frustrating problem: finding stylish hats designed to fit women. After years of searching for the perfect hat, she turned her own experience into a business focused on designing fashionable, comfortable hats for women everywhere.

Before launching Shady Lady, Allyson spent 17 years as a reality television producer, working on hit series including My Super Sweet 16, Catfish, and 90 Day Fiancé. Her experience telling compelling stories, building brands, and connecting with audiences helped shape her entrepreneurial journey and the authentic voice behind Shady Lady.

Today, Allyson shares her experiences transitioning from television to entrepreneurship, building a consumer brand from the ground up, and balancing business ownership with family life. She lives in Fairfield with her husband, their two children, and two beloved fur babies.

Shady Lady products will be available for purchase.
Event proceeds will benefit Operation Hope.