International Women’s Day Celebration Hosted by WLCC
On March 6, 2025, the Wisconsin Latino Chamber of Commerce (WLCC) hosted its third annual International Women’s Day Celebration in Fitchburg, WI. This empowering event honored and uplifted women entrepreneurs across Wisconsin while fostering unity, inspiration, and collaboration. The event brought together women from diverse backgrounds, offering opportunities for networking, learning, and celebrating achievements. Attendees felt energized, inspired, and empowered, reinforcing the mission of WLCC in supporting and recognizing women entrepreneurs in Wisconsin.
El 6 de marzo de 2025, la Cámara de Comercio Latina de Wisconsin (WLCC) organizó su tercera celebración anual del Día Internacional de la Mujer en Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Este evento de empoderamiento honró y elevó a las mujeres empresarias de todo Wisconsin mientras fomentaba la unidad, la inspiración y la colaboración. El evento reunió a mujeres de diversas nacionalidades, ofreciéndoles la oportunidad de establecer contactos, aprender y celebrar sus logros. Las asistentes se sintieron llenas de energía, inspiradas y empoderadas, reforzando la misión del WLCC de apoyar y reconocer a las mujeres empresarias de Wisconsin.
Highlights
Keynote Speaker:
Claudia Franco Hijuelos | Ambassador – Milwaukee Mexican Consulate
Claudia spoke on the important topic of Empowering Change: From One Woman’s Voice to a Future of Equality
Panel Discussion
A dynamic conversation featuring four distinguished women entrepreneurs under the theme:
“Unstoppable: Women’s Leadership Shaping the Future of Business | Imparables: El Liderazgo Femenino Transformando el Mundo de los Negocios”
- Cristina Carvajal – Executive Director of WI Eco Latinos
- Ixayana Nelson – DEIB Manager at Summit Credit Union
- Alejandra Bustamante – Insurance Agent with State Farm
- Erika Soto – Owner of Pequeños Traviesos
Poderosa Awards Ceremony
Honoring outstanding women entrepreneurs in Wisconsin:
- Community Impact Award – Patricia Wooldridge, Mariposa Learning Center Inc.
- Cultural Ambassador Award – Gabriela Marván, Mexican Folk Art Collective
- Growing Business Award – Araceli Araiza, El Gran Taco Gato
- Latina Excellence Award – Alondra, Centro
Workshops
- (English): Let’s Talk About Financial Opportunities for Your Business, Career, and Personal Life – Hosted by Summit Credit Union
- (Spanish): Supera tus miedos para convertirte en una mujer de éxito en tu negocio – Hosted by Maria Encarnacion
Marketplace
An exhibition featuring local women-owned businesses, including:
- Alice Good
- Sorpresa Surprise
- Rosetta Mia Bakery
- Corazoncito Style
- Isabel Sanluis – Maquilladora
- Buenos Aires Store
- Moka Bites
- Sabores de Veracruz
Resource Tables
Support and information provided by:
- Focus on Energy
- Unidos
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
Food Trucks
- El Gran Taco Gato – Madison, WI
- Las Milpas Restaurant – Baraboo, WI
Sponsors
The event was made possible with support from:
- UW Health
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Numbers 4 Nonprofits
- Lake Ridge Bank
- State Farm – Agent Alejandra Bustamante
- Pequeños Traviesos LLC
- Madison College Center for Entrepreneurship
Thank you to everyone who attended this event and made it possible. Let’s continue to honor and celebrate the strong and resilient women in our community and around the world.
Gracias a todos los que asistieron a este evento y lo hicieron posible. Sigamos honrando y celebrando a las mujeres fuertes y resilientes de nuestra comunidad y de todo el mundo.