Women are invited to dedicate a day for themselves to gain wisdom, knowledge, and insight at the 2021 WISE Conference.
Set for Wednesday, September 29 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Parish Event Center located at 26777 Glen Loch Drive in The Woodlands, TX, the in-person conference is designed to enrich attendees for personal and professional development.
WISE (Women Inspiring and Supporting Entrepreneurs) was founded in 2012 by Kiki Koymarianos and Carol Gooch who shared a vision to inspire, support and educate women through educational and motivational seminars for professional and personal development.
The mission of the WISE, which is a 503© organization, is focused on fundraising for local non-profit organizations in the community, and empowering women with knowledge. The events bring businesswomen together to inspire, support and empower each other while giving back to those in need.
The WISE Conference is hosted by the Montgomery County Association of Business Women (MCABW) and Women on a Mission to Earn Commission (WOAMTEC). This year’s theme is “Empowering Women With Knowledge” and more than 300 guests are expected to attend.
The in-person conference will feature emcee Michelle Merher, a former FOX 26 news anchor and traffic reporter, who is now staying home with her three young children.
The keynote speaker is Melissa Wilson, the award-winning anchor for FOX 26 Morning News.
Breakout session speakers include:
- Certified financial planner Natallia Ornelas, who will present the topic “Sustaining and Maintaining Your Business Through a Pandemic or Other Major Disruption”
- Dr. Ashley Prince of Prince Health and Wellness will present “COVID Strong Health Strategies for Winning After a Pandemic”
Guest speakers include:
- Kristina Perez will discuss “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – Strategies for the Work Place”
- Mary Jo Rapini will discuss “The Practice of Self-Care Is Not an Option; It’s a Necessity”
As a new twist this year, ticket holders will also enjoy access to a weekly series of four informative virtual speakers four weeks before the event. The line-up of virtual speakers includes:
“Living Healthy during a Pandemic: The Hidden Danger of Toxins”
September 2 at 1 p.m.
Dr. Ashley Prince – Prince Health & Wellness
“Get Dressed and Go Out, or Jump Online”
September 9 from 10 – 11 a.m.
Heidi Furlong – Heidi Furlong Lasting Style, Independent Cabi Stylist
“Leading After the Pandemic: Holding on While Letting Go”
September 16 from 10 – 11 a.m.
Dr. Cecelia Martin – International speaker, best-selling author, leadership coach, educator, and mentor
“Networking Etiquette For In-Person and Virtual Events”
September 23 from 10 – 11 a.m.
Dawn Candy – I Promote You
For the past eight years, the WISE Conference has attracted women who are working in a corporate environment or with a non-profit, have a home-based business, looking to start their own business or transition into a new career, involved in community leadership, and/or simply like to learn, grow, and be inspired by other women in their community.
Participants at this year’s in-person conference will enjoy perusing informative vendor tables presented by for-profit and non-profit organizations. New to this year’s conference site, the vendors will be able to sell items.
The 2021 WISE Conference Charity of Choice is Angel Reach, a faith-based, nonprofit organization that helps children and youth from the foster care system to achieve their full potential despite the obstacles placed on them by broken families and a broken system.
Proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales will fund a $1,500 scholarship to a deserving woman with a desire to further her career through education, expand her business or start a new one, based upon her personal vision and community service. For information about applying by the deadline of August 28, 2021, visit the website at www.thewiseconference.com/scholarship or email
“This year is expected to be our best ever,” said Dawn Candy, founder of I Promote You, WISE board member and event coordinator. “This will be a special day with informative topics and great networking opportunities to all women, no matter where they are in their life and career. We encourage women in our local community to be wise and attend this must-see conference!”
Individual tickets to the 2021 WISE Conference are $69 and include lunch. Sponsorships are available and range from $250 to $7,500. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.thewiseconference.com.
