FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — About 150 people gathered at Pardini’s in Fresno on Thursday morning for the annual Latina Women’s Conference, an event focused on empowering women through entrepreneurship, networking and shared experiences.
The Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted this year’s conference, “Unstoppable Mujeres: Rooted in Purpose.” Two keynote speakers traveled from out of town to share their stories of resilience and purpose.
“Our keynote speaker is Carla Sandoval. She came from LA and is a big entrepreneur herself and coaches women in Spanish and English,” said Patty Grissom, vice president of the Central California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Grissom encouraged attendees to network and connect with vendors throughout the event.
“We even have students from Fresno State and the conservation core, and I encourage them to go to all of the vendor booths,” Grissom said.
At least 10 booths were busy making sales and networking during the conference. Among the business owners participating was Valerie Lopez, who started selling candles amid the pandemic.
Lopez said she likes to remind aspiring entrepreneurs that getting involved and asking questions can take them far.
“And I told her, that is where you start. She is a student, and I was a Fresno State student. It’s people like us who show them how to talk to people,” Lopez said.
Giselle Sanchez, who is also with the chamber and owns a financial consulting business, remembers the challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur.
“You get to learn and observe what other women are doing that you may benefit from in your own business,” Sanchez said.
She said the conference inspires her and reminds her to keep raising the bar.
“I see people who are at the top, and I am like, ‘Wow, I want to be there, and I want to get there. How did you do it and how can I do it with my business, to get there,'” Sanchez said.
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