The Women's Business Council- Southwest recently hosted Woman Entrepreneur's Exchange at Dell Technologies' campus in Austin. The event featured a panel of certified Women Business Enterprises (WBE) and a Sustaining (Corporate) Member, all with different perspectives on utilizing WBE certification.

The panel included Pamela Bryant, Chief Supply Officer at Hanger, Andrea Tsakanikas, President of Crewfacilties.com, and Patti Winstanley, President of Aztec Promotional Group moderated by Vera Fischer, CEO of 97 Degrees West

Panel

Each panelist shared her unique experience as a member of WBCS. Patti Winstanley, a certified WBE for over 11 years, told how advocating for fellow women business owners often helps to increase her business opportunities. Pamela Bryant, chairperson of WBCS' Board of Directors, reinforced the importance of doing your homework before approaching a potential corporate client. You should know their needs and how you can improve their current practices before asking for the first meeting! Andrea Tsakanikas, a certified WBE for just over one year, share two tips that helped her when she first got certified: make a coffee or phone date with at least two people at each event you attend and get involved as much as possible. Getting involved includes attending events, volunteering, and utilizing the member benefits once you are certified. 

Thank you to our panelists and moderator for a successful event!

Audience