Women rocking it on the Avenue

Karen Gross. Photo courtesy of Kate Raines

Local women business owners will take part in a panel discussion and networking event in South Philly to reveal their experiences, challenges and successes in the workforce. 

The free event called “Women Mean Business” celebrates Women’s History Month and will be held at Society Hill Dance Academy at 1919 E. Passyunk Ave. on March 28 from 6-9 p.m. It’s open to the public but space is limited and advance registration is required.

A collaboration between the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District and She Rocked It, the event will be emceed by Karen Gross, a celebrated entertainer, creative entrepreneur and founder/host of She Rocked It – a podcast and community dedicated to raising the volume on women’s voices.

“As a longtime fan and former resident of East Passyunk, I’m thrilled to collaborate with the Business Improvement District to host an evening of women supporting women in telling their stories to the neighborhood and beyond,” said Gross, who previously served as Editor-In-Chief of Where Magazine Philadelphia and as a contributing writer for Philadelphia magazine. 

Among the featured panelists will be Cara Stipa, wedding and events planner and CEO and creative director of The Utopia Collective (1914 E. Passyunk Ave.); Elissa Kara, artist/owner of Nice Things Handmade (1731 E. Passyunk); Jennifer Zavala, Top Chef alumna and owner of Juana Tamale (1941 E. Passyunk); and Shana Heidorn, professional ballroom, Latin and wedding dance instructor and owner of Society Hill Dance Academy.

Conversations will highlight how women have persevered in running and sustaining their businesses during the pandemic as well as the importance of creating a supportive business community including a network of women business owners. 

A community Q&A session will follow. Throughout the evening, complimentary light bites and libations courtesy of local craft spirits shop and tasting room Manatawny Still Works, among others, will be available.

The event will give women business owners an opportunity to candidly share their stories with an audience interested in launching a business or getting an inside glimpse into the careers of some of their favorite local entrepreneurs. It’s a mission the She Rocked It podcast highlights on its shows.

“The She Rocked It podcast pulls back the curtain on the lives of creative, courageous women entrepreneurs, and this is our first in-person event,” Gross said. “We couldn’t be more excited to hear and learn from women business owners who are rocking it on the Avenue.”

A link to registration information can be found at http://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/.

Out of respect and caution for those immunocompromised or otherwise unable to receive the COVID vaccine, attendees are asked to provide proof of vaccination or wear masks.