10th Annual Women’s Business Symposium in New Orleans

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Participants engaging in discussions at the Women's Business Symposium.

News Summary

New Orleans will host the 10th Annual Women’s Business Symposium on May 16 at the Four Seasons Hotel, focusing on women’s leadership and mentorship. The event features keynote speakers and panel discussions, including notable figures such as Pamela Prince-Eason and Jovita Carranza. Attendees will have opportunities for networking and exploring a vendor marketplace showcasing local women-owned businesses. This symposium aims to empower women leaders and promote economic inclusivity in Louisiana through shared insights and collaboration.

New Orleans is set to host the 10th Annual Women’s Business Symposium on May 16 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel. Organized by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, the symposium revolves around the theme of “Accelerating Action Collectively,” with a focus on advancing women’s leadership, mentorship, policy advocacy, and increasing awareness of barriers such as unequal pay.

The event will feature a series of keynote presentations and panel discussions designed to inspire and empower women in the business community. Among the notable speakers is Pamela Prince-Eason, President and CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), who has expanded collaborations with Fortune 500 companies during her tenure since 2011. Joining her will be Jovita Carranza, the former U.S. Small Business Administrator and U.S. Treasurer, who previously oversaw support for 30 million small businesses as the 26th Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

Highlighting the symposium will be a panel titled “Pearls of Wisdom: Journeys of Leadership & Growth,” featuring distinguished panelists including:

Lucy Bustamante, news anchor at Fox8
Nora Vaden Holmes, State Farm insurance agent
Amy Hinojosa, President and CEO of MANA, A National Latina Organization
Dr. Larissa Littleton Steib, Chancellor of Delgado Community College

This panel will be moderated by Blanca Robinson, founder of Viva Consulting Group. Another highly anticipated session, “The Growth Blueprint: Scaling Strategies for Small Business,” will be moderated by Julie Couret of Couret Leadership Lab and feature expert panelists including:

Lindsey All, President and CEO of WBEC South
Natalie Barranco, CEO of PRIME Business Advisory Solutions
Meaghan McCormack, CEO of the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation

As part of the program’s conclusion, there will be a “Moment of Inspiration: Secrets of a Power Couple, Partners in Business and Life,” featuring Dr. Jenny and Ronnie Mains of CRC Global Solutions. This session will be moderated by Teresa Lawrence, Corporate Vice Chair of Delta Personnel.

The symposium is not just about speaker sessions; it is also designed to facilitate networking opportunities and host a vendor marketplace showcasing local women-owned businesses. This aspect aims to foster connections and collaborations that can lead to economic growth in the region.

In its tenth iteration, the Women’s Business Symposium continues to build on its mission of promoting economic development through inclusivity and entrepreneurial support across Louisiana. It serves as a platform for women leaders to share their insights and experiences, ultimately driving change in various business sectors.

For those interested in participating, further information, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket purchases are available on the Hispanic Chamber’s website. The symposium promises to be a significant event for empowering women leaders and creating a more equitable business environment.