Ronna Poppens to Co-Chair 2024 Women in Business Event
written by: ronna poppens
Photo Credit: @Kelcey Shroder Photography
Hooray! It’s officially Women’s History Month and I have the distinct privilege of serving as Vice Chair for the upcoming 2024 Women in Business Event on March 26th. This year’s theme is Breaking Barriers with Keynote Speaker, Amelia Rose Earhart. I’m thrilled to be a small part of such a huge event that focuses on empowering and celebrating the women in our communities.
What does Women in Business mean to you?
By simple definition, this phrase refers to women who hold positions in the workforce. However, Women in Business means so much more than just women with careers. It’s community, friendships, shared experiences, and helping uplift one another. As a woman in the business community and co-founder of a women-owned business, I’m passionate about the empowerment and growth of women. We’ve overcome so many obstacles, but still have a long way to go. Being part of this event allows me to further propel this mission forward.
What most excites you for this year’s event?
I’m so excited about how we (Event Chair, Nichelle Lund and me) have fully incorporated the Breaking Barriers theme throughout all aspects of the event. Our goal is to represent and welcome all women by focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We’re changing the standard for future events by including a transcription app during the daytime activities, accessibility ramps on the stages, closed captioning and ASL interpreters for the panel and evening program. We want this to be an event for all women of all abilities.
What advice do you have for attendees?
Get ready to experience every emotion! I’ve been part of this event committee since 2021 and even though I’m privy to behind the scenes information, I’m still taken by surprise with how incredibly inspiring the entire day is. From reconnecting with friends and celebrating successes to crying over struggles and spending time reflecting, I love how we come together in support of one another.
What can you tell us about Amelia Rose Earhart?
Amelia Rose Earhart is an incredibly talented and relatable individual. After only a thirty-minute Zoom session, I felt like she was one of my dearest friends. She’s so excited to be part of the Women In Business Event and share her story of overcoming obstacles and turbulence. Seriously, think of the pressure of being named after the original Amelia Mary Earhart. Can you imagine what it would be like to be to circumnavigate the globe under the scrutiny of the public watching your every move?
For additional information and tickets, please follow the link:
https://www.smesiouxfalls.org/sme-women-in-business/
Breaking Barriers
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Doors open at 11:00am
Event 11:30am – 9:00pm
Sioux Falls Convention Center
