Description

2025 ConnectHER Conference

Presented by Branch
📅 Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | ⏰ 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Build Smart Institute, 701 Gainsboro Road, Roanoke, VA 24016

About the Conference

The ConnectHER Conference is a high-energy, full-day experience designed to inspire, equip, and connect women leaders from across Virginia’s Blue Ridge. This is your opportunity to step away from the daily grind, invest in your personal and professional growth, and walk away with actionable tools, fresh perspectives, and powerful connections.

Whether you’re an executive, an entrepreneur, an emerging leader, or a community changemaker, the ConnectHER Conference is here to help you lead boldly, build community, and grow your career.

What to Expect

🌟 Women’s Leadership Panel — Leading Together: Building Careers & Communities

Hear from a powerhouse panel of women who are making a difference in their industries and communities:

• Dani Poe — Economic Development Director, Franklin County
• Kim Blair — Sr. Director of Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives, Carilion Clinic Foundation
• Tiphanie Rasnick — Vice President Commercial Office Manager, Ridge View Bank & Nonprofit Founder
• Zenith Barrett — Founder, The Zenith Agency​​
• Abby Verdillo-Hamilton - United Way of Virginia's Blue Ridge

Moderated by: Michelle Ramaker, President of Build Smart Institute

These leaders will share insights from their unique career paths, experiences in leadership, and approaches to building stronger communities while fostering personal and professional growth.

🤝 Networking Challenges

Break the ice, meet new people, and grow your network through fun, interactive challenges designed to spark meaningful conversations.

📚 Workshops

Participate in breakout sessions packed with practical insights you can take back to the office and put into action immediately.

Workshop 1: Impactful Connections: Cultivating Your Professional Tribe
    Allison Szuba (Capps Home Building Center) & Lois James (OpX Solutions, LLC)
Workshop 2: Cybersecurity Basics: Protecting Your Business (and Yourself) in a Digital World
    Tight Technologies - Bri Goodwin & Doug Turpin
Workshop 3: Bridging Digital Worlds: Communication Strategies for Your Personal and Professional Online Presence - Rachel Spencer

🎤 Closing Keynote

Jennifer Huffman, Senior Vice President of Solutions Banking at Atlantic Union Bank
Wrap up the day with an inspiring keynote focused on leadership, community impact, and actionable next steps for your career journey.

Who Should Attend

• Business owners & entrepreneurs

• Corporate & nonprofit leaders

• Emerging professionals

• Community advocates

• Anyone ready to connect, learn, and lead

Stay Connected

Follow the Roanoke Regional Chamber on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for event updates, speaker announcements, and behind-the-scenes previews.