Eleven annual events are associated with ChallengeHER – four in-person and seven virtual. Detroit was the first 2024 in-person event in June, and Colorado Springs followed in August for the second event. Both events had an energetic vibe and obvious determination in the air.
ChallengeHER is inclusive. Participants range from emerging companies new to the government space, and experienced companies with strong federal past performance. The programs are catered to everyone, with topics covering everything from building a capabilities statement to funding federal contracts.
The highlight of the most recent even in Colorado Springs, hands DOWN, was hearing from Francine Morris, the SBA’s Director of Government Contracting. She gave a candid brief on the current state of the WOSB program. Francine’s presentation style is straight-forward and meaningful – and her passion for small business advocacy is so clear.
I attended both in-person events and had the honor of presenting and moderating panels. JetCo Federal is an experienced federal contractor willing to share our knowledge and mentor emerging WOSBs. As I looked around the room in Detroit and Colorado Springs, I saw women networking, sharing experiences, and soaking up knowledge like sponges. It was clear that everyone there was committed to growing their businesses and making their mark in the federal contracting world.
I frequently describe Michigan as the “greatest state in our land” to my DC-based friends. (I say this often enough to initiate eye rolling). As much as I loved welcoming participants to my home state in June, I was MESMERIZED by the beauty of Colorado Springs. Two magical locations, both filled with ambitious women.
One of my new Colorado friends recapped the August event with this: “Such a pleasure meeting you at ChallengeHER last Thursday. Such a fun and engaging group of women. I was really impressed. I leave a lot of these events feeling MORE isolated. WIPP just has a different vibe. Thanks for being part of that!”
If you missed out on this event, don’t fret! More are coming up, both in-person and virtual. Trust me, if you are a woman business owner with your eye on federal contracts, you won’t want to miss these opportunities.
Have you ever attended a ChallengeHER event? If so, I’d love to hear about your experience. And if not, what’s holding you back? Let’s continue this conversation and support each other in our business journeys!
