Portland was ranked second in the Top Ten Metro Areas for Women-Owned Firms in terms of growth in numbers and economic clout, according to a report published by American Express OPEN. It goes on to say that nationally, the number of women-owned firms has increased by 59% since 1997. Firms owned by women of color, comprising just 17% of women-owned firms 16 years ago, now account for one in three women owned firms in the U.S.
Women have caught the entrepreneurial bug – more and more they are stepping into leadership roles in business and community. To support this bourgeoning movement, conferences, service business, coaches and workshops designed to nurture female business leaders are growing in numbers, too.
Women in the Pacific Northwest can find just such a resource in The Oregon Women’s Conference, scheduled for July 14 and 15 at the Hilton Portland and & Executive Tower in downtown Portland. The theme of this year’s event is “Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things.”
This year’s conference focuses on the five universal elements of a balanced life: Career, Social, Financial, Physical and Community. Top national and local experts, influencers and visionaries will deliver insightful and thought-provoking messages. Attendees will leave the conference feeling refreshed, refueled and inspired – knowing that “Ordinary Women Can Do Extraordinary Things!”
“Our number one objective is to offer individualized resources that will enable women to make a significant difference and change in their personal and professional lives.” commented Keri Murphy, Oregon Women’s Conference CEO.
The conference brings together a star-studded roster of respected and influential speakers, the likes of which Portland hasn’t seen in one place before.
This year’s Keynote Speakers include:
• Lisa Nichols: Transformational Expert and CEO of Motivating the Masses, one of the top training and development companies in the world. Best known for her featured teacher role in the self-development movie and phenomenon, “The Secret,” Ms. Nichols is a best-selling author of 6 books and one of the most sought-after transformational speakers whose global platform has reached and served millions.
• Endiya Kinney-Sterns: Vice President of Programming and Development for the Oprah Winfrey Network. Kinney-Sterns oversees day-to-day development of original programming for the network and was recently named one of the Top Female Executives in Hollywood by Essence Magazine.
• Michelle Patterson: CEO of Women Network and Executive Producer of the California Women’s Conference. Ms. Patterson is driven by the belief that everyone has something significant to contribute and when people together and support one another – “We are Truly Better Together.” As President of the Global Women Foundation, a 501(c) (3) public charity, she is deeply dedicated to the organization’s mission to provide support, leadership and advocacy for women’s initiatives around the globe.
• April Beyer: Noted Dating and Relationship Expert and Television Personality. As a trusted relationship coach, April created Smart Sexy Soulful Dating™, a ground breaking three-step program that teaches women how to date, relate, flirt and communicate in an authentic and feminine way.
And, that’s just the start of it!
Click on this link to read more about the event speakers: http://oregonwomensconference.com/speakers/
Tickets for the Oregon Women’s Conference are on sale online at the event website: http://oregonwomensconference.com/
The Oregon Women’s Conference is produced by Keri Murphy, TV Host and CEO of Inspired Living. Murphy is a sought-after entrepreneur mentor, on-camera and life transformation expert and speaks around the globe empowering her audiences to Dream it. Live it. BE it! Keri currently lives in West Linn, Oregon and is a native Oregonian.
Keri knows what it’s like to have a big dream! As a little girl she had the “entertainment” bug and vision of being on big stages. That passion lead her to work as an on-camera talent for the past 20 years. She has worked on major networks such as E!, The Golf Channel, MTV, and TV Guide just to name a few.
A born entrepreneur, Keri has started 3 businesses over the last 15 years. In 2008 she was forced to close a business she loved and was faced with starting completely over in her 30’s. After signing with an A-list agency in LA and spending 2 years as an on-camera host, she found her higher calling…inspiring people to create a business using their gifts while making a difference in the world. As the CEO and founder of Inspired Living, Keri uses her on-camera talent and entrepreneur savvy to help others create a life and business they love.