FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lauren Elizabeth Perna Hosts “An Evening of Founder Stories” for Mental Health Awareness Month
An intimate gathering of 25 founders exploring the space between public persona and private experience
DEDHAM, MA: If you’ve ever wondered how much of yourself to share as a founder, you aren’t alone.
So many founders sit at the heart of their brand, and today that often means showing up on a digital stage. But being the public face doesn’t always come naturally. And even when it does, the version of ourselves we present can start to drift from how we actually feel. Over time, that gap takes a toll on how we think, feel, and show up in our business.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Lauren Elizabeth Perna will host her second annual An Evening of Founder Stories on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Endicott Estate in Dedham, Massachusetts. The evening is intentionally limited to 25 founders and leaders who are actively building public-facing brands.
Three founders will share honest perspectives on being seen, on identity, and on what it takes to evolve as a founder. Each will reflect on life as the public face of a brand, including the difference between sharing from a place of clarity and sharing in the middle of a difficult season.
Featured speakers:
Megha Patil, Award-winning Fashion Entrepreneur, Founder of Happy Lilliput and Atelier by M, and CEO of Aromi Agency India
Stephanie Boyle, CEO and Founder, byFriday
Tony Martignetti, Chief Illumination Officer, Inspired Purpose Partners
Tony will also lead an interactive storytelling experience. Through a simple creative exercise and small-group conversation, attendees will uncover the “story beneath the story”: what feels true for them right now, but may not always get said out loud.
Throughout the evening, the group will explore questions like:
What do I choose to share publicly, and why?
Where does visibility feel aligned, and where does it feel forced?
What happens when my identity begins to change?
At the center of it all sits one question: What version of yourself are you sharing, and does it still feel like you?
Attendees will leave with a deeper awareness of the stories shaping how they build, and a clearer sense of how to evolve.
Event details
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Endicott Estate, Dedham, MA 02026
Tickets: Early Bird $65 (through April 15), General Admission $75. Includes the full evening, light bites, and refreshments.
How to attend
If this evening speaks to where you are right now, reach out to Lauren at lauren@laurenperna.com for the registration link. Spots are reserved upon payment.
