Women Of Excellence Event Brings Together Long Beach Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Community Voices |
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It was not just another networking event or business mixer. The Women of Excellence and Small Business Grant Dinner brought together women from across Long Beach who spoke openly about leadership, burnout, mentorship, family, entrepreneurship, and the reality of building something meaningful while still trying to maintain balance at home and in the community.
Hosted by the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Council, the evening honored several local women leaders while also creating space for honest conversations about business growth, personal struggles, and the importance of supporting one another along the way.
The event featured a panel discussion with women representing industries ranging from law and education to media, wellness, and community organizing. Throughout the night, one theme repeatedly surfaced:
Nobody succeeds completely alone.
Long Beach Women Of Excellence Conversations Felt Personal Instead of Corporate
Unlike many business panels that stay focused on polished success stories, the discussion often shifted into more personal territory.
One panelist described starting her business because she wanted the freedom to spend time with her children without asking permission from an employer. Another admitted there were moments she questioned why she started her business at all before reminding herself to reconnect with the deeper purpose behind her work.
Several speakers discussed the emotional reality of entrepreneurship, including fear, uncertainty, burnout, and self-doubt.
One of the strongest moments of the evening came when a panelist encouraged future business owners to move forward even before everything feels perfectly planned out.
"You might not know exactly what it's going to look like yet," she explained. "But if you have the opportunity to start building your business, do it."
Another speaker encouraged women not to undervalue themselves financially simply to compete.
"Don't cheapen yourself," she told the audience while discussing pricing, confidence, and business growth.
The audience responded strongly throughout the night whenever speakers discussed authenticity, family support systems, or the importance of finding mentors and trusted people who can help during difficult seasons.
Long Beach Business Leaders Highlight Mentorship and Community Support
Throughout the evening, panelists repeatedly credited mentors, family members, spouses, friends, and professional organizations for helping them navigate leadership roles and entrepreneurship.
Some spoke about parents helping raise children while careers were developing. Others talked about professional mentors who opened doors, offered guidance, or simply believed in them before they fully believed in themselves.
The conversation also highlighted how local organizations continue creating opportunities for women to build relationships and grow professionally together.
Groups such as Soroptimist, Rotary, Toastmasters, and the Chamber's own Women's Business Council were repeatedly mentioned as places where mentorship, collaboration, and business relationships naturally develop over time.
One speaker explained that public service and community involvement became both personally fulfilling and professionally beneficial because it allowed her to build stronger relationships throughout the local business community.
The discussion often returned to the idea that leadership is rarely individual.
It is usually built through community.
City of Hope Small Business Grant Honors Local Wellness Entrepreneur
Part of the evening focused on the annual Small Business Grant sponsored by City of Hope Orange County.
This year's recipient was Amanda Parson DeRosier, founder of The Bar, a boutique fitness studio centered around wellness, movement, and community support.
During the presentation, speakers described how the studio became more than just a fitness business. It evolved into a gathering space where women encourage one another both physically and emotionally.
Amanda also spoke candidly during the panel about entrepreneurship and the emotional connection many owners develop with the businesses they create.
"You're essentially taking a little piece of your heart and manifesting it in the world," she shared while discussing the risks and vulnerability involved in building a business from scratch.
The audience appeared especially engaged whenever the conversation shifted toward wellness, work-life balance, and burnout prevention.
Multiple panelists discussed exercise, support systems, and learning how to delegate responsibilities rather than trying to carry everything alone.
Long Beach Chamber Relationships Continue To Drive Local Business Events
While the evening celebrated individual accomplishments, the atmosphere itself reflected something larger happening inside Long Beach's business community.
Throughout the event, attendees moved from table to table introducing themselves, reconnecting with familiar faces, exchanging business cards, and discussing ways to collaborate in the future.
The environment felt less transactional and more relationship-driven.
That community-centered atmosphere has become increasingly common at Chamber events throughout Long Beach, especially through organizations like the Women's Business Council that continue creating spaces where business owners, professionals, nonprofits, and community leaders can interact more naturally.
Even the closing remarks returned to the idea of participation and involvement.
Attendees were encouraged not just to attend events, but to become active contributors through committees, volunteer opportunities, and leadership roles within the Chamber itself.
Want To Get Involved?
One of the biggest takeaways from the evening was that many of the strongest business relationships in Long Beach are not being built through advertising alone.
They are being built through conversations.
Through mentorship.
Through showing up consistently in rooms filled with people who genuinely want to see one another succeed.
From networking mixers and educational luncheons to the Women's Business Council and community leadership programs, the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce continues creating spaces where business owners and professionals can build meaningful local connections.
If you are looking to become more connected to Long Beach's growing business community, now is a good time to step into the room.
Fill out the form below and let the Chamber team help you get started. The relationships you build today could become part of your business story for years to come.
Event DetailsWomen of Excellence and Small Business Grant Dinner
c/o Robert Brennan, Chamber Member |