More than a hundred women pampered themselves, learned and enjoyed spending time with other women at the inaugural Women Empowering Women Summit Professional Business Women of Central Texas Event.
The event was held by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the Comanche Chamber of Commerce at Dove Creek Ranch in Dublin Tuesday, Oct. 17.
“We wanted to create a supportive and inspiring platform where women from diverse backgrounds come together to empower, educate, and uplift each other, fostering personal and professional growth,” Dublin Chamber President Blanca Martineau said.
The event was held in conjunction with National Business Women’s Week, which is celebrated the third week in October.
“We are blessed that the event turned out so well,” Martineau said. “We’ve spent many months working on preparation for the event.”
At the event, women were welcomed with a breakfast and hot cocoa bar by Inflated Creations. Opening keynote speaker was Executive Director Lori Dodd with Texas Midwest Community Network.
Oneof thethingsMartineau loved about the event is that there was a wide range of attendees from all walks of life including seniors from the business class at Dublin High School.
“Everyone was super happy and relaxed,” Martineau said. “The support we had was unbelievable.”
At the event, in the morning, there were several breakout sessions for attendees to choose from including “Balancing Act for Women,” by Francini Estes, “Keys to being confident in your own skin,” by Sonia Bauer and “Keeping kids safe online,” by Traci Cooper Ives & Ashton.
Martineau said the event was structured so business leaders could come and go if needed, however, many women attended the whole event and companies sent leaders to participate.
After a networking lunch with a live performance by Holli Garet and food catered by Inflated Creations, participants moved into a panel discussion.
The panel discussion ‘Navigating Challenges and Finding Successes’ included owner of Grafton Market and co-owner of Andemar Properties Carmen Andersen, Accel Health CEO Esther Taylor, owner of Blackjack Office Center Karen Wright, Mary Kay Cosmetics National Sales Director Roxanne McInroe, Dublin Chamber of Commerce Vice President and Meals on Wheels Board member Sandra Espinoza, CCMC Director of Pharmacy Sharon Maxwell and Comanche Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Virginia Fleming.
Throughout the event, Michelle Dumar, co-owner of Andermar Properties acted as emcee.
Martineau said one of the great things about the event is due to sponsorships, about halfway through the event registration, attendees were allowed to register for free. Those who had already paid donated their money to go toward next year’s event.
To wrap up the event, Janie Havel, North Texas Representative of Governor Abbott’s office for Economic Development and Tourism, presented panelists with awards as Outstanding Community Partners.
Both Superintendent Melissa Summers and Nikki Stark were presented with Excellence in Leadership awards.
“This award was proudly presented for their exemplary accomplishments in the realm of leadership within the community, having been duly recognized and commended,” Martineau said. “Through their dedication, commitment and tireless efforts, they have positively impacted the lives of community members.”
Thanks in part to donations from First National Bank of Dublin, DeLeon and Gustine Member FDIC and the Dublin Rotary Club, four $250 scholarships were provided to attendees drawn at random in order to be used to support the women in the community in pursuit of advancing their education and certifications.
The chamber is planning on hosting the event again next year and partnering with area chambers.
They would like to offer a special thank you to all of their donors and sponsors who made the event possible.