We started the female founders community for International Women's Day in 2020, to bring together entrepreneurial women in Chicago for a roundtable discussion about equality, collaboration and identity. We aim to strengthen our community by welcoming more female founders into the network for a series of panels and workshops to inspire the female founders of the future.
Sheila PatelSheila is the founder of the Life Bags Company, kicking off our workshop series with a session focused on social impact and collaborations.
Maria GuassoMaria is the founder of Plant Stand Collective in Chicago, collaborating with us for the Giving Goddess Shop!
Christina RodriguezFlorida Brewery Running Series organizes 5k-ish, fun-run courses that all start and end at local breweries.
Audrey OlenickAudrey is the founder of your new favorite jewelry store in Chicago, Iris Trends, where you can find unique pieces curated from around the world.
Sararose KrengerSararose is a Chicago-based designer, known for her fashion and lifestyle publication and Stix and Roses, a vegan and sustainable fashion line. She welcomes a community of creatives with a shared love for purpose driven beauty, food, and style.
Natasha Pearl HansenNatasha is a comedian, actress and producer joining a conversation on women in the entertainment industry. She recently hosted a comedy show fundraiser with Boss Comedy to support our Covid-19 aid projects in India.
Diandra LammensDiandra is a Chicago based entrepreneur and e-commerce expert. She founded Matty and Lou, an online boutique featuring comfy, trendy clothing.
Vania TafurVania is a textile expert, instructor, and award winning fashion designer based in Peru. She is also the design coordinator and head of production for Reuben Oliver, a limited edition knitwear brand.
Kimberly Pace ArquillaKimberly founded Work+Shop after a successful career at PriceWaterhouse Cooper by pooling her resources, connections and business acumen to create a safe space where other women can evolve into their next phase of life and work.
Patti MorrowPatti is a health and wellness advisor with certifications in health and life coaching, nutrition, yoga and sports massage. She serves as a mentor and motivator to connect your mind, body, and spirit.
Sarah JacksonSarah founded Seven Summits Pictures and Management, a talent management company in Los Angeles, where she launched the careers of many successful actors. She will be leading a discussion with women in the entertainment industry.
Mel McSherryAs an entrepreneur since 2010, Mel has launched two successful businesses, tripled her annual income, and become an Amazon Best Selling author, all while raising an eight year old son. She has worked with thousands of people, slashing their stress by showing them how to prioritize their time, their profit avenues and themselves correctly so they can create the business, money and life they want, in the time that they have!
Previous Workshops
June 24: Collaborations with Sheila Patel
June 29: 10 Social Media Secrets ALL Business Owners Should Know with Sharon Brand
July 8: The Future of Fashion and Sustainability
July 15: Women in Entertainment with Sarah Jackson
July 22: Female Founders of the Future