Determined to Rise: MetroWest Women Reach New Heights

“Complacency is the thief of passion,” keynote speaker Jen Groover tells a captivated audience at the Sheraton Framingham during the September 19 morning welcome session of the MetroWest Conference for Women. Created by Jen Maseda and her team at She’s Local, the conference is the largest in the area with over 600 women and men in attendance and a waiting list of 100 more. The entire event was MC’d by the lively Event Strategist, Kim Miles, who kept the day moving along with a comedic tone. Distinguished speakers like serial entrepreneur Jen Groover, Lt. Governor Karen Polito, and Babson College’s Dr. Susan Duffy gave keynote speeches to the group in the morning and at lunch and the time in between was spent attending small group sessions for building businesses, communicating effectively, setting goals and to discuss the importance of community involvement.

Local exhibitors were lined up along the upstairs and downstairs hallway and between sessions, women shared their products, nonprofit missions and services with attendees. Connections were made and many delicious treats were consumed.

The Metrowest Goddess Award was given to retired, long-time director of Natick Organic Farm Lynda Simkins for helping to ensure the Farm consistently and positively impacted Natick and the greater community . Simkins charmed the room by asking everyone to raise their glasses and thank the farmers for the food and flowers on their tables.

The women ended the day with a strong feeling of connection. “Being surrounded by 649 like-minded, powerful and compassionate women at the MetroWest Conference for Women was unmeasurable. The energy was addictive and I loved every minute of it. I would highly recommend attending next year,” says Rebecca Meehan, owner of T.Ella Marketing Solutions in Natick.

When asked to reflect on the day, Jen Maseda says, “I am grateful for the generous local and national businesses who continue to keep our tickets accessible to all and the dedicated team of leaders on our MetroWest Conference for Women Board, and the warm and welcoming attendees who show us year after year with our sold-out crowds that the idea of women supporting women is possible! I watched with excitement and awe as the women of MetroWest, for the 3rd year in a row, connected with and inspired one another. We look forward to bringing this same level of excitement to the South Shore on October 11 and to Merrimack Valley in the Spring of 2020. Tickets are available for the South Shore conference here!”

Follow MetroWest Conference for Women on Twitter @MWMassWomen.