By Chloe Ramirez, Senior Correspondent
Sacramento celebrated a powerful display of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship on Friday, June 13, 2025, as the city hosted the 30th annual Women Who Mean Business awards and expo at the Hyatt Regency. The highly anticipated event spotlighted influential female professionals who are transforming their industries and strengthening the regional economy.
From tech pioneers to nonprofit trailblazers, the honorees exemplified resilience, vision, and commitment. Hundreds of attendees from across Northern California gathered to recognize the achievements of women making significant contributions to business, leadership, and community development.
Held in the heart of downtown Sacramento, the event offered a full day of networking opportunities, panel discussions, breakout workshops, and an award luncheon attended by business leaders, entrepreneurs, mentors, and aspiring professionals alike.
A Day of Celebration and Empowerment
The expo, known for championing female excellence since 1995, has become a landmark occasion for the Sacramento business community. This year’s event was especially meaningful, marking three decades of honoring women who are not only succeeding professionally but also paving the way for future generations.
The awards luncheon featured speeches by distinguished guests and past honorees. Each award recipient shared insights into their personal and professional journeys—stories filled with both triumph and challenge.
Recognizing Impact Across Industries
This year’s awardees came from a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, finance, education, tech, media, and the nonprofit world. These women were selected not only for their accomplishments within their fields but also for their broader impact on community welfare and economic development.
Among the recipients was a CEO of a renewable energy firm who has championed sustainable practices in urban planning, and a nonprofit executive whose mentorship programs have uplifted thousands of underserved youth in Sacramento’s communities.
The diversity of industries represented highlighted the inclusive nature of the awards. It served as a reminder that leadership comes in many forms, and meaningful change is possible across all domains.
Sharing Knowledge and Building Connections
Beyond the awards, the event provided an expansive learning platform for attendees. A series of breakout sessions tackled topics such as financial empowerment, leadership mindset, marketing strategies, and navigating workplace challenges.
Panels included voices from seasoned executives, startup founders, and policy advocates. Their collective experience offered practical guidance for women at every stage of their careers.
In one notable session, titled “Breaking Barriers,” female leaders discussed strategies for advancing gender equity in boardrooms and senior leadership positions. Another popular workshop explored how women entrepreneurs can scale their businesses while balancing personal responsibilities.
These forums were not just informative—they also fostered an atmosphere of solidarity. Many attendees described feeling energized and empowered by the openness and authenticity of the conversations.
Building a Stronger Business Future
Organizers emphasized the role of community in driving continued progress. “Our honorees are not only building successful careers—they are shaping the future of Sacramento,” said the event’s host during the closing remarks. “Each one represents the power of mentorship, collaboration, and purposeful leadership.”
The Women Who Mean Business program has grown significantly since its inception, from a modest luncheon into a full-scale expo drawing widespread attention from corporate sponsors, media, and regional stakeholders. Its mission, however, has remained consistent: to uplift and spotlight women who are changing the business landscape for the better.
Attendees Reflect on a Transformative Experience
Many attendees spoke about the event’s value in inspiring confidence and clarity.
“I left with new connections, ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose,” said a first-time guest who recently launched a wellness startup. “Seeing the success of these women reminds me that anything is possible with the right mindset and support.”
Others pointed to the importance of visibility and recognition. “It means everything to be seen, to be acknowledged,” said one of the honorees. “It tells younger women watching that they can lead, too.”
As the event concluded with a champagne toast and photo session, one theme resonated above all—gratitude. Gratitude for the pioneers who paved the way, the leaders who continue to blaze trails, and the next generation ready to take the reins.
