Our Central Valley Women’s Economic Impact Center held its sixth annual Women of Color Business Symposium on Sunday, encouraging women entrepreneurs in our area to take more initiative in leadership positions and get engaged in the political process.

This year’s speakers included:

  • Maryum Ali, Muhammad Ali’s eldest daughter
  • Heather Brown, human resources officer for the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission
  • Dr. Karen Crozier, businesswoman and minister of Jewel of Justice
  • Dr. Francince Oputa, director of Fresno State’s Cross-Cultural and Gender Center
  • Lindsay Callahan, president and CEO of United Way Fresno and Madera Counties
  • Nia Grier, executive director of Another Level Training Academy Inc.
  • Arogeanae Brown, agricultural loan and outreach specialist of the USDA and a community activist
  • Kaya Herron, government affairs liaison and Fresno Green Team program director
  • Sandra Garcia, district director for Congressman Jim Costa
  • Kimberly Tapscott-Munson, Fresno County Board of Education trustee
  • Sarah Moffat, government affairs director for the Central Valley Community Foundation

Breakout sessions were provided by the Fresno Black Girl Magic Project, the California Black Women’s Health Project and the SBA.

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Hope Garcia provided live music.