Female leaders came together to dream big, act boldly, and embrace opportunities
Women's History Month ended on a brilliant note. Thursday, March 28, the inaugural GLOW Business Women's Conference was held at Hotel Haya in Ybor City. The event attracted over 200 entrepreneurs who were ready to inspire and be inspired, learn, and thrive.
Carol Minor, conference chairwoman and center director at Hillsborough County's Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and the Glow 24 committee worked for months to launch the event. The result was a thoughtfully designed day that included powerful workshops, motivating guest speakers, visionary leaders, and a catered lunch.
Girls Scouts of West Central Florida kicked off the conference with the Pledge of Allegiance, Rita Lowman, CEO, HooperWill Group was the opening keynote speaker, and community leaders made opening remarks. Entrepreneurs then explored topics, including a healthier you, using AI in your business, protecting your wealth, and planning an exit strategy. A panel discussion with successful entrepreneurs, closing speaker Lennise Germany, CEO, Livy O's Catering, and an After-GLOW networking social rounded out the day.
Although a first-year event in Hillsborough, GLOW is in its 6th year and was started by Fifth Third Bank in partnership with the FSBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University. After Minor attended the program in the Gulf Coast, she worked with Fifth Third bank to bring it to Hillsborough County. Esther Marshall, SVP of Community Impact at Fifth Third Bank, encouraged Minor to form a planning committee to make it happen.
To learn more about the services offered at the SBDC at Hillsborough County visit HCFL.gov/FSBDC. And be on the lookout for Hillsborough's Second Annual GLOW event next March!