The Kendra Scott WELI Women’s Summit took place this past February, marking the inaugural annual in-person event aimed at empowering women and fostering leadership qualities. Myself and Becky, in collaboration with the Kendra Scott and WELI teams, played a pivotal role in designing and producing this remarkable summit. Held at The Mansion, formerly known as The Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, the event spanned an entire day, featuring thought-provoking panels, a vibrant vendor market, and engaging local activations.

The Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (WELI) at the University of Texas Austin is committed to cultivating a community that values diversity while equipping young women with essential leadership skills. The Kendra Scott WELI Women’s Summit was a manifestation of this mission, inspiring attendees to flourish in their personal and professional lives. The event’s theme, “Flourish,” set the tone for a day filled with growth, inspiration, and empowerment.

Throughout the day, the summit hosted captivating panels featuring accomplished CEOs, CFOs, directors, and entrepreneurs. These panelists shared their insights, experiences, and expertise, inspiring and guiding attendees on their entrepreneurial journeys. The diverse range of speakers provided invaluable knowledge and sparked meaningful discussions, fostering an environment of empowerment and learning. In between panel sessions, summit guests had the opportunity to explore the vendor market, which showcased a range of pop-ups and activations. Attendees were treated to a Sunday Riley pop-up, delicious bites from Contigo Catering, Tiff’s Treats, and Canes. Notable vendors such as Katie Kime, Sunshine Tienda, B & L Designs, Dell, and WELI Students added a lively touch to the vendor fair, offering unique products and services that complemented the summit’s theme.

The highlight of the summit was the much-anticipated FoundHER Showcase. This showcase featured five talented finalists who presented their original businesses to a panel of judges. The pitches were riveting and captivated the audience, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation within the community. The FoundHER Showcase exemplified the possibilities that await women in the business world and served as an inspiration to all attendees.

It was my utmost privilege to contribute to the design, organization, and orchestration of such an empowering day for women. The Kendra Scott WELI Women’s Summit exemplified the power of collaboration, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended. This event truly underscored the importance of creating spaces where women can thrive, connect, and support each other.

XOXO,

Madison