SHE Means Business Conference 2023

The Shoals Chamber is thrilled to host its annual Women in Business Spring Fling conference tailored specifically to Women in The Shoals. The theme of the 2023 SHE Means Business Conference is "Beyond the Balancing Act" and will consist of a keynote speaker and several local speakers.

The goal of SHE Conference is to continue the mission of the Women in Business Council, to champion community over competition, and to empower the women in The Shoals to amplify their impact.

2023 SHE Conference is presented by The Southern Gem.

Agenda:
12:00pm: Registration
12:30 – 1:30pm: Lunch & Keynote
1:30 – 2:00pm: Networking Break
2:00-3:15pm: Session #1
3:15-3:30pm: Break
3:30-4:45pm: Session #2
4:45pm: Wrap-Up

Keynote Speaker: Kaitlin Chappell Rogers
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Womanhood: The reemergence of Women in Society & Life
12:30 – 1:30pm

Session #1 Panelists: Dr. Kyrel Buchanan, Dr. LaKeva Harris, Heather Wright, Kim Mauldin
Beyond the Balancing Act
2:00pm – 3:15pm

Session #2 Panelists: Dr. Andrea Hunt, Amberly Smith
Mental & Physical Health in the Workplace / More than a Woman: Intersectionality Within Identity
3:30pm – 4:45pm

Session Information:

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Womanhood: The reemergence of Women in Society & Life

What does R.E.S.P.E.C.T mean to women? Coined by Aretha Franklin, ‘Respect’ suddenly became an anthem of women’s empowerment and the voice of female solidarity. As women reemerge in society and life, it is critical that they take back their independence, fortitude, and strength during adversity and periods of transition. This session will address ways in which a woman can redefine her womanhood and take back her power with grace and assurance.

Beyond the Balancing Act

For decades, society has promoted the concept of work-life balance, but in this post-pandemic world, it is critical that we focus more so on work-life integration. Work-life integration is centered on the belief that there is no distinction between the two and that both must coexist in harmony. Throughout the pandemic, we now see different scenarios between balancing personal and professional lives, and companies are continually creating policy to navigate new expectations from both employers and employees This session will address best practices specific to working women to create environments that allow for a healthy distinction between work and home life. It will also address ideas for how women can continue supporting one another.

More than a Woman: Identity and Mental/Physical Health in the Workplace

Women have a multitude of identities including race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc., that make us unique and allow us to show up and navigate spaces in different ways. This session will address how women can use their unique experiences to create avenues for change. How can women advocate for and protect themselves against bias or unfair treatment? How can they restore and advocate for their mental and physical health in the workplace? As working women, from management to service, it is incumbent on us to understand mental health is supported through more than “self-care,” but what does this look like? This session will also address best practices from employers and employees to support women’s identities and health in the workplace.