Women Empowerment Summit and Expo - a 2-Day Experience

NAWBO Richmond Women’s Business Summit

October October 2-3, 2025 | The Workshop by T&D

Empowering Women Business Owners | Building Community | Advancing Leadership

Schedule of Events:

Day 1: October 2, 4- 7 p.m.

During the first part of the two-day experience, spend the afternoon and evening with fellow business leaders while you network with intention. Explore a variety of local women-owned businesses while you enjoy cocktails from Sip & Sage—included with your ticket! Bounce to sounds from Intellectual Rebel!

NOW is the time to sign up to be a vendor for Day 1 Thursday Expo! Share more about your business and sell products. Opportunities range from $80-$130. Please follow up with info@nawborichmond.org for more information.

You can purchase a ticket to Day 1 only or purchase a ticket for BOTH DAYS and access this event.

Day 2: October 3, 8:30 - 5:30 p.m.

We kick off the morning with coffee and breakfast to fuel you up for an incredible day of speakers and workshops from powerful female entrepreneurs from around the region. Stay tuned for a full lineup of speakers

Lunch will be provided along with bottomless coffee, seltzers, snacks, and of course wine and mocktails as the day wraps up.

Purchase a ticket for both days to access Day 2 events. Member and non member rates available.

Become a Sponsor:

Connect with 100 women entrepreneurs, corporate partners, community leaders, elected officials. This is an ideal opportunity to foster lasting connections with Richmond’s women business leaders and entrepreneurs who are on the rise and ready to take action. Showcase your brand and commitment to advancing women in business as you grow your own brand. Support the growth of the NAWBO community in the Richmond region so that we can better support. Gain email, social media, website, and in-person recognition. Opportunities range from $500 to $5,000.

Please follow up with info@nawborichmond.org for more information.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, October 2 – Women Empowerment Expo (4–7 p.m.)
An evening kick-off with a lively vendor fair spotlighting local women-owned businesses, cocktails, and live music from Intellectual Rebel.

Friday, October 3 – Women Empowerment Summit (8:15 a.m.–6:30 p.m.)
A full day of networking, learning, and inspiration:

• 8:15 a.m. Coffee & Connect with VP of Membership Emma Neuhaus (breakfast included)
• 10:00 a.m. Welcome remarks by NAWBO Richmond leadership
• 10:15 a.m. Keynote: Ashley Jablow, “A Love Letter to Risk Taking”
• 10:45 a.m. Fireside Chat: Charis Jones (Sassy Jones Boutique), moderated by Jacqui Depas Schlosser
• 11:30 a.m. Panel: “The Spark of Security: Turning Risk into Reward” with Katie Santoro as moderator
• 12:30 p.m. Lunch & Conversations featuring Lulabelles
• 1:15 p.m. Session: “Sparking Your Communication” with Michelle Mercurio
• 1:45 p.m. Breakout sessions led by Katie Taylor (Donatello Coaching)
• 3:15 p.m. Break
• 3:30 p.m. Session: “Sparking the Referral Engine” with Racheal Cook (CEO Collective)
• 4:15 p.m. Panel: “Sustaining the Spark: Wisdom from Women Who’ve Built to Last” moderated by Tamisha Williams