October 21-22, 2021
WOMEN IN BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Attendees Will Gain...

Powerful new perspectives to stay resilient and relevant in today’s changing times

Opportunities to gain knowledge on how to start, improve, or expand your business

Ways to highlight the value that women bring to the workplace, government, and culture

Methods to enhance professional and personal growth

2021 WIB Conference

The Women In Business Conference is one of the most dynamic, engaging, and exciting events in the central Louisiana Region. The conference marks our 9th year, bringing together regional executives and young professionals who will convene for a day of celebration, encouragement, and critical thinking with influential speakers and leaders. The 9th Annual Women In Business Conference is presented by RoyOMartin. The 2021 program will focus on revitalization, reinvention, and resilience.

The 2021 Women In Business Conference Presenters:

Dr. Kim Hunter Reed

Stephanie Finley

Christy Pennison

Dr. Randall Dupont

Evelyn Jones

Dr. Mary Beth Palmer

Dr. Heather Spillers Poole

Sandra McQuain

Julie Stokes

“I think the truth of the matter is, people who end up as ‘first’ don’t actually set out to be first.They set out to do something they love and it just so happens that they are the first to do it.”

– Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It's also a very clear path to happiness.

– Sheryl Sandberg

“Some people think that you have to be the loudest voice in the room to make a difference. That is just not true. Often, the best thing we can do is turn down the volume. When the sound is quieter, you can actually hear what someone else is saying. And that can make a world of difference.”

– Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley

“If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.”

– Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher

2021 Conference Agenda

Thursday, October 21, 2021 - 5:00–7:00 PM

Opening Reception at the CLECO Advanced Manufacturing Training Center at CLTCC

Friday, October 22, 2021, 8:00 AM-3:45 PM

The Community Center at England Airpark

TIME	DESCRIPTION
8:00 AM	Doors Open, Continental Breakfast
8:15 AM	Welcome Deborah Randolph, IOM, Chamber President & Mayor Jeff Hall, City of Alexandria
8:30 AM	RoyOMartin Presenting Sponsor - Scott Poole, President and COO, RoyOMartin
8:40 AM	Introduction of Opening Presenter and Panelists
8:45-9:15 AM	“Breaking Barriers” Stephanie Finley, Louisiana Attorney and Keynote Speaker
9:15-9:45 AM	“Breaking Barriers” Panel Discussion Stephanie Finley joined by: Sen. Heather Cloud, Louisiana State Senator - District 28 Trish Leleux, Broker and CEO of The Trish Leleux Group Normanique Preston, Chief Human Resources & Diversity Officer at CLECO
9:43 AM	Alexandria Emergency Hospital, Erin Roes, Chief Nursing Officer
9:45 AM	Break
10:00-10:35 AM	The Three R’s and the LSUA College of Business Dr. Randall Dupont, Dean of the LSUA College of Business, Launchpad, Cenla Economic Dashboard Evelyn Jones, LSBDC Business Consultant-LSUA, Small Business Development Center
10:38 AM	Rapides Regional Video
10:40 AM	What’s Your Story? Jannease Seastrunk, M.S., Senior Vice President, Red River Bank
10:45 AM	Break
11:00-11:40 AM	Overcoming Gender Bias with Leadership Dr. Heather Poole, Executive Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Student Services and Foundation Relations at Central Louisiana Technical Community College
11:40 AM	Donna McMickens, Louisiana Eye and Laser
11:40 AM	What’s Your Story? Kristen Lemoine, Aspen Bleu
12:00 PM	Lunch Served
12:25 PM	Crystal Mitchell, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital
12:30 PM	"Women Empowered: Together WE will lead Louisiana to Prosperity" Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Commissioner of Higher Education, Board of Regents, State of Louisiana
1:00 PM	Civility: Does it Matter? Julie Stokes, Executive Director, Ellevate Louisiana
1:45 PM	Penny Wagoner, Suddenlink/Altice Regional Sales Manager for Louisiana, Mississippi, & portion of Arkansas
1:45 PM	Break
2:03 PM	Leigh Ann Purvis, Director of Marketing, Red River Bank
2:05-2:35 PM	How to Overcome the Overwhelm and Get Your Life Back Christy Pennison, LPC-S, Founder of Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting
2:35-2:50 PM	Playing To Win Dr Mary Beth Palmer, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Louisiana College
2:50-2:52	Crest Industries Video
2:53-3:35 PM	Walking on Sunshine or Broken Glass Sandra McQuain, Executive Director, England Economic & Industrial Development District
3:35-3:45 PM	Wrap Up, Door Prizes

Conference Locations

Thursday, 5:00-7:00 pm Opening Reception at the CLECO Advanced Manufacturing Training Center at CLTCC

Friday, 8:00 am- 3:30 pm Conference at the Community Center at England Airpark

WIB Sponsorship Levels

Platinum Sponsor / $2500

Seat at the lunch head table
Opportunity to address the audience during the conference (5 minutes)
Admission for 8 participants in all conference activities and reserved table for 8
Prominent placement on all promotional materials
Mention in the social media campaign
Includes conference attendee contact list
Single space exhibitor booth (one 8’ table) for the duration of the conference

Gold Sponsor / $1500

Opportunity to address the audience before the sponsored event (2 minutes)
Signage at the sponsored event
Recognition on promotional materials
Mentioned in the social media campaign
Includes conference attendee contact list
Admission for 8 participants in all conference activities and a reserved table of 8
Single space exhibitor booth (one 8’ table) for the duration of the conference