Celebrating the Changemakers of the East End: Women in Business Luncheon

Our 4th Annual East End Women in Business Luncheon was a wonderful way to celebrate International Women’s Day. With almost 300 guests, sponsors, and supporters joining us for the event, many left feeling empowered, inspired, and with a new connection to help them grow in their current and future life journeys.

This year’s moderator was the Emmy Award-winning journalist Linda Lorelle. The panel lineup included the Owner of Gulfgate Animal Hospital, Dr. Kathy Palmer, Co-Owner of Roostar, Linda Nguyen, Owner of Jinka Premium LLC., Kim Edwards, and Commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority, Wendy Montoya Cloonan.

Our Chamber President, Frances Castañeda Dyess, welcomed the sold-out crowd of mover and shakers to this auspicious event full of heartwarming and trailblazing stories from each panelist as they shared their highs, lows, and tips for others to succeed. “Your stories inspired me and everyone in the room!” Frances said.

Lorelle and the women addressed various topics. The panelists shared challenges they’ve faced as a woman in their industry. Since opening her firm, Linda Lorelle Media, in 2009, the Stanford graduate has garnered an extensive roster of Fortune 500 clients.

Each speaker highlighted their industry and the journey they took to be where they are today.

Kim Edwards addressed the crowd by saying what she was most passionate about sharing was the “personal branding space.” “Everyone in this room are leaders,” Edwards said. “Today the internet is allowing us to create a space where we can bring people together and create our own communities. In that, you live your life bringing content to that online community.”

Each panelist was a good example of diversity and inclusion in the workforce and why it is a great time to be a woman today where they can come into their own and follow their path, passion, and purpose. Wendy Montoya Cloonan said she “enjoyed being around such phenomenal women!” Linda Nguyen said she was “very excited and honored to be on a panel alongside all of these incredible women!” Linda Lorelle shared that she “loved being part of this empowering day to celebrate women. The panelists were such rock stars!”

We had a wide array of expo booths selling unique items, gift ideas, and services as the crowd networked from table to table, greeting old friends and forming new partnerships. But the success of this event wouldn’t be possible without the support of all our sponsors, and we give them all a huge THANK YOU!

Here are a few wonderful comments left by luncheon attendees:

• “We enjoyed this day so much and very thrilled to have been a part of it.”- Latinx Leaders
• “I was so inspired by the panelist and loved hearing their stories. I especially loved hearing about their different challenges and successes as entrepreneurs. Such great energy and I truly appreciate being there.”- Oriana
• “Teared up a couple of times during the panels discussion. It was valuable information and really loved the questions.”- Event attendee
• “I loved the diversity of the panelists, the choice of business and their candid conversation!”- Marcie M.

If you attended the event, let us know what inspired you!

Click here to see how you can be part of our growing business community and join us for our upcoming Scholarship Golf Tournament on April 13.