The Women’s Business Council – Southwest (WBCS) introduced its inaugural event, Ladies Who Launch, at the historic Degolyer House this past Thursday. The Degolyer House is located at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Dallas, Texas and includes a restaurant, tea room, patio area and a magnificent array of exotic and gorgeous plant life.
The President of WBCS, Ms. Debbie Hurst, gave an introduction which included a brief yet zealous reminder of the upcoming WBENC National Conference and Business Fair. This month proves to be a very exciting time for the Council as there are many events approaching but the National Conference permits a bit more enthusiasm. From June 23rd to the 25th, WBEs and Sustaining (Corporate) Members will be connecting and networking in Austin, Texas at the various events planned for the three-day gathering. Many of the women are planning to go, even if just for one day.
Ms. Hurst went on to acknowledge the sponsors and hosts who helped consummate the evening. Real Time Resolutions served as Title Sponsor as well as Table Host, while Business Interiors, Harris Packaging, Pinnacle Technical Resources, Point 2 Point Global Security, Software Professionals, Inc., and VAN Oriental Foods also served as Table Hosts. Mark Hutto of Real Time gave a brief success story, stating that the rise of the company did not happen overnight. He went on to explain that through the course of years the business grew and with the constant benefits of the Council, Real Time began to gain steady momentum, and continue to do so as they enter their fourth year of certification.
After the introduction, the women began to chat about their stories of trial-and-error, hardships and lessons learned. There was such a strong sense of sisterhood in the air. You could feel the companionship hovering over the round ivory tables as one of the women stated, “WBCS has taught me camaraderie. If we can lend a hand or make a recommendation we are very apt to do that. We’re more like comrades than competition,” spoken by Ms. Jessica Naravez of Pinnacle Technical Resources. She represents a very strong voice and is a true supporter of the Council and its mission. She spoke with such clarity and enthusiasm that if one were not already intrigued by the notion of united business-women, they would’ve been after Thursday night.
Christie Blazevich of the Kelly Mitchell Group also had nothing but positive things to say about the Council as she affirmed Ms. Naravez’s statement, “There’s a woman piece that you can’t find anywhere else - like sisterhood.” I believe this is the silver-lining of the Council: sisterhood - a united front designed to empower women. These women have learned that the only way to success is to eradicate fear, seize the opportunity and push forward with their passion.
The night concluded as the guests wrapped up their conversations and exchanged business cards. The party wasn’t over for many as they trekked across the garden to hear the #1 tribute band to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band jam out. They were greeted by groovy sounds and comfy red blankets, provided by WBCS. It was a great ending to such a magical and moving evening.
