Join us at our Annual W.I.S.E. Event for a panel discussion. This year, we shine a spotlight on remarkable women who are redefining what it means to retire. Whether launching second careers, diving into passion projects, or leading through mentorship and advocacy, these trailblazers are proving that legacy doesn’t end—it evolves. Be inspired by a dynamic panel of women who are embracing this new chapter with purpose, vision, and impact.
Tuesday, May 20th
12:00pm-2:00pm
Vesper Country Club – 185 Pawtucket Boulevard – Tyngsborough
Individual Tickets $75, Table of 10 $650, Sponsorships (includes ticket(s) and range from $250-$1,000)
Panelists:
- Lura Smith
- Dot Richards
- Yun-Ju Choi
Lura Smith
Lura Smith has been a resident of Lowell, MA for over fifty years. She and her husband, Robert, are proud parents to two sons and grandparents to four grandchildren. Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, she recalls with pride growing up in a loving home and vibrant community that withstood the trying forces of racial segregation during the 1950s and 1960s. Nurtured and guided by her elders, peers, and church family in the Crescent City, Lura naturally exudes both spirit and sway to move people through music— Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and the American songbook—that has shaped the soundtrack of her life. While known for her long and storied professional career in technology, higher education, and other sectors, she is especially well known for creating the Lura Smith & Family Scholarship Fund and for establishing one of Greater Lowell’s most impactful events commemorating the life and legacy of Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lura received the Key to The City of Lowell, Massachusetts on February 21, 2023. Always focused on cultivating community, Lura carries a torch, passed forward to her, so that others might find their way towards peace, resilience, and joy!
Dot Richards – Spreading Kindness & Joy with Cards, Coffee, Wine & More
When not acting retired, Dot is spreading kindness and joy with cards, coffee and wine through her two side gigs.
She’s a Gratitude Consultant with Promptings powered by SendOutCards and an Independent Wine Consultant with Scout & Cellar Clean-Crafted Wines.
After working for the Federal Government for 37 years at Hanscom AFB, she signed up as a SendOutCards rep in 2011 as a way to be able to be her own boss, slow down and enjoy life a bit and have the ability to work when and from where-ever she wants.
The decision to become a Scout & Cellar Independent Consultant during COVID was a no brainer. Dot always loved drinking and learning about wine and who didn’t want wine delivered to their door during Covid.
Dot was born and raised in Lowell, Mass and still resides in Lowell with her Husband Ron. They are the proud parents of two grown sons, Chris, of Lowell and Tim, stationed in Norfolk, VA. They claim 8 Grandchildren.
Dot is truly living life on her terms. She makes sure there’s plenty of time for fun and travel interspersed with some work along the way.
Yun-Ju Choi
Yun-Ju Choi, retired in July 2024 to care for her elderly parents. Prior to her retirement, Yun-Ju served as the Chief Executive Officer for Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell for 10 years. She brings 30+ years of experience impacting for-profit and nonprofit organizations in the Greater Boston area. Yun-Ju has experience in the philanthropic sector as Director of Donor Services with The Boston Foundation, as well as senior leadership positions with other nonprofits. She started her professional career in finance before finding her passion in nonprofit world.
Yun-Ju was born in Seoul, Korea and grew up in Maine. Yun-Ju spent over 20 years living in Boston prior to moving up to the Merrimack Valley. Yun-Ju currently serves on the board of Greater Lowell Community Foundation and Lowell Heritage Partnership. Yun-Ju also serves as the Advisor for the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation. During her spare time, Yun-Ju enjoys traveling, hiking and cooking.
Yun-Ju holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree in Management from Cambridge College.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Click here for sponsorship opportunities.
Thank you to our 2025 Platinum Partners: Capital Analytics, MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board, Enterprise Bank, Wellpoint, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, EforAll and TMI Properties