NEWBURYPORT — Raising money for two prominent nonprofits along with raising awareness regarding the important roles of women entrepreneurs will be accomplished at the same time during the EmpowerHER Summit taking place Thursday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts.
The summit – bringing together 15 women from the Institution for Savings, Interlocks MedSpa and other businesses – features panel discussions, Q&A sessions, workshops and keynote speeches.
Proceeds from the summit, which takes place during International Women’s Month, will benefit the Firehouse and YWCA Greater Newburyport, according to co-organizers Nancy Caswell and Maryjo Anderson.
“It feels more necessary than ever,” Anderson said, referring to the need to empower women.
Tickets are $100 each. The price includes breakfast, lunch and swag, according to organizers.
Institution for Savings Senior Vice President Mary Anne Clancy said considering more than half of IFS employees are women, it made perfect sense to get involved. The event, she said, would allow women to come together in a way they typically couldn’t.
“It’s just a great opportunity to do that,” Clancy said.
Morning sessions will focus on the importance of legacy and the establishment of enduring businesses within the community, as well as the subsequent growth of those enterprises. Afternoon sessions include a few minutes hearing from a life coach and will emphasize the significance of both personal and professional relationships, as well as the self development that arises from them, according to organizers.
Anderson went on to call the summit a chance to participate in authentic, raw conversations that will allow attendees to share their hardships with others in similar situations.
“It’s going to be a lot of everything,” Anderson said.
While the event is geared towards women, men are welcome. A similar event in February 2020, across the river in Amesbury, attracted roughly 300 women and “10 good men,” Anderson said.
Caswell said the summit will shed light on women who are invested in their local communities but may be flying under the radar in terms of their impact.
“The sky’s the limit,” Caswell said, regarding the summit’s impact.
Being a female business owner presents unique challenges, Caswell added, saying women are sometimes thought of as “hobbyists” who are underappreciated and undercapitalized as compared to male business owners.
Keynote speaker Carolyn Sharp, a relationship expert and author from West Newbury, scoffed at the notion that women can run a business as a hobby considering how much intellect, effort and skill it takes.
“You just can’t do it for funzies,” Sharp said.
Sharp went on to express how excited she was to be playing a large part in the summit calling it something the community needs.
“Inspiring women is important,” Sharp said.
Sharp said her 20- to 30-minute speech will delve into the power of relationships – whether romantic or not – and how folks can improvement them by following basic guidelines.
“It’s all about communication,” Sharp said.
Those unable to attend the event in person can do so via livestream. The event is being co-sponsored by the Institution for Savings and Cross Insurance.