Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Highlights from the Ellevate Business Mixer

The Valley Economic Alliance proudly hosted an Ellevate Women’s Business Hub Business Mixer on Tuesday, November 19, in celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. Held at The Alliance’s Sherman Oaks office, the at-capacity event brought together a diverse group of professionals and community leaders united in their commitment to empowering women in business and bridging the resource gap.

The evening featured Katie Higgins, Vice President and General Manager of StandardAero, as the keynote speaker. Katie shared compelling insights from her global leadership journey, inspiring attendees with her expertise in operational leadership, change management, and fostering inclusive work environments.

“The energy in the room was incredible. By connecting women entrepreneurs with the resources and networks they need, we’re not just creating opportunities—we’re driving meaningful change in our communities,” said Sonya Kay Blake, President and CEO of The Valley Economic Alliance.

Alliance Board Member and Director of Innovation at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Kecia Washington, emceed the event and reflected on its impact, saying, “The diversity of attendees and their shared dedication to advancing women’s entrepreneurship exemplifies the power of collaboration. Together, we’re building an inclusive business ecosystem where women can thrive.”

The in-person mixer facilitated connections across industries, with table topics spotlighting key areas including finance, marketing, and sustainability. These discussions offered attendees valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and forge meaningful partnerships. Victor Berrellez, Vice President and Commercial Banking Relationship Manager at U.S. Bank, and De Ivett, Founder and CEO of 5D Spectrum, also contributed their expertise during the event, providing empowering insights that enriched the evening’s discussions.

The event was sponsored by Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank, whose generous support helped create an engaging and impactful experience for all attendees.

As part of The Alliance’s ongoing efforts to uplift women entrepreneurs in the San Fernando Valley, the Ellevate Women’s Business Hub continues to provide valuable programming and resources to empower businesses at every stage of growth.

In addition, The Valley Economic Alliance’s Business Assistance Program (BAP) offers comprehensive support to all businesses in the San Fernando Valley. We encourage you to enroll and take advantage of the no-cost services available to help your business thrive by visiting EconomicAlliance.org/Assistance.