Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) recognized outstanding women in business, as well as its community partners at the annual Empowerment is Priceless fundraiser, held recently at Camarillo Ranch.
Funds brought in from the event help sustain and support entrepreneurship in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
The 2023 awardees, who demonstrate determination, leadership, and the power of community, include:
Client of the Year — Blanca Hoffmeier, president of SWPPP CAL Stormwater Management.
Trailblazer Award — Vanessa Bechtel, president/CEO of the Ventura County Community Foundation.
Community Partner of the Year — Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce.
Hoffmeier, who spoke to the group of 250 attendees, started her stormwater management business in Thousand Oaks.
“I started SWPPP CAL because I care about the world I live in and found a way to make that my profession,” she said. “I’m proud to say that my story is a testament to the power of mentorship, determination, and a firm belief in the potential of women.”
As a woman-business owner working in the male-dominated industry of engineering and construction, Hoffmeier is also among the few certified drone pilots nationally who are women – only 8% in the U.S.
“I have an engineering degree, but never studied business. And English is my second language. WEV has meant the world to me as a Latina,” she said.
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to WEV for leveling up my business. By extension, my life, and my family,” she said.
“We are seeing an unprecedented surge in entrepreneurship across the United States and women entrepreneurs are driving the surge,” said Kathy Odell, WEV CEO.
“In 2019, women comprised just 29% of new business applications,” Odell said. “Since 2021, they’ve represented over 49% of all new businesses
“Clients come to us often with limited business resources or training, but with boundless aspirations, unwavering commitment, passion, and determination. At WEV, our mission is to ensure their success.”
Lure Digital produced WEV’s “Empowerment is Priceless” video, which presents the stories of local business owners, as well as the economic perspective from Sevet Johnson, Ventura County’s CEO.
“We are honored to produce the ‘Empowerment is Priceless’ video, featuring stories about WEV’s unique ability to cultivate the power within each individual to realize their entrepreneurial dreams,” Johnson said.
Proceeds raised at the Empowerment is Priceless event will directly benefit WEV’s business funding and client programs, including financial literacy and education classes, business training courses, individual coaching, and business advisory services – all provided in English and Spanish.
The event is underwritten by the generosity of sponsors including: Bank of America, Banks Coaching, LinkedIn, Lure Digital, Cox Communications, Martin V Smith School of Business & Economics at CSU CI, Nicholson & Schwartz, The Acorn Project, and Ventura County Credit Union.
WEV is a nonprofit that provides small business support such as classes, consulting and funding; and financial literacy programs in English and Spanish. Information at www.wevonline.org.
To support WEV’s work, visit www.wevonline.org/support.