What Happened At Our 30th Anniversary of BWF…
Business Women’s Forum (BWF), held on Wednesday, May 15th, brought vendors and over 300 attendees for the largest all-day women’s conference in the central Pennsylvania region. This year was BWF’s 30th year supporting Central Pennsylvanian women professionals hosted by the Carlisle Area and West Shore Chambers of Commerce. Attendees spent the day networking with other professionals and attending nine different educational breakout sessions.
Our 2024 Business Woman of the Year is Bilita “Bili” Mattes, Executive Director of The STEM-Up Network. Bili Mattes has over twenty-five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, academic outreach, and program innovation and development.Bili recently celebrated her thirteen-year anniversary at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology where she currently serves as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. Harrisburg University is, a young STEM-focused institution of higher education built on a competency-based and technology-integrated educational model. As Provost, she is responsible for all aspects of academic and student affairs at the university to include development of all new academic programs and approvals; recruitment and supervision of faculty; oversight of curricular, academic policy, and student success. Their nominator said, “ Bili embodies exceptional leadership qualities across all facets of her life. Her contributions have not only elevated the STEM-Up network but have also made a lasting impact on the broader community and the advancement of women.”
Thank you to Leigh Hurst, our keynote speaker who asked us, “What if Today is YOUR Day?” She used her experiences to help us focus on how small changes can have a BIG impact on your life. Leigh Hurst is the Founder of the Feel Your Boobies Foundation.
In addition, we would like to thank our breakout session speakers, the vendors for their participation in this year’s event as well as the sponsors who helped make this event possible. We hope to see you next May for Business Women’s Forum!