From staff reports LAWTON –The Southwest Oklahoma Women's Business Summit will be held on Sept. 18 at Great Plains Technology Center’s Worley Seminar Center. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and is expected to bring together businesswomen and leaders for a day of learning and networking.
Hosted by REI Oklahoma, the summit is led by WBS Summit Squad Leader Carey Monroe, who said the event is about 'connection and empowerment' and will combine expert advice with useful tools and inspiration.
The heart of this year’s summit is the story of keynote speaker, Amy Downs, a survivor of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. Downs will share her personal journey of survival and how she turned a life-altering tragedy into a source of great strength.
On April 19, 1995, a bomb exploded at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, where Downs worked as a teller. The attack killed 168 people, including 18 of her coworkers. Downs was one of the last people pulled from the rubble after being trapped for over six hours.
After this life-changing event, Downs made a promise to live her life differently. She went on to get a bachelor's degree and a master's in business. She also lost more than 200 pounds and became an Ironman triathlete, finishing a full Ironman event which includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run.
Today, she serves as the president and CEO of the same credit union, now called Allegiance Credit Union.
Turning tragedy into a chance for personal growth, Downs has written a book called “Hope is aVerb: My Journey of Impossible Transformation.” She now works as a full-time motivational speaker, sharing her message of hope and strength.
Made possible through a partnership between REI Women’s Business Center and GPTC's Business Development Center, the Southwest Oklahoma Women’s Business Summit, held at Great Plains Technology Center’s Worley Seminar Center, 4500 SW Lee Blvd., Room 300, will host panels of local business leaders like Dr. Rose Lepien, Janette Powers, Haley Hoover and Dr. Sara Linneen. Other experts from banking, insurance and law will offer advice to new and existing businessowners.
Attendees will enjoy professional headshots by Krystal Britz, mini-massages from Milk & Honey, a mid-day stretch led by Haley Hoover and a tentative visit from therapy animals courtesy of Paws with Love.
With the $50 per-person admission, attendees get breakfast, lunch and a swag bag. Event coordinators expect the summit to sell out quickly. RSVP at by calling (800) 658-2823.
The Southwest Oklahoma Women's Business Summit is part of the REI Women's Business Center's effort to help and grow women-owned businesses. The group says it is proud to offer a place where women can get support, advice and celebrate their victories.