Last Friday, we hosted our 11th annual Inspired Women’s Alliance Luncheon!
The luncheon was started to celebrate and empower women in the Greater Arlington Area. It is also an avenue to award Dr. Judith J. Carrier scholarship recipients. This year, the Alliance disbursed over $11,000 in scholarships to women in universities and nursing programs.
We kicked off with a IWL intro video to get all attendees pumped for what the event had to offer!
We then introduced, Heidi Hardy, the luncheon’s host. She reiterated the importance of the Alliance’s mission and introduced the sponsors and the program for the rest of the event. The audience was also offered the opportunity to purchase “bling boxes” which contained a Grit & Grace bracelet. The revenue will support women in programs at UT Arlington and Tarrant County College – Southeast Campus.
Following this, we welcomed Dr. Judith J. Carrier to the stage, and scholarship recipients were announced.
We then heard from Darla Peznell, the chair of the Women’s Alliance. She discussed her time at the Chamber and the positive influences she has encountered here. She received an IWL glass cube from the CEO & President of the Chamber, Michael Jacobson. The cube was a gift from the Chamber to show our gratitude for all she does for the Women’s Alliance and IWL.
The keynote portion was given storytelling style and commenced with Kenya Mobley, owner of On-Track Truck Driving School. Mobley fearlessly told her story of Grit & Grace and how she has become the woman and business owner that she is today.
As we neared an end to this powerful event, Award and Grant recipients were announced. The Hero & Rising Star awards were created to honor women who have contributed positively to the city. Washima Huq received the Rising Star Award, Dr. Jacquelyn Minor received the Hero Award and BDG Marketing received the Small Business Grant. Through the grant, one woman small business owner (who has been in business for at least three years) will be awarded cash gifts, mentoring, and services to encourage business growth. Congratulations to all of the recipients!
To wrap up, Heidi Hardy announced the bling box and raffle prize winners.
This 11th year of hosting the Inspire Women Luncheon was one for the record books! We are grateful to everyone who attended. See you again next year!