The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro St. Louis is proud to announce ELLA – Women's Economic Forum, a transformative three-day conference dedicated to empowering female leaders, fostering economic equity, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. The forum will take place August 14th, 15th & 16th at the St. Charles Convention Center.

This event brings together entrepreneurs, executives, policymakers, home managers, and community leaders for in-depth conversations and actionable strategies surrounding leadership development, business growth, and financial empowerment.

Educational Content Highlights:

 

ELLA Economic & Leadership Forum 2025

August 14–16, 2025 | St. Charles Convention Center
Empowering Women. Inspiring Leadership. Building Legacy.

We are thrilled to share the agenda for the ELLA Forum, a three-day experience designed to connect, inspire, and empower Latina professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders across all industries.

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🌟 Day 1: Connection & Inspiration
📅 Thursday, August 14
🕙 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Forum, 6:00PM-8:00PM Welcome Cocktail Reception

• 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Check in/Registration

✨ Sessions

• 1:00-1:15 PM Opening Remarks | Welcome by Event Chair Suzanne Sierra

• 1:15 – 2:30 PM | Opening Remarks & Keynote
  The State of the Hispanic Market in St. Louis
  Speaker: Martha Garcia Kampen

• 2:45 – 3:45 PM | Stories of Resilience and Success (Panel Discussion)

• 4:00 – 5:00 PM | Breakout Sessions:

  1. Personal Branding & Executive Presence – Laura Sawyier

  2. Entrepreneurship Success & Strategies – Andrea Holtzgrave & Ajdo Honsou

  3. Managing Household Responsibilities & Self-Care – Leticia Salaro & Naomi Fu

• 5:00 – 5:45 PM | Fireside Chat: Lessons from St. Louis Trailblazers

• 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Welcome Cocktail Reception
  
  💡 Day 2: Knowledge & Empowerment
  📅 Friday, August 15
  🕣 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  ✨ Highlights

• 8:30 – 9:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
• 9:15 – 10:00 AM | Keynote: Marcela Manjarrez - What
• 10:00 – 11:00 AM | The Power of Financial Literacy: Building Wealth & Securing the Future
• 11:00 – 11:45 AM | Breakout Sessions:
  1. Building from the Ground Up: Turning Dreams into Reality
  2. Career Development & Leadership: Advancing in the Workplace
  3. Life Management: Work Smarter, Not Harder
• 12:00 – 12:45 PM | Networking Lunch
• 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Balancing Home & Work: Empowering Women in All Spheres of Life
• 2:15 – 3:15 PM | Fireside Chat: Mentorship & Community: Strengthening Women’s Networks
• 3:30 – 4:30 PM | SESSION 3 Breakout Workshops
• 4:45 – 5:30 PM | Legacy Award and closing remarks
• 5:30 – 8:00 PM | Cocktail Reception

​🌺 Day 3: Growth & Legacy
📅 Saturday, August 16
🕤 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
✨ Highlights

• 9:30 – 10:00 AM | Networking Breakfast
• 10:15 – 11:15 AM | Keynote: Using Emotion as a Leadership Power Tool – Dr. Nathalia Garcia
• 11:00 – 11:45 AM | Breakout Sessions:
  1. Financial Literacy: Understanding Your Credit – presented by Prosperity Connections
  2. Women in Performing Arts
  3. Caregiver’s Guide to Finances – Gabrielle Hannah presented by the Alzheimer’s Association
• 12:00 – 12:45 PM | Networking Lunch
• 1:00 – 1:45 PM | Breakout Sessions:
  1. Women’s Health: Menopause Myths & Realities
  2. Learning to Use Credit – US Bank
  3. Retirement Options: Planning for Longevity – Carmen Hornberger
• 2:00 – 3:00 PM | From Frozen in Fear to Fired Up with Confidence – Melissa K. Range
• 3:00 – 3:15 PM | Reflections & Closing Remarks

🎶 HER Mercadito (Open to the Public)
📍 August 15 & 16 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Expand your brand awareness, grow your customer base and connect with companies committed to support women.
Saturday Cultural Stage Line-Up - Sponsored by Faustino Productions
Enjoy a vibrant showcase of cultural performances, music, and dance while exploring our HER Mercadito vendor marketplace.