Empower Hour

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce hosted the second edition of Empower Hour on Thursday, Nov.6 at Silver Eagle Gallery on Main Street. Led by Executive Director Johanna Fein, the event connected women in business in an empowering setting. 
Formally known as “Women in Business”, Empower Hour was created to provide a support system for female business owners in the Highlands area. Guests enjoyed wine and charcuterie while sharing their experiences with peers. 
“I want new people that may not have a chance to connect in their everyday business dealings to meet each other,” Fein said. “I want them to see if there are partnerships that can be developed.” 
The event hosted around 35 women from various business backgrounds. With ages ranging from their early 20s to their late 60s, Empower Hour allowed different generations to share valuable knowledge with each other.  
Paola Cuevas, who owns her own cleaning business, attended the event to network and seek advice. She believes that having a group to discuss potential roadblocks with is invaluable for local female business owners. 
“Sometimes, you go through obstacles, and you don’t know what you’re doing, but somebody might remember how it went for them,” Cuevas said. “It’s important to have people like that to motivate and guide you.”
For other attendees, Empower Hour offered an opportunity to introduce themselves to the Highlands community. Stacy Carter, the founder of Stage 4 Hope, which is a public charity that supports late-stage cancer patients, recently relocated to Highlands full-time. After joining the Chamber of Commerce, Carter hoped to deepen her relationships with other members at the event. 
Carter noted that having a support system for females in town is “huge”. “Even for folks with cancer, one of the reasons why people survive longer is having a community, particularly women supporting women,” she said. 
Fein reinforced that idea, stating that women supporting women is at the core of women’s empowerment. It’s about building each other up and learning from one another. 
“We want Highlands to be a place where women feel comfortable owning businesses, working at businesses, and knowing that women are here to support what they’re doing,” Fein said. 
As Empower Hour continues to grow, Fein aims to introduce new elements to the event, such as potential guest speakers or educational programs. There are currently four more events scheduled for next year. Information regarding future events can be found by contacting the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.

- By Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com