Empowering women entrepreneurs

An educational conference geared toward women entrepreneurs is designed to help them move forward with their ideas. “Find Your Voice — Empowering Women Entrepreneurs,” will be held March 28, from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the L. William Seidman Center. The event is sponsored by financial services firm Edward Jones.

A panel discussion including influential entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds will include Stephanie Leonardos, president and CEO of Amerikam; Jenn Schaub, Avenue of the Arts; Pam Turkin, owner and founder of Just Baked; and Laura Vaughn, founder of Sitting in a Tree.

Three breakout sessions will be held: “Finding Your Voice,” “How to talk to VC’s, Angels, and Other Investors,” and “Glass Ceiling Gone? Women Entrepreneurs Flourish in Finance.” The event will also include a student showcase of Grand Valley student entrepreneurs.

Luncheon keynote speaker Kim Dabbs, executive director for the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT), will talk about “Designing Opportunity.”

“The purpose for this event is to be a forum for discussion and to reach more female entrepreneurs and support their endeavors by connecting them with the resources they need,” said Shorouq Almallah, operations manager at Grand Valley’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “Attendees will be able to connect with a number of local organizations that provide support services specific to female entrepreneurs.”

Registration is $25 and includes parking, continental breakfast and lunch. Seating is limited and registration will end March 25. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Register at www.gvsu.edu/cei.

For more information, contact the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at 331-7582.