2024 Summit: Dallas, TX
What an unforgettable night we had together at the Ladies Who Launch event in Dallas! The energy in the room was incredible—full of determination, inspiration, and the drive to grow. If you were part of it, thanks for bringing your full self; we hope you left feeling as motivated and empowered as we did. And if you were living it vicariously, that's okay too—we felt how much you wanted to be there in spirit! 💖
We kicked off the evening with an energizing introduction from Jill Peterson Burns, co-founder of Austin Cocktails, who reminded us of the power of grit and growth. Jill’s story showed us that hard work pays off, but it’s heart and resilience that keep us going through the ups and downs. Jill interviewed Susie Sarich, founder of SusieCakes, who took us on her journey from a single bakery to a beloved brand with over 30 locations. Susie’s message? Success is about more than profit—it’s about lifting others up along the way.
A few quotes that really resonated:
“Work hard and be nice to people.” Sometimes, simple advice is the most powerful.
“Trust your gut and pursue what you’re passionate about.” In business, instinct can be just as important as strategy.
“In order to be it, you have to see it.” Representation matters, and building a supportive community is essential.
Money Talks: The Emotions Behind Finance
Our second panel, led by Frédérique Campagne Irwin, took an honest look at women’s relationships with money—a topic that often feels intimidating but is so important. With insights from panelists like Bianca McGee, Founder & CEO of Plan, Profit, Grow, Margo Jordan, CEO of Enrichly, and Elena Gomez, CFO of Toast, we explored how society’s expectations impact our financial decisions. The big takeaway? Financial resilience is a skill, and every setback is a chance to learn. This session left us rethinking our relationship with money and feeling more empowered to tackle financial challenges head-on.
Funding Your Dreams Locally
When it comes to funding, community connections can be everything. Rosie Rios, former U.S. Treasurer, moderated a fantastic discussion with experts like Rene Graham, Founder & CEO of Renzoe Box, Christina Hale, Assistant Administrator of SBA’s Office of Women’s Business Ownership, and Evelyn Solorzano, Small Business Community Officer at Bank of America. They broke down local funding options—from traditional loans to venture capital—and emphasized the importance of building relationships with potential funders. “Projects are temporary, but relationships are eternal,” one panelist noted. Building your network is an investment in your future.
Leveraging AI to Grow Smarter, Not Harder
In our final session, our co-founder Sarah Friar shared her vision for how small businesses can embrace the power of AI. With a practical demo from Alison Harmon, OpenAI’s Head of Growth, we got a glimpse into how AI can streamline everything from daily tasks to building out a fully fleshed marketing plan. For many of us, AI felt intimidating before this session—but now we’re excited to use it to save time, make better decisions, and focus on what matters most.
(Due to popular demand, we’ll be following up with a more in-depth AI demo soon, so stay tuned! )
Your Next Step: What Will You Launch?
We moved into the mix and mingle with a rallying cry from Anna Collins, Ladies Who Launch Board member. Anna reminded us of the grit and focus needed to win, but that it is also not something you do alone. The power of connecting is everything! As the night wrapped up, we left each other with one question: What’s your next move? Whether it’s reaching out to a new connection, exploring funding options, or diving into the world of AI, remember that Ladies Who Launch is here to support you. We’re all on this journey together, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next.