By Taylor Sterling
Director of Tourism or Orange County and Executive Director, Orange County Film Office
The recipient of the 2025 WGW Inspiring Leader Award
Orange Bank & Trust Company and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. hosted their annual “Women Guiding Women” event, which seeks to empower and elevate women in the local business ecosystem. Amanda Dana, Director of Tourism for Orange County and Executive Director of the Orange County Film Office, received the 2025 WGW Inspiring Leader Award. The program also included a panel discussion on navigating the stages for a successful and enjoyable retirement, from your 20s to your 60s, as well as potential forks in the road that can pop up along the way. The event was held at The Country Club at Otterkill in Campbell Hall. The highlight of the evening was Amanda sharing her role models and heroes which began with her mother, whom she lost when she was 14 years old. During that time it was Amanda, a teenager that cared for her brother who had mental and physical challenges and in those days it was totally misunderstood. She spoke of her mother’s dedication to her brother and family and how that paved the way for the person she is today. I speak from knowledge that Amanda is one of the sincerest authentic women I have ever known. A woman with great compassion, intelligence, creativity, and a heart of gold. I do hope Amanda will put that speech on social media for all to hear, especially for those who are struggling, you will get a sense of knowing you too can overcome all obstacles with perseverance, honesty, thoughtfulness and sincerity. Amanda embodies all of that and much more. Bravo Orange Bank and Trust Company for honoring the most deserved of this honor.
About Orange Bank & Trust Company
Orange Bank & Trust Company is Hudson Valley’s premier financial institution focusing on commercial lending, business banking, and wealth management services. For more than 132 years, Orange Bank & Trust Company has been an economic engine of the community, with approximately $2.5 billion in assets and playing a vital role in increasing opportunities for local businesses, facilitating region-defining developments, and maximizing investments to neighborhood-serving non-profits.
