Welcome to Built to Last, a high-impact Women’s Conference created for women who are serious about building profitable, resilient, and legacy-driven businesses. Whether you are an established leader or in the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey, this experience is designed to equip you with strategic insight, powerful connections, and practical tools you can implement immediately to elevate your business and your leadership.
Growth Looks Good On You!
This isn't just another event—it’s a movement aimed at helping women thrive in every aspect of their business and lives!
Conference Agenda
9:30 AM – Doors Open
Registration and Networking. Arrive early, get settled, and step into a room filled with purpose-driven leaders and founders. This is your time to connect intentionally, exchange insights, and begin building relationships before the program begins.
10:00 AM - Welcome & Opening Remarks
We will begin the day with energy and intention as the impactful Quinn Conyers serves as our host. From setting the tone in the opening moments to keeping the momentum strong throughout the day.
10:15 AM - Keynote: Go Forth and Be GreatÂ
Includes live Q&A.
10:35 AM - The Power of Presence, Health & Strategic Stillness in LeadershipÂ
This conversation will explore how sustainable success requires more than ambition; it demands intentional rest, physical well-being, and disciplined leadership presence.
11:00 AM - Special Presentation
Join us as we pause to celebrate one of our valued members on the exciting milestone of their ribbon cutting. This special presentation honors their growth, resilience, and commitment to building within our community.
11:05 AM - The Capital of Business is Investment
This conversation brings together investors and banking leaders to break down how funding decisions are really made and what business owners need to demonstrate to secure capital.
11:35 AM - Brunch, Networking & Raffles
Attendees enjoy brunch while engaging in intentional networking, sponsor activations, and community connection, followed by raffle giveaways and prize announcements.
1:05 PM - Breakout Sessions
Beyond the Grant: Board Leadership & Sustainable Funding Strategies
Winning a grant is just the first step. What you do after the funding arrives determines whether your nonprofit grows or stalls.
SWaM Certification Overview
SWaM certification & state-level opportunities provides an overview of how small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses can access contracting opportunities with state agencies and public institutions.
2:00 PM - Leveraging AI & Staying Competitive as a Business Owner
This conversation explores how entrepreneurs can leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and increase profitability.
2:45 PM - From Policy to Profit: How Business Owners Can Leverage Government Relationships
This conversation explores how entrepreneurs can leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and increase profitability.
3:00 PM - Closing Remarks
This conversation explores how entrepreneurs can leverage artificial intelligence to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and increase profitability.
Quinn Conyers
Event Emcee & High Energy Host
Ernisha M. Hall, MSW, MBA
President - Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce
Amara L Graham
 Embody Grace, Empower You
Mayor Samuel Parham
City of Petersburg
Rita Ricks
Spiritual Transformation Expert
Rashard Todd
Vice President - Business Community Manager City National Bank
Dr. Vanessa Gattis
President - Prince William County Community Foundation
Abbeygale Anderson
Founding Partner - Cross Impact Capital
Shanel Evans
Founder - Socially Savvy
Dr. Kimberly Young
Associate Provost for Career and Workforce - University of Mary WashingtonÂ
Joel Griffin
Founder and President - Riphean Group
Dr. Brian Strife
Richmond Vascular Center
Tamara W. Dias, EdD
Shawn Gregoire
Founder - Capstone Tech
Rodney Williams
Vice President - M&T Bank Business Banking Relationship Manager
Kecia S. Evans
Stafford County Board of Supervisor
Christi Venable
Founder & CEO - Smile Therapy Services
Monica Dickenson
 Owner & Certified Trichologist - Hair Saviours Hair Restoration & Wellness Center
What You’ll Walk Away With:
This conference is designed for women who are ready to move from insight to action. Each session is grounded in real-world application, ensuring you leave with strategies you can implement immediately whether you lead a business, nonprofit, or community organization.
Leadership & Governance
Strengthen your ability to lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Learn how to build resilient teams, guide boards and stakeholders, and make strategic decisions that support long-term success across both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
Financial Strategy, Sustainability & Capital Access
Gain practical insight into managing, growing, and protecting financial resources. Explore strategies related to investments, access to capital, funding readiness, and financial decision-making that support profitability, fundability, and long-term organizational stability.
Community, Collaboration & Resilience
Learn how to cultivate meaningful relationships, build collaborative partnerships, and strengthen the mindset required to navigate growth, change, and uncertainty. This session area focuses on resilience, shared learning, and collective impact helping you lead with intention while avoiding burnout.
Impact-Driven Networking & Shared Success
Discover how to leverage your network to expand your reach, participate in collaborative projects, and create opportunities that benefit both your organization and the broader community. Together, we thrive by learning from one another and building ecosystems that last.
Networking & Connection
Surround yourself with ambitious, purpose-driven women who understand the realities of leadership. Through curated networking experiences, you’ll build authentic connections with entrepreneurs, executives, and nonprofit leaders who share your commitment to growth, sustainability, and impact.
This is more than a conference—it’s an entry point into a supportive community designed to help you lead boldly, build strategically, and sustain what matters most long after the event concludes.
Become a Sponsor for the Women's Conference
Join us in empowering women in business! Sponsoring the Women's Conference aligns your brand with a mission-driven event while offering unparalleled exposure. Connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and like-minded businesses. Your support will make a meaningful impact, fostering growth, diversity, and success.
Partner with us today and champion the future of women in business!
Dominion Energy
PWCCF
Vascular
VABCC Foundation
Penzance
DHC
Face Artistry
Gattis Consulting