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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Grissom encouraged attendees to network and connect with vendors throughout the event.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Lopez said she likes to remind aspiring entrepreneurs that getting involved and asking questions can take them far.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Giselle Sanchez, who is also with the chamber and owns a financial consulting business, remembers the challenges she faced as a young entrepreneur.<\/p>\n
“You get to learn and observe what other women are doing that you may benefit from in your own business,” Sanchez said.<\/p>\n
She said the conference inspires her and reminds her to keep raising the bar.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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