.png)
Savvy, healthy and empowered – the Elgin Chamber of Commerce hosted it’s SHE: Women in Business evening gathering this past week at the Spark River Entertainment complex.
The convening of local businesswomen highlighted the importance of communal story exchange and the value of learning through the experiences of other working mothers.
Chamber President Veronica Seever acted as the event’s congenial moderator, attendees noted, reminding those present that, at the end of the day, they are all there to grow together as neighbors, friends and coworkers. Seever led off the night’s agenda with keynote speakers Lexy Graham Gonzalez and Nick Cotto, who reinforced the evening’s theme of power through story.
“There’s so much strength in your story.”
— keynote speaker Nick Cotto “Scars, physical or emotional, don’t mean what you think they do. For me, a scar is anybody who has survived a challenge and rediscovered a strength. There’s so much strength in your story,” said Cotto, who’s nonprofit, We Are Not Broken, highlights the beauty shared through women’s scars. Her speech had the audience of around 50 fanning their eyes, not just from the heat.
Seever then lead a panel of three prominent local figures through a series of curated questions, each giving unique insight and perspective of duty and work ethic.
Su z a n ne Br own , award-winning author and marketing specialist, emphasized a healthy work-life balance, and how sharing the mental load of childcare can also empower a partner. Elgin business owner Katy Gassaway stressed networking, and the ability to market oneself where they already are. Jana Rueter, superintendent of Elgin Independent School District, engaged with audience members and discussed working through the lens of a mother.
“I started to always look at things first as a mama, how would I want the situation to be resolved if it was my child,” said Rueter.
Speakers ended the night with cocktails and a call to action, to stop being threatened by the success of other women and to boost yourself alongside your peers. Elgin’s women of business started putting discussion to practice and networked for the remaining hour.
