Momentum, Ideas, and Inspiration: The Kentucky Women in Business Summit Energizes Entrepreneurs Across the Commonwealth

Earlier this week, the energy inside Lexington’s Lyric Cultural Center was unmistakable.

Entrepreneurs, founders, community leaders, and resource partners from across Kentucky gathered for the Kentucky Women in Business Summit, hosted by the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky (WBC), and the atmosphere was equal parts celebration, connection, and momentum.

From the moment attendees walked through the doors, one thing was clear: these women are determined to grow their businesses, expand their leadership, and support one another along the way.

The Women’s Business Center of Kentucky serves entrepreneurs in all 120 counties by providing coaching, training, and access to resources that help women start and grow successful businesses.

And at the Summit, that mission came to life in real time.

Coffee, Conversations, and New Connections

The morning kicked off with Strong Women Strong Coffee, a WBC favorite that turned networking into something far more meaningful than exchanging business cards.

Over coffee and pastries, entrepreneurs swapped stories, shared challenges, celebrated wins, and made new connections. Some attendees met collaborators. Others found mentors. Many simply discovered that they weren’t navigating entrepreneurship alone.

By the time the first session began, the room was already buzzing with ideas.

A Welcome That Set the Tone

Devanny King, Executive Director of the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky, welcomed attendees with a message that resonated throughout the day: entrepreneurship is bold work—but no one has to do it alone.

She reminded participants that the Summit was created to strengthen women leaders by offering the tools, insight, and connections needed to grow both businesses and confidence.

“This year’s theme, Rising Above, Building Beyond, speaks to something so many entrepreneurs know well, the feeling of just trying to survive, keeping your head above water, playing small when you know you’re meant for more, or feeling stuck in a place you’ve outgrown.

Today is not about survival. It’s about lifting our heads higher, standing stronger, and building something better than where we started.”

The WBC has supported thousands of entrepreneurs through coaching, training, and networking programs designed to help women start and scale businesses across the state.

Events like the Summit bring that support network together in one powerful space.

A Keynote That Lit Up the Room

The morning keynote featured Patrice B. Borders, JD, founder of AmplifyEI and widely known as The EI Amplifier®—and she brought the kind of presence that immediately commands a room.

Her talk, “Aware, Align, Amplified,” explored how emotional intelligence shapes powerful leadership. Through stories, insight, and practical strategies, Borders showed how entrepreneurs can lead with clarity, build stronger teams, and navigate challenges with confidence.

Her message was simple but powerful: great leadership begins with awareness—and from there, everything can grow.

Judging by the standing ovation and enthusiastic conversations afterward, the message landed exactly where it needed to.

Real Stories from Women Who Built It

One of the most inspiring moments of the day came during Spotlight Stories, where three accomplished entrepreneurs shared the realities behind their success.

Katie Neal, founder of Katie Neal Consulting & Coaching, challenged the myth of perfection and encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on progress and courage instead.

Janan Sawar, founder of Global Bookshelves International, shared how she transitioned from publishing professional to entrepreneur, helping authors bring powerful stories into the world.

Raquel Carter, CEO and Principal Broker of Guide Realty, reflected on building a thriving real estate brokerage from the ground up and expanding opportunities for homeownership throughout Central Kentucky.

Each story reminded attendees that behind every successful business is resilience, creativity, and a willingness to keep moving forward.

Conversations That Turned Into Action

After a morning full of inspiration, the Summit shifted into hands-on connection.

Participants joined table-hosted conversations led by experts in marketing, finance, HR, networking, and real estate. These small-group discussions turned curiosity into real-world strategy, giving attendees space to ask questions, share ideas, and learn directly from experienced professionals.

Meanwhile, the Advocacy Panel, moderated by Marita Willis of Community Ventures, explored the larger ecosystem supporting women entrepreneurs—from policy and capital access to the importance of community leadership.

The takeaway was clear: when women support women, businesses—and communities—grow stronger.

The Advocacy Panel:

• Attica Scott, Forward Justice

• Barb Kelly, President of NAWBO

• Corinne Goble,  CEO of Association of WBC’s

• Tori Wood, Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development

Breakout Sessions Designed to Spark New Ideas

The afternoon offered three breakout experiences designed to help participants connect inspiration with action.

On The Rising Stage, Ellie Puckett of Resonate Recordings and entrepreneur Toa Green recorded a live podcast conversation exploring how authentic storytelling can transform a brand.

In The Perspective Gallery, Sol Fitness founder Sunny Bayne guided participants through mindful movement and breathwork, demonstrating how physical awareness can sharpen leadership and decision-making.

And in The Landing, True North Counseling & Development facilitated a reflective session that helped participants identify one meaningful step they could take immediately in their business.

Powered by Partnership

Events like the Kentucky Women in Business Summit don’t happen in isolation.

They happen because of community—because of organizations, sponsors, and partners who believe in the importance of supporting entrepreneurs and investing in women-led businesses.

Those partnerships reflect one of the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky’s strategic priorities: building strong collaborations that expand opportunity and resources for entrepreneurs statewide.

And the results were visible throughout the event—from resource partners sharing tools to sponsors helping create space for meaningful connection.

This year's Summit was sponsored by:

• Spotlight Speakers: AuthentiLead 

• Swag Bags: Fayette Mall 

• Business Advocacy Panel: Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development 

• Summit Supporter: Peer House Accounting, Katie Neal Consulting 

• Cocktail Hour: Thryv Foundation 

• Lunch Sponsor: Republic Bank 

• Décor Sponsor: PNC Bank 

The Energy Is Just Getting Started

While the Summit wrapped up in a single afternoon, the conversations sparked during the event are just beginning.

New collaborations are already forming. Ideas are already being implemented. And the entrepreneurs who filled the room left with something powerful: renewed confidence in what they’re building.

That’s the heart of the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky.

Because when women entrepreneurs have access to the right tools, community, and encouragement, incredible things happen—for their businesses, their families, and their communities.

And judging by the energy at this year’s Summit, the future of women-led entrepreneurship in Kentucky is looking very bright.

To learn more about the Women's Business Center, please visit https://www.wbckentucky.org/