weVENTURE IMPACT Summit Set to Inform, Empower Aug. 26 with Speakers, Networking

MELBOURNE, FLA. —weVENTURE Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech’s Bisk College of Business will convene its annual IMPACT Summit leadership development event from 2-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne.

Professional women from across all industries are invited to come together for an afternoon featuring three inspiring speakers and break-out sessions, followed by a networking reception on the oceanfront deck.  

Appreciating the value of lessons learned the hard way is only possible if we give ourselves time to reflect and learn from them. That is why the theme for the IMPACT Summit is, “No Pressure, No Diamonds.”

“We want to create a space for female entrepreneurs and professional women to come together and reflect on the lessons learned from the last year,” said Kathryn Rudloff, executive director of weVENTURE. “Diamonds and other precious gems are valuable because we appreciate the unique conditions necessary to make them and are inspired by their beautiful qualities that make each one unique and special. How precious then, are each of us? We are all diamonds in the making.”  

The three speakers at the IMPACT Summit will each present to the full audience and then lead a breakout session so participants may dive deeper with a small group. Here are the speakers:

• Angie Sullivan, owner of Stumpy’s Hatchet House in Cocoa, shares her story of strength and determination in the face of adversity. She seeks to inspire women everywhere to find positive growth opportunities, even in life’s darkest moments.

• Stephanie Lopez, Ph.D., an executive coach at Gallaher Edge, is passionate about leadership development and team cohesion. A Florida Tech alumna, Lopez specifically helps leaders become more authentic and self-aware, which enables greater resilience, stamina and flexibility in the face of demanding and difficult leadership challenges.

• Lauren Hodges is co-founder of Performance on Purposes, LLC and founder of Total Body Training, LLC, two performance coaching companies focused on advancing leadership. She works with leaders and their teams around the world to help them show up at their best both personally and professionally.

One lucky attendee will go home with a custom-designed diamond necklace by Staci Sullivan’s Jewelry & Design Studio. One raffle ticket is included with registration, and additional tickets may be purchased at the conference. 

Virtual options are available for individuals unable to join in-person or who wish to watch in a more socially distant format. Small businesses may also opt to host their own small-group watch party and use the Summit as a training event for their staff.

Funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, weVENTURE Women’s Business Center helps level the playing field for women by providing the education, training and support they need to grow in their profession. Its mission is to be the leading voice and resource for local women. The annual conference is an excellent opportunity for businesses to invest in leadership development for their female employees or market their business to upwards of 200 attendees. Sponsorships begin at $150 and all proceeds benefit weVENTURE WBC.  

Individual tickets for the in-person conference are $50 for the general public, $25 for Florida Tech students, and $25 to watch a live stream or recording. Admission to the networking reception is a separate fee of $25. To register and for more information, visit www.weventure.fit.edu/events.