#execWEBuiltToLast

Built to Last: Thriving Through Change and Challenge

Success isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. In today’s changing business landscape, growth, resilience, and advocacy are more important than ever.

Join us for the Women’s Business Center’s signature annual event, execWE where business owners, employees, and industry supporters come together to gain insights, build stronger companies, and drive lasting impact. Whether you’re leading a business, supporting its growth, or fostering opportunities for business success, this event will equip you with the tools and connections to move forward with confidence.

What's in Store

• Inspiring Keynote Speaker – Gain insights on the current business climate, policy shifts, and strategies for resilience and success.

• Breakout Session: Building a Resilient Business Model – Hands-on strategies to strengthen operations, adapt to change, and ensure sustainability.

• Panel Discussion: Overcoming Challenges & Sustaining Growth – Learn from industry leaders who’ve successfully navigated obstacles and scaled their businesses.

• Advocacy & Impact – Discover how policy decisions affect businesses and explore ways to navigate and shape future opportunities.

• High-Impact Networking – Connect with business owners, professionals, and industry leaders who are committed to supporting and advancing business success.

Who Should Attend?

• Business Owners & Entrepreneurs – Elevate your strategy and position your business for long-term success.
• Corporate & Procurement Professionals – Gain insights on engaging with and strengthening business relationships with suppliers.
• Employees & Team Members – Gain knowledge that strengthens the business you support and advances your professional growth.
• Business & Economic Development Leaders – Explore strategies to support and foster thriving businesses within your network.

execWE Registration is $50.00.

Your all-access pass includes an inspiring keynote speaker, interactive breakout sessions, a panel discussion with industry leaders, high-impact networking opportunities, and a resource guide to help you thrive through change. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration so others can take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

By registering and attending execWE, you grant permission for the use of your likeness through video, photograph or any other likeness that Great Lakes WBC and it’s sponsors may use in publications, news releases, online, and in other communications. Thank you!

Keynote Presentations

Klassi Duncan | V.P., Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Urban League of Louisiana Chair, Association for Women’s Business Centers

Navigating the Evolving Landscape for Women-Owned Businesses Amid Policy Shifts
Delve into the shifting policies impacting women-owned businesses with Klassi Duncan. She will provide insights into the latest trends, legal updates, and strategies for success in a rapidly changing business environment. Attendees will walk away equipped with the knowledge to navigate policy shifts, seize new opportunities, and advocate for their businesses with confidence.

About Klassi Duncan
Klassi R. Duncan is the Vice President of the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Urban League of Louisiana, where she leads programs supporting women and minority entrepreneurs across the state. She oversees a range of services, including business education, counseling, and access to resources, and has played a pivotal role in launching successful initiatives like Scale Up! Louisiana and the PepsiCo Black Restaurant Accelerator Program. Klassi has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Marsha Bailey Leadership Award and recognition from Biz New Orleans Magazine as one of the city’s most influential leaders. With a background in supplier diversity and business support, she has a proven track record of fostering economic development and advocating for small businesses. Klassi is a frequent national and international speaker, sharing insights on entrepreneurship and business growth.

Christina Hale | CEO, Hale Strategy

Advocacy Session: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Policy and Community Engagement
Presented by Christina Hale, CEO of Hale Strategy, this keynote will focus on the power of advocacy in advancing women entrepreneurs. Christina will explore the vital role that policy and community engagement play in creating a more equitable business environment. Attendees will learn actionable strategies to influence policy changes, build strong community networks, and advocate for the growth and success of women-owned businesses. This session will empower entrepreneurs to take charge of their future by leveraging advocacy for lasting impact.

About Christina Hale
Christina Hale is a Cuban-American leader known for her tireless service to others and her commitment to creating positive change. A former elected member of the Indiana General Assembly, Christina has been recognized for her bipartisan approach and effectiveness in advocating for her community. As the first Latina to run for statewide office in Indiana and the first Latina nominee for U.S. Congress in the state, she has made history in her political career. Christina is also a sought-after public speaker, philanthropist, and the author of Why Not You? A Leadership Guide for the Changemakers of Tomorrow. In 2021, she was appointed by President to lead communications for two federal agencies and oversee the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Women’s Business Ownership. She now serves as the CEO of Hale Strategy.