Women As Change Makers Summit

What began three years ago as a non-traditional fundraiser has evolved into an annual summit designed to inspire and empower Reno-Tahoe women as well as support the well being of women living in poverty in Kenya. The Women As Change Makers Summit: Brilliant Women & Bold Ideas (WACM) is a local event with global reach. It is an opportunity for women to come together, learn new skills, be inspired and feel supported.

WACM is scheduled to take place Friday, Oct. 21, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Third Floor at Whitney Peak Hotel in downtown Reno. The summit is a one-day event designed to provide Reno-Tahoe women with the tools, knowledge and network to take their business or career to the next level. It includes inspirational speakers, engaging workshops, a female founder business pitch competition and a social good marketplace.

“WACM offers women a vehicle to thrive,” Lake Tahoe, California-based Social Entrepreneur, Zawadisha Founder and WACM Organizer and Master of Ceremonies Jen Gurecki said. “As we evolve as a society we have to realize women are fifty percent of the population, a population worth investing in.”

All women living in or near Reno-Tahoe are invited and encouraged to purchase tickets to the summit. Space is limited. The event has sold out two years in a row.

“I created this event because I want women to be their best – fully skilled and confident,” Gurecki said. “This summit is about allowing local women to learn and grow both personally and professionally in a supportive and safe environment while also helping raise funds for women working toward a better life of their own in Kenya. WACM is a bridge that connects the two communities I call home.”

Summit attendees will receive expert advice and tips from local and regional thought leaders and industry experts, lunch, coffee and tea, and exposure and inspiration for business ventures and personal passions.

The summit will offer attendees the opportunity to learn from an impressive list of Speakers. WACM Sessions include: Marilyn King, Olympian Thinking; Nikki Warren, Growing Your Willpower Muscle; Bret Simmons, Present With Power; Brianna Bullentini, Brand With Boldness; Estella Hunt, Mentoring That Matters; Gino Borges, Invest For Impact; Kim Wyatt, Create Compelling Stories; Jamie Orr, Entrepreneurial Ecosystems; Ed Gurowitz, Men As Allies; and Alice Heiman, Succeed In Sales.

“The summit’s diverse range of speakers and topics allow attendees to learn specialized, practical skills they can apply in their personal and professional lives helping them feel more alive, engaged and inspired,” Gurecki said.

All funds raised through WACM summit ticket sales will go toward improving the lives of women living in poverty in Kenya through the non-profit organization Zawadisha.

Zawadisha removes barriers for rural women to access clean energy and water products by eliminating the up-front costs through an in-house microlending and distribution program.

For more information on WACM please contact Jen Gurecki at jen@zawadisha.org or 530-416-5682.