Lombardi Women: Nineteen Years of Connection and Compassion
BY: Marianne Bane
Nineteen years ago, a small gathering of 60 women came together to raise funds for breast cancer research at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research. What began in 2006 as Women & Wine has since grown into one of the region’s most inspiring philanthropic traditions—now known as Lombardi Women.
From the start, the vision was simple yet powerful: unite women leaders to fuel research, support patients, and shine a brighter light on the path toward a world without cancer. Nearly two decades later, the annual Lombardi Women’s dinner has become a landmark event in the DC area, gathering hundreds of women whose influence, compassion, and networks continue to transform the landscape of breast cancer research.
Connecting for a Cure
At the heart of Lombardi Women is its guiding mission, “Connecting for a Cure.” Each year, the organization brings together business leaders, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends with one shared vision. While fundraising is central, the impact goes far beyond financial contributions.
Guests hear directly from leading physicians, researchers, and patients whose stories underscore both the urgency and hope of this work. A panel discussion, moderated in 2025 by Lesli Foster of WUSA9, will feature renowned doctors and thriving patients, creating deeply personal connections that remind attendees why their generosity matters.
The choice of Georgetown Lombardi’s Nina Hyde Center as the beneficiary was no coincidence. Founded in 1989 by Ralph Lauren and Katharine Graham in honor of Nina Hyde, The Washington Post’s fashion editor, the center embodies her legacy of courage, advocacy, and determination—a legacy that continues to inspire Lombardi Women today.
Women Behind the Mission
Since its earliest days under founding co-chairs Barbara Schafer McDuffie and Janet Davis Brooks, Lombardi Women has thrived on the dedication of powerhouse business leaders, many from the Tysons–McLean community. That spirit continues under the leadership of Jennifer Bognet and Meredith LaPier, co-chairs of the 2025 event.
The committee—many from the commercial real estate industry—bring their networks and creativity to grow the event year after year. Some sponsors even add a playful touch, like the “Haute Pink Langley Ladies” table.
For LaPier, one of the most moving moments is when attendees are asked to stand: first breast cancer survivors, then those touched by breast cancer, and finally, anyone touched by cancer. By the end, nearly every person in the room is standing—a powerful reminder of both the reach of the disease and the resilience of survivors.
This year’s Spirit of Life Award will honor Blair Todd, who has been living with stage 4 breast cancer since 2022 and continues to embrace each day with grace and gratitude.
Tangible Impact
To date, Lombardi Women has raised more than $5 million for breast cancer research. These funds provide flexible resources that allow researchers to quickly test innovative ideas that often blossom into larger, nationally funded projects.
Recent contributions include:
- A pilot grant for Dr. Bill Rebeck’s research on “chemobrain”, which leveraged Lombardi Women’s support into federal NIH funding
- Expanding genetic advances at the Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research
Georgetown Lombardi remains the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., combining groundbreaking research with patient care and community outreach.
Through initiatives like the Davis-McDuffie Innovation in Breast Cancer Award, Lombardi Women also invests in promising young investigators. The 2025 recipient, Dr. Claire Conley, explores the intersection of mental health and oncology, aiming to improve both treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Looking ahead, Lombardi Women reminds us that when women unite with compassion and purpose, the path to a cure grows brighter. Be part of this inspiring mission—reserve your table today at the 2025 Lombardi Women annual event.
