WILLIAMSBURG — Inner Peace Coalition, Inc. is hosting its fifth Annual Women’s Business Symposium & The Maximized Man Annual Meet Up on Saturday, July 22, at the Sadler Center of William & Mary.
The daylong seminar is designed to equip business owners and entrepreneurs with resources, tools, and connections to start, stay, and scale their businesses, according to Inner Peace Coalition, Inc. This year’s symposium will be held from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Events of the day include a welcome by Williamsburg Mayor Douglas Pons, panel discussions including representatives from the Small Business Administration, Hampton Roads Workforce Council, Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, and other partners.
Small group sessions with topics such as Real Estate Investing, Grant Preparation, and Government Contracting are just a few business and financial sessions offered.
A pitch contest offering cash prizes, a funding networking event and a public vendor trade show are a few highlights of the day.
The event will offer a free community health fair to include a 3D Mammogram bus and free health screenings.
This year’s Symposium welcomes youth entrepreneurs who will lead sessions and learn business strategies alongside the adults.
A Bridgerton-themed charity gala and celebration starts at 7 p.m. at the Williamsburg Lodge as the evening finale of this year’s annual event.
The gala will feature a keynote address presented by Gwen Hurt, owner of Shoe Crazy Wine, and string music by Gina Payne and Megan Jenifer-Harris, jazzy tunes by Wright Touch Band and dancing with DJ Alirose.
An award ceremony honoring nine leading ladies of the Historic Triangle will be the highlight of the evening.
“When the board, Lawrence Gholson and I began to make our selections, we discovered the uniqueness of the Historic Triangle area and the number of leading ladies holding top positions. We felt that this was something the community needed to recognize.” said Ti’Juana Gholson, co-founder of Inner Peace Coalition.
Local honorees were selected for their contributions to the community.
This year’s honorees are:
- Terry Banez, President/CEO of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce
- Towuanna Porter Brannon, President of Virginia Peninsula Community
College - Connie Matthews Harshaw, President, Let Freedom Ring Foundation
- Laura D. Hill, Founder and Director, Coming to the Table — Historic Triangle
- Kimberley Booker Hundley, WJCC School Board Member
- Amber Price, President, Sentara Hospital Williamsburg
- Kate Slevin, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Williamsburg Community Foundation
- Rebecca Paris Vinroot, Director, James City County Human Services
- Johnette Weaver, Community Advocate and Activist, Williamsburg Descendent Community and Hundley Family History Project
“Now, this list is not exhaustive. As we researched further, we found several ladies in leadership in the area. This initiative will outlive this moment. We will challenge the honorees to continue to encourage, uplift and celebrate women in leadership so that we can continue this initiative beyond July 2023,” said Gholson.
