The Dublin Chamber of Commerce along with many other vendors encouraged women recently with its Professional Business Women Summit 2024 held at Dove Creek Ranch.
The second annual event allowed professional women along with Dublin ISD students the chance to relax for the day, learn through speakers and enjoy time together and network.
Free professional headshots were provided at the event by E3. Sarah McNeal-Weaver was the emcee for the event.
The event’s opening keynote speaker, Tracy King of King Law firm, informed women regarding the formation of businesses, wills and even touched on the subject of bankruptcy law.
She also encouraged those in attendance to shop local, but in a unique way.
“We should support each other and use each other’s businesses,” King said.
Mary Smart with Boucher and Smart shared information about how to be business finance savvy at the event.
Smart said that it is a victory for the firm when people deliver shoeboxes full of receipts for the business to sort through.
“It’s people thinking about being prepared for taxes,” she said. “It shows the importance of being ready.”
“When we help our community members, then those community members can go do what they need to for the community,” Smart said. “We get to say, ‘We got this. You go do what you love and we will figure this out.’” A panel discussion including Yi Chia ‘Shair’ Wu, Ph.D, of Tarleton, Wyndi Veigel-Gaudette Content Editor of The Dublin Citizen and Barbara Martinez owner of BnM Media also took place. The women discussed a wide range of topics including female business leadership, mentors and what challenges females still face in the workplace.
Those in attendance were encouraged to think positively and find their purpose by Mary Kay Independent National Director Roxanne McInroe.
“80% of our thoughts are negative and 95% of thoughts are repetitive,” she said.
McInroe shared that she had struggled with negative thoughts and had to combat them every day as she moves through life.
Part of the way to get rid of those thoughts is to understand your purpose in life.
“I want to measure my life with no regrets,” she said.
Throughout the day attendees were treated to breakfast catered by Melissa Cortez and coffee from Blackjack’s and lunch catered by Inflated Creations.
Young ladies from Dublin ISD were presented scholarships at the event to use for purchasing a few new interview outfits or a laptop that could aid them in school. Businesses donating to the scholarship fund include Clear Path, First National Bank and Rotary Club of Dublin.
After lunch and a chance to peruse vendors on site, attendees got to hear from another set of panelists including Jessica Cowan with CCS, Dublin ISD Superintendent Melissa Summer and Pam Crabtree, owner of 52-year-old business Golden Butterfly.
“You do what you have to do to make things work,” Crabtree said, regarding the long hours associated with owning a successful business.
Summers encouraged that when starting a business there is always a way to do, it just requires hard work and education.
“Educate yourself and learn more. Surround yourself with people who will support you,” Cowan said during the panel discussion. “Through struggles is where you grow.”
Esther Taylor, CEO of AccelHealth rounded out the event and spoke on a variety of topics including emotional intelligence.
She encouraged the young ladies in attendance to invest in their 401Ks as early as possible because it would quickly grow.
Door prizes were also presented at the event from a wide range of local businesses.