CREW Orlando welcomed the intrepid Connie Chung as its Woman at The Top for 2023 at a sold-out event at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in March 2024 that was rescheduled from November 2023. She was introduced, and later interviewed, by CREW Orlando's own Libby Wingard, who herself was introduced by Past President Shanna Cole.

An engaging and gifted conversationalist and iconic newswoman, Connie represents many different things to many different people. A groundbreaking CBS reporter who was the first Asian American woman to lead the evening news. An inspirational leader who has proven that if you dream big, you can do great things. A charming woman gifted with a quick wit, comedic timing, and a terrific sense of humor.

But above all, she represents the best of us.

The daughter of a Chinese woman with bound feet who was engaged at 12 and married at 17, Connie’s path would eventually take her right to the top. She not only survived but thrived in the male-dominated news business. Her tenacity, drive, and refusal to back down from asking the hard questions garnered her the respect of both colleagues and the viewing public, and for those fortunate enough to grow up watching her deliver the news, hearing her tell her story was something special.

She managed to connect with every person in the room while sharing her incredible story and reminded us that the sky really is the top for women. A video of her meeting a roomful of Asian women named Connie, all of whom were named after her, was especially moving. It was clear to everyone at the luncheon just how much that meant to Connie and how deeply her success as an Asian woman had resonated with families. “I knew that I had had an impact on Asians, but when I discovered that Asian parents had named their daughters after me, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I still can’t believe it. My head is still spinning.” One of the women, in fact, had changed her own name to Connie to honor the woman who taught her that she could be anything she wanted to be.

Her inspirational words, message of inclusivity, and candor were well received, especially as she encouraged women to elevate themselves in the workplace. Teamwork is important, but taking credit for your own work is empowering. “Speak up,” she said.

Thank you for the memories, Connie. Also, for your leadership, your stellar example, and for setting the bar high enough that men must work equally as hard to reach it.

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