Wednesday, November 12, 2025 from 8:30 am - 2:00 pm CST Hurst Conference Center

Harvesting Partnerships

Overview

Harvesting Partnerships is a half-day conference, on Wednesday, November 12 at Hurst Conference Center (1601 Campus Dr, Hurst, TX 76054), focused on top-tier educational programming and highlighting the skillsets of our WBEs. It features the WBCS Annual Meeting and Board of Directors installation, networking, WBE led roundtable discussions on a variety of business topics (such as leadership, marketing, human resources, etc.), WBE vendor tables, a keynote luncheon, and the Lillie Knox Investment Award pitch presentation.

Online registration deadline is 11:59pm CST on Wednesday, November 5.


If you have any questions, feel free to contact WBCS Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Garner.

Agenda (CST)
8:30 – 9:00 … Check In, Networking, and Vendor Table Visits
9:00 – 9:30 … WBCS Annual Meeting and Board of Directors Installation
9:30 – 9:45 … Networking
9:45 – 11:30 … WBE Led Roundtable Discussions
11:30 – 12:15 … Networking and Vendor Table Visits
12:15 - 2:00 ... Keynote Luncheon and Lillie Knox Investment Award Pitch Presentation

WBCS Annual Meeting
The WBCS President and staff will share organizational highlights from the year, announce the incoming Board of Directors, and provide insights about the year ahead.


WBE Led Roundtable Discussions
The morning is dedicated to Women’s Business Enterprise led roundtable discussions on a variety of business topics such as marketing, human resources, etc. The WBE host remains at her table while others rotate. Spots are open on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are three rounds of discussion. Each discussion is 30 minutes, with five minutes between rounds to transition.

9:45 – 10:15 … Discussions Round 1
10:20 – 10:50 … Discussions Round 2
10:55 – 11:25 … Discussions Round 3

Discussion Hosts (as of 11-4-25)

• AI Assistants and Agents for Your Business: Ready to Give your Team the Ultimate Advantage? - Silvana Rosero, Laguna Media Group
• AI Data Driven Forecasting - Uma Muthu, Syscodelabs
• Creating a Clear Pathway Forward Through Innovative Collaboration Strategies for Business Development- Victoria Stevenson, Allied – SCSS & Trinity Ojo, CityPerks
• Developing a Powerful Capabilities Statement for your Business - Karen Smith Jackson, Karen M. Smith & Associates
• HR Simplified: What Every Entrepreneur Should Know About People, Culture, and AI - Michelle Jolivet, DEI Recruiting and Consulting
• Let’s Optimize Your Website So It Brings More Clients - Natalie Luneva, Great to Elite
• Navigating Workforce Challenges: Recruiting Talent Amid Economic Shifts - Sharadha Kodem, Kodem Law
• Resilience in Business: Rising Stronger Amid the Noise - Pamela Nelson, Bracane Company
• Self-Regulation Skills for Better Decision Making - Gayle Goodman Lynch, It's A Good Sign
• Smarter, Safer, Simpler: 3 Ways to Use AI in Your Business Today - Ruth Ellen Heaton, StratOps Chief Solutions
• State of Healthcare, Benefits & Payroll: What Employers Must Know and How to Adapt - Holly Sechrest, Lone Star Benefits & Kathleen Hunt, Personalized Payroll Services
• Stronger Together: How WBE Partnerships Win Bigger Work- Angela Seaman, Seaman Group & Haydee Clark, Resilient Freight Solutions
• Supplier Vetting Strategies: Building Trust and Reducing Risk - Lalitha Nandyala, Smart Folks
• The Keys to Scaling, Working Less and Paying Yourself More- Deb Purvin, Business Owner's MBA
• The Silent Saboteurs of Marketing Performance (and How to Fix Them) - Amy Day, Cowtown Creative
• Turning Media Exposure into Credibility and Cashflow - Sarah Strackhouse, Strackhouse Media
• What is Your Networking ROI? - Shelli Howlett, Boomerang Business Collective
• Year-End Tax Planning - Keesha Browne, L. V. Browne, CPA

Check out our discussion topics and host bios!

Interested in being a WBE table host where you lead three rounds of discussions about a topic relevant to the business community? Reach out to Elizabeth Garner to discuss details and the $250 investment.

WBE Vendor Tables
Vendor tables are open solely to women-owned businesses. A vendor table is $175 and includes one six foot table, one chair, one admission to the event, and access to wifi. 

Interested in having a vendor table to showcase your products and services? Sign up now!


Keynote Presentation
Provided by Karen Hughes White, Texas Women's Foundation

She'll review highlights from TXWF's most recent research in a presentation called Texas Women & The Power of Partnerships. She'll focus on the new level of collaboration and strategic partnerships necessary to drive REAL, scalable solutions to the barriers to women's economic security, stability, and success. Attendees will be invited to discuss solutions to these challenges as well .And, Karen will share data that creates a compelling business case for civic leaders and policymakers to make these solutions a priority in order to create a strong and vibrant Texas for all. 

Lillie Knox Investment Award Pitch Presentation and Donations
The Lillie Knox Investment Award is a cash prize of up to $10,000 in 2025, exclusively available to WBCS Women's Business Enterprises, to help further business growth. Current members, in good standing, are welcome to apply annually for consideration. Winners will pitch their request and be announced at the event.

The Lillie Knox Investment Award is funded solely by member donations. 100% of your donation goes directly to women-owned businesses. Donate now to help women-owned businesses grow!
 

Speakers

Pricing

This event is open to everyone.

Last day to register online is Wednesday, November 5.

On-site registration available for an additional fee.

What If I Register and Can’t Attend?

Substitutions Welcome
If you have a conflict arise and can’t attend the event, another person may attend in your place at no charge.
If you can’t find someone to attend in your place, you may cancel and receive a refund, less a processing fee.

Cancellation and Refund Policy
The last day to cancel and receive a refund is Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
General admission refunds are subject to a $10 cancellation fee per registrant.
Refunds will be issued in the same form payment was made. Please allow two weeks for processing.
Registrants who cancel will not receive event materials.

Substitutions and cancellations may be submitted in two ways:
1. via the link and reference # that are provided in your confirmation email
2. via email request to WBCS Senior Director of Programs, Elizabeth Garner

Member

$100

$25 more on-site
 

Sponsor

$$

Each sponsorship level includes event admissions and branding. Contact Sarah White to secure a sponsorship. Email Sarah Now

Non-member

$110

$25 more on-site
 

Registrant List

Sponsors

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