Momentum. That was the theme guiding every conversation, connection, and celebration during S.H.E. Week 2025. From the first welcome on Tuesday morning to the last round of applause on Thursday night, the energy was undeniable. Hosted by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee, the week was a vibrant reminder of what happens when women gather with purpose: ideas take root, networks expand, and the impact ripples far beyond the room.
Conference Day
Tuesday’s Conference Day at the Frederick Events Center brought together women from across the region for a day dedicated to personal and professional growth.
The day opened with a panel discussion titled Financial Momentum: Building Wealth and Security for Women and included panelists Celestina Dankwa Agyekum, Amanda Haddaway, and Jennifer Calara; moderated by Jennifer Milas, CPA, MST. The conversation left participants feeling empowered and more confident in their personal and business financial decisions.
Nicole Sherry, one of only two female Senior Directors of Field Operations in Major League Baseball, opened as the Keynote Speaker. She shared her story of perseverance, expertise, and building respect in a male-dominated industry. Her insights resonated deeply, reminding us that momentum often starts with courage to step into the unfamiliar.
Amy DeLouise kept things going with a hands-on workshop, “Advance Your Voice: Build Your Brand as a Leader,” equipping attendees with practical tools and a leadership checklist to take their presence to the next level.
Between sessions, attendees enjoyed thoughtful conversations and opportunities to connect. It was a day of learning, but also of validation. A reminder that each of us has a brand, a voice, and a unique story to share.
S.H.E. Pitch
Wednesday evening brought the excitement of S.H.E. Pitch to Hood College’s Hodson Auditorium. Finalists in both the Idea Stage and Growth Stage stepped onto the stage to share their vision in a “Shark Tank–style” competition. The room was filled with friends, family, mentors, and supporters, all leaning in to hear the pitches.
Cash prizes of $5,000 in each main category, plus additional awards and resources, were on the line, but what stood out most was the courage, clarity, and creativity each woman brought to the stage. Every pitch told a story of vision, grit, and possibility.
New this year, thanks to the generosity of additional donors, every finalist walked away with $500. Special thanks to The Frederick County Office of Economic Development, The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, First United Bank, VCRE, Kiddie Academy of Ballenger Creek, Frederick Wig Co., Karen Kristen Consulting, and Octavo Designs.
Winners of the 2025 SHE Pitch competition include:
- Idea Stage Winner ($5,000): Ngoc Chau, NCE BIM Consulting
- Growth Stage Winner ($5,000): Michelle Bryan, Sweet Maddie’s – Cookies on Demand
- People’s Choice Award ($500): Michelle Bryan, Sweet Maddie’s – Cookies on Demand
- She’s Rising Award ($500): Inga James, Nonprofit Growth Strategies of Maryland
- Pitch Creator Hustle Award ($500): Holly Nelson, The Play Café
SHERO Awards & Networking Mixer
On Thursday evening, Union Mills Public House set the stage for the SHERO Awards & Networking Mixer. Guests arrived to the warm buzz of conversation, the clink of glasses, and the hum of live connection. Emcee Danielle Rizzo guided the evening as we recognized three remarkable women whose lives and work embody the values of S.H.E.
- Strength: Sandra Hofmeister, founder of A&S Construction, honored for breaking barriers in the construction industry and leading with grace and resilience, even through personal loss.
- Heart: Alexandra Gushard-Edwards, celebrated for her compassionate leadership and commitment to mentoring and uplifting others in the Frederick community.
- Equality: Rev. Suzanne Adele Schmidt, Ph.D., recognized for her lifelong dedication to justice, advocacy, and creating inclusive spaces where all voices matter.
Each story was a testament to the many ways women lead; through resilience, generosity, and the unwavering belief in a better future.
A Week of Momentum
As the week came to a close, there was a shared sense that something bigger had been set in motion. The conversations sparked, the ideas shared, and the connections made will continue to shape our community in ways we can’t yet see.
S.H.E. Week is more than a series of events, it’s a reminder of what’s possible when we invest in each other. The momentum is here, and it’s only growing so save the date for August 3-7, 2026!
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.