Celebrating Women and Community at Women Over Dinner
Last night, Providence House had the honor of hosting an unforgettable Women Over Dinner event—one that brought together over 150 women for an evening of connection, inspiration, and empowerment. This was the most attended Women Over Dinner to date, a testament to the power of women uniting in purpose and solidarity.
A special thank you goes to Kiki Dunston, a dedicated advocate for justice-impacted individuals, who helped connect Providence House and Executive Director Danielle Minelli Pagnotta with Unconditional Freedom. Unconditional Freedom is an organization that centers the restoration of marginalized individuals in society, including the previously incarcerated and those experiencing homelessness. They host Women Over Dinner gatherings worldwide, creating spaces that inspire women to remember their inherent power and use it to reshape the world.
Kiki, along with the incredible Women Over Dinner team, transformed a simple multi-purpose event space into an elegant dining experience, curating an atmosphere of warmth and connection. The meal was nothing short of extraordinary, with food donated and prepared by local Brooklyn chefs and culinary artists—all women—who poured their hearts into each dish. The Night Kitchen BK team played a pivotal role in curating this exquisite culinary experience, ensuring that every plate reflected the care and intentionality behind the evening’s mission.
The event began with powerful speeches that set the tone for the night. Kiki Dunston spoke about the deep meaning behind Women Over Dinner and the transformative power of bringing women together. Danielle Minelli Pagnotta highlighted the impact of intentional gatherings like these, tying it to Providence House’s Food is Power workshop series for residents, and so much more.
“In almost eight years in this role, I’ve been privileged to witness countless moments of inspiration and resilience. One of the most unforgettable experiences was attending a Women Over Dinner event at Taconic Correctional Facility last December. Being in that space with an amazing group of women who had faced unimaginable challenges, sharing a meal, and exchanging stories was truly remarkable. It was a profound reminder of the transformative power of community and the importance of creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, and supported. I’m so proud to be continuing this amazing program tonight with the Providence House community.”
- Danielle Minelli Pagnotta
Next, Topeka, a powerful speaker and WoD advocate, took the stage. She shared her journey since incarceration and spoke on the importance of “finding your kind,” emphasizing that we are all justice-involved in some way—whether through personal experience, loved ones, or the ways systemic injustice affects our daily lives. Her words resonated deeply, reinforcing the shared mission of everyone in the room.
The gathering brought together Providence House staff, board members, residents, and community leaders who are deeply invested in housing and social justice reform. But beyond that, it welcomed any and all women in the New York area who sought meaningful exchanges while breaking bread. The conversations that unfolded throughout the evening were profound—prompted stories of vulnerability, shared struggles, and collective hope.
Pictured left to right: Ilia Nieves-Hoque, Kiki Dunston, Danielle Minelli Pagnotta
The stories shared, the bonds formed, and the empowerment felt last night reaffirmed the importance of coming together. Women Over Dinner is more than just a meal—it is a movement, a force for change, and a testament to the resilience and strength of women from all walks of life. This event was part of a nationwide initiative, with over 100 similar dinners taking place across the country. These gatherings were connected virtually, uniting communities far and wide to celebrate Women’s History Month.
A heartfelt thank you to Unconditional Freedom, the Women Over Dinner team, the generous chefs, and every woman who attended and contributed to the success of this event. We look forward to future collaborations and to continuing to build on the incredible impact of this program.
Here’s to many more evenings of empowerment, connection, and community!
