On a beautiful evening in Sarasota, women from all walks of life gathered at the Resilient Retreat for the Empower Her Women’s Event. Hosted by Lakewood City Lifestyle, this special gathering aimed to create a unique atmosphere of support, inspiration, and empowerment. Nestled off Fruitville Road, the Resilient Retreat, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting trauma survivors and first responders, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening that promised connection and personal growth.
From the moment guests arrived, the “country glam” theme set a charming and welcoming tone. The venue was adorned with rustic elegance, featuring twinkling lights, vintage decor, and an inviting ambiance. The evening began with a warm welcome from the host and publisher of Lakewood City Lifestyle, Jessi Neitzel, and Mandy O’Malley, Resilient Retreat’s director of outreach, who shared her vision of bringing like-minded women together to uplift and inspire each other.
The event featured a series of engaging discussions designed to illuminate paths to success and fulfillment. Guests were treated to panel discussions on “Navigating Business Challenges by Crafting Your Personal Brand,” where attendees gained invaluable insights from accomplished women who shared their journeys and strategies for overcoming obstacles in the business world. Another discussion, “Empower Her: Financial Literacy and Independence,” explored ways women can take control of their finances, invest in themselves, and strive for financial independence.
Notable panelists included Alexis Fraser, who captivated the audience with her story of differentiation and personal branding. Her practical tips and inspiring anecdotes resonated with many women looking to carve out their unique paths in their professional lives. Other panelists brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise, contributing to a rich and diverse dialogue. These included Kristi Finigan, owner of Ryderwild; Ashley Bevington, owner of Balloon Babe; Jess Russo, owner of Your Cabinet Girl; Kyle Schauenberg and Maria Luedeke, co-owners of The Wellness Space; Danyle DiCicco of RBF Capital Management & Retirement; Siri Calamese, producing branch manager at Cardinal Financial; and Kelsea Koenreich, strategic business coach for moms.
“I believe every woman has something valuable to contribute,” said Publisher Jessi Neitzel. “Tonight, we celebrate each other’s voices and create a space where they can be heard and celebrated.”
The Empower Her Women’s Event was more than just a gathering; it was a movement toward community connection and personal empowerment. By bringing together stay-at-home moms, entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, and community-minded individuals, the event fostered an environment of mutual support and inspiration. The connections made and conversations had will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on all who attended.
Guests indulged in delicious hors d’oeuvres from Kolucan, sipped on champagne, wine, and cocktails, and explored the offerings of incredible local vendors. The night ended with everyone kicking up their heels as they danced the night away with a surprise Sarasota cowboy line-dancing finale!
As the evening drew to a close, the sense of camaraderie and empowerment was palpable. The Empower Her Women’s Event successfully created a one-of-a-kind experience that not only highlighted the importance of community and support but also provided practical tools and inspiration for personal and professional growth. Attendees left with new connections, renewed motivation, and a shared sense of purpose. This event set a high bar for future gatherings, promising even more opportunities to empower and inspire women in our community. All proceeds from the event went toward the Resilient Retreat, helping to make a positive impact in our community.
"I believe every woman has something valuable to contribute," said Publisher Jessi Neitzel. "Tonight, we celebrate each other’s voices and create a space where they can be heard and celebrated."