Written by SCC Public Relations intern, Jazzie Blankenship
More than 200 aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders attended "EmpowHer Jackson" - a women’s breakfast hosted on May 13 by Southwestern Community College's Small Business Center on SCC’s Jackson Campus. The free event brought together women from across Jackson County in a welcoming and supportive environment focused on connection, growth and empowerment.
The keynote speaker, Annette Clapsaddle, author of the first novel published by an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, kicked off the breakfast by sharing her inspirational journey to success. The event also featured a panel discussion with three prominent women from the Jackson County community and free professional headshots for all attendees.
"The overwhelming response to EmpowHer Jackson showed just how much this kind of space was needed in our community," said Marne Harris, Small Business Center Director at SCC. "Seeing nearly 200 women come together in such an authentic and supportive environment was truly inspiring. From the powerful stories shared on stage to the meaningful conversations happening throughout the room, the event embodied our themes of Connect, Elevate, and Ignite in every way. The success of this event was made possible through incredible community support, generous sponsors, a dedicated planning committee, and the outstanding SCC teams who helped bring this vision to life. The energy in the room was unforgettable, and it was clear that this was more than an event — it was the beginning of a movement. ”
Collaborating with SCC to make the event a success were Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Town of Sylva, WCU College of Business, Jackson County Economic Development, Mountain West Partnership and State Farm Insurance (Patricia Bryson-Wink). Western Carolina University College of Business was a platinum sponsor; tenBiz, inc. was a gold Sponsor; and silver sponsors included Nantahala Bank, Edward Jones with both Latisha Perkins and Julie Lucas and Stanberry Insurance. In addition, the event was supported by several bronze sponsors.
