GET READY TO TAKE FLIGHT!

Mark your calendar for May 15, 2025, and join us at Seminole State College Sanford Campus for an unforgettable day of inspiration, empowerment, and transformation at Central Florida’s premier women’s business conference.

• Be Inspired: Experience the excitement as dynamic women entrepreneurs take the stage in the PropelHER Pitch Competition, showcasing bold ideas and vying for incredible prizes.

• Be Motivated: Gain powerful insights and inspiration from our keynote speaker—a true trailblazer with a story that will energize your entrepreneurial spirit.

• Be Educated: Participate in engaging sessions packed with actionable strategies on leadership, business growth, and overcoming the unique challenges faced by women business owners.

This isn’t just another conference—it’s your opportunity to step out of the grind of working “in” your business and embrace a fresh mindset to start working “on” your business. Get ready to learn, connect, and leave with the tools you need to take your business to the next level.

Let’s Take Flight—Together!

The PropelHER Pitch Competition, a signature annual event hosted by NAWBO Orlando, offers an incredible platform for women business owners to showcase their ventures or innovative business concepts. Participants compete for up to $3,000 in cash prizes, along with invaluable services such as legal advice, marketing strategies, HR and administrative support, PR exposure, and more—all designed to propel their businesses to new heights. This dynamic competition invites Florida women entrepreneurs from all industries to step into the spotlight and see if they have what it takes to deliver a winning pitch!

Participants will compete in three categories: Established: in business a minimum of two years with revenue between $100,000 and $500,000; Emerging: Business or business concept must include a product or service that has the ability to scale and grow with the market potential identified; and new this year NextGen (ages 16-25): This category recognizes high school students, college students, and recent graduates with bold ideas and ventures that demonstrate potential for growth and impact. 

MAY 15, 2025

SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE - SANFORD CAMPUS

100 Weldon Blvd, Sanford, Florida 32773, room C-108

Conference agenda

9:30am
Doors Open

10:00AM
Program Begins
Emcee: Sheryl Mays - Rise and Shine Consulting and Coaching

Session 1: Beyond Burnout

Dr. Brooke Stuart - Let Go & Grow® and Co-Founder of Lead Lab

Beyond Burnout: How To Reset Your System, Manage Stress and Find Balance in and out the Workplace: Is it possible that burnout could be working for rather than against us? In this talk, we will dive into exactly how to reset the system, manage stress, work through burnout and find the kind balance that can last us a lifetime. By equipping ourselves with an empowering perspective and practical steps, we can begin to move beyond burnout and live an energized life based on expansion and growth.

NextGEN Pitches

Session 2: ELEVATE-HER: Women’s Business Advocacy Panel

Panelists:
FL Rep. Dr. Anna Eskamani
Ed Ramos - U.S. Small Business Administration
Debbie Deland - President of the FL National Organization for Women (NOW) and Greater Orlando NOW

Moderator TBA

As the business landscape shifts amid increasing pushback on DEI initiatives, it’s more important than ever for women entrepreneurs to stay informed, strategic, and united. ELEVATE-HER brings together advocacy leaders and policy experts to discuss how women-owned businesses can protect their progress, amplify their voices, and influence change in an evolving political climate. Learn how to navigate legislative challenges, advocate for inclusive business practices, and ensure that equity remains a core part of your company’s values and vision. This timely conversation will empower you to lead with purpose and resilience—no matter what policies come your way.

Emerging Business Pitches

LUNCH

Keynote - The Bridge to Success: Mastering Mindset, Confidence, and Visibility

Simona Lazinsk - Mrs. Florida International and author of The Bridge Method

Success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about strategy, visibility, and the courage to step into your power. Simona Lazinsk’s journey from a young immigrant girl who faced unimaginable loss to becoming a thriving entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker is proof that resilience and strategy pave the way to success. In this powerful talk, she shares The Bridge Method—a proven framework to elevate your confidence, amplify your brand, and unlock new opportunities. Whether you’re looking to grow your business, publish your story, or make a lasting impact, this session will inspire you to take bold action and bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be!

SESSION 3: How to Compete and Survive: Advice from business EXPERTS PANEL

Panelists:
Jo Newell - Drop the Mic Coaching and Monday Strategies
Dr. Marcelline Girlie - Vivid Minds Mental Care
Arielle Morten - Growth Strategist For Women Entrepreneurs

Moderated by Sheryl Mays - Rise and Shine Consulting and Coaching

In today’s unpredictable business landscape, women entrepreneurs are facing unique challenges—from navigating slower seasons to balancing family and work, all while trying to grow and lead. This powerful panel brings together seasoned business experts who will share real-world strategies for thriving in chaos, staying resilient during downturns, and finding harmony in the juggle of entrepreneurship. Gain actionable advice, fresh perspectives, and inspiration to help you not just survive—but soar.

Established Business Pitches

SESSION 4: The Time is Now…Breaking Barriers: Insights and Action Steps to Propel Women Leaders Forward

Lindse Murphy - Executive Director of The Women’s Edge, Florida

Join Lindse Murphy, Executive Director of The Women’s Edge, Florida, as she unveils key findings from the Women’s Edge 2025 Florida Women's Leadership Impact Study. This thought-provoking session will dive into the latest research from this annual longitudal study on how organizations are advancing women in leadership, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges. Lindse will also share practical tips from The Women’s Edge's exclusive roadmap, designed to empower organizations and individuals to champion women as leaders in their communities and businesses. Leave this session inspired to make a difference and equipped with insights to drive change within your own spheres of influence.

Previous Winners Update

Winners Announced

4:00PM
Conference Wrap Up

PRICING:

Tickets to the Take Flight Business Conference include full access to all keynote and breakout sessions, the exciting live PropelHER Pitch Competition, networking opportunities with fellow women entrepreneurs, and a delicious catered lunch. Enjoy a full day of inspiration, education, and empowerment designed to help you grow personally and professionally—all in one unforgettable experience!

NAWBO Orlando Members - $125 | Non-Members $150

Tables of 8 - $800

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

LEAR JET SPONSOR

FLIGHT MASTER SPONSORS

BECOME A 2025 EVENT SPONSOR

For sponsor partners, the PropelHER event offers a great opportunity to get your business in front of local women business owners. If you are interested in sponsorship packages, email us at Programs@nawboorlando.org or check out our sponsorship packages by clicking the image below.