Courtesy photo.
CAMARILLO — Organizers expect the second annual Women’s Business Conference at CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) to reach capacity just as the first annual conference did last year. Because there is so much interest, anyone wishing to attend this year’s conference on Friday, March 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CSUCI’s Grand Salon is encouraged to register online now.
The first Women’s Business Conference co-hosted by CSUCI and the West Ventura County Business Alliance (WVCBA) in 2024 was so popular, organizers began planning the 2025 conference shortly afterward.
“It was such a success that participants were already asking to do another one before the first one had even concluded,” said Dean of the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics Susan Andrzejewski.
The day is scheduled one day before International Women’s Day and is intended to celebrate and learn more about women in business in the region – especially those in professions traditionally held by men.
“What we want to do is empower women by highlighting those who have gone before them,” said WVCBA President and CEO Andy Conli. “We want to show the challenges they had and how they overcame them in order to pave the way for other women.”
All individuals age 18+ and businesses are invited to attend, exchange ideas, and show their support for women in the business community.
The event’s emcee will be Miss Alynette, radio host of All Things 805 and founder of FemdUStry. The conference will feature female speakers who have excelled in their respective professions including Kristin Decas, CEO and Port Director of the Port of Hueneme; CEO of the County of Ventura Sevet Johnson; and Dr. Liz Diaz-Querol, a Kaiser Permanente physician who overcame language barriers and other obstacles after immigrating to the U.S. from Venezuela in 2007.
Speakers with a campus connection will include CSUCI alumna Dennise Hernandez, who graduated from CSUCI with a master’s degree in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics in 2008 and is now supervisor of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) Forensic Services Bureau. Retired attorney/banker and CSUCI Foundation Board Member Christine Garvey will also speak. Garvey also serves as a director on two public company boards: Montecito Bank & Trust and Toll Bros.
The event’s keynote speaker will be Santa Barbara Symphony CEO Kathryn Martin, who is a Next Chapter Coach, and founder of The Career (Life!) Breakthrough Academy™.
Martin will discuss how she coaches individuals at pivotal crossroad moments, helping them to break out of cycles of frustration and indecision to identify, create and pursue their dreams.
“A time of change, regardless of whether or not you create it, offers an opportunity to define what you really want and work out a plan to pursue it,” Martin said. “Conference attendees – regardless of where they are in their career and regardless of their situation – will be invited to reflect upon what they want their 2025 to be and look at how to actively curate a life of meaning, ease, purpose and financial sustainability – regardless of external factors.”
Andrzejewski launched the conference in partnership with the WVCBA last year because, although women have come a long way, there is still a long way to go, she said. When it comes to construction and technology, for example, women are still underrepresented.
“I saw a need for a conference like this in the county,” she said. “There are so many amazing organizations that support women and women business leaders, but nobody was doing any sort of event or conference around International Women’s Day. I thought this could provide a means for women to get together and share about their personal journeys, as it’s different for every woman.”
For more on the Women’s Business Conference, visit: Women’s Business Conference
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CHANNEL ISLANDS
California State University Channel Islands?(CSUCI) is Ventura County’s only public university and opened in 2002 as the 23rd campus in the?CSU system. CSUCI is located between Camarillo and the Oxnard Plain, midway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
The campus is nestled against the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains and is a 10-minute drive from the Pacific Ocean. With more than 5,100 students, 27,500 alumni, and 1,000 employees, CSUCI is poised to grow in size and distinction, while maintaining one of the most student-focused learning environments in public higher education with more than 90 academic degrees, teaching credentials, certificates, and professional and community programs.
Connect with and learn more by visiting www.csuci.edu or CSUCI’s Social Media.
The University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs, events and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the respective area below as soon as possible, but no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event/activity:
CSUCI Students: accommodations@csuci.edu
CSUCI Employee and members of the public: angela.portillo@csuci.edu