Fort Wayne, IN – On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Fort Wayne Black Chamber of Commerce hosted its highly anticipated “HerStory: Honoring Women Leaders” event in celebration of Women’s History Month. The panel discussion, which packed the venue to capacity, brought together some of Fort Wayne’s most accomplished female entrepreneurs and community leaders to share their journeys, challenges, and wisdom with an energized audience.
Event Details
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Allen County Public Library Theatre, 900 Library Plaza
Why Attend?
Celebrate and honor leading women in the Fort Wayne community who are making significant contributions. Gain valuable insights from a panel discussion featuring successful women leaders sharing their experiences and wisdom. Network with other professionals and business owners in the Greater Fort Wayne area. Support the Black Chamber’s mission of advocating for the creation, growth, and general welfare of Black leaders and businesses. Be part of an inspiring celebration of Women’s History Month that recognizes extraordinary Black women who are shaping their communities.
Directions:
900 Library Plz, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Distinguished Panel of Trailblazers
The event featured four remarkable women who have each carved unique paths in business while overcoming obstacles and building legacies:
Neco Beasley
Owner and Master Stylist of House of Neco Salon and Boutique, captivated the audience with her journey from stylist to successful entrepreneur. Beasley’s business acumen has led to the expansion of her salon to four locations throughout Fort Wayne, demonstrating her ability to scale while maintaining quality service. During the panel, she emphasized the importance of mentorship and continuous education in the beauty industry, sharing how her decades of experience inform her approach to both business leadership and client service.
Julie Causey, M.Ed.
The educational entrepreneur behind Tutor Oasis and Adjunct Professor at Indiana Tech’s College of Arts and Sciences, offered valuable insights on balancing academic expertise with business savvy. Causey’s dual role as educator and entrepreneur resonated strongly with audience members looking to leverage their professional credentials in entrepreneurial ventures. Her discussion of creating educational businesses that serve community needs highlighted the intersection of purpose and profit.
Kachell Smith
Owner of Liberty Beauty Hair Co., shared her inspiring story of growing up as a “shop kid” to fulfilling her dream of salon ownership. Smith’s authentic approach to building both a physical business presence and a substantial social media following provided attendees with practical strategies for modern business growth. Her candid discussion of learning through early challenges drew appreciative nods from entrepreneurs at all stages.
Annie Davis
Veteran educator and founder of Solid Foundation Learning Center, brought over four decades of wisdom to the conversation. Her transition from public education to nonprofit and entrepreneurial work exemplified how career professionals can pivot to new endeavors while building on established expertise. Davis’s passionate advocacy for inclusive education that empowers all children, regardless of background, underscored the social impact potential of business leadership.
Insights and Inspiration
Throughout the evening, the distinguished panelists addressed topics ranging from securing startup funding to managing work-life balance and building effective teams. The conversation frequently returned to themes of resilience, community support, and strategic networking.
A particularly powerful moment came during the discussion of obstacles faced as women entrepreneurs. Each panelist spoke candidly about navigating challenges while creating opportunities for others. Their shared emphasis on “lifting while climbing” resonated deeply with the audience, sparking conversations that continued well into the networking session that followed.
“What made this event exceptional was not just hearing about success, but understanding the specific steps these women took to overcome barriers,” remarked one attendee. “Their willingness to share both triumphs and setbacks provided a roadmap for those of us earlier in our journeys.”
Community Impact and Economic Growth
The event highlighted the Black Chamber’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and community prosperity, particularly in southeast Fort Wayne. By showcasing successful women-owned businesses, the Chamber reinforced the critical role that diverse entrepreneurship plays in creating vibrant local economies.
The panel discussion was covered by local media, including WANE 15, which aired a segment featuring highlights from the event during their 11 PM broadcast. This media coverage extended the event’s impact beyond those physically present, bringing these leaders’ insights to viewers throughout northeast Indiana.
Looking Forward
As the evening concluded, the Black Chamber announced upcoming initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, including mentorship programs and business development workshops. The announcement was met with enthusiastic applause, signaling strong community interest in continued programming focused on women’s leadership.
The Black Chamber extends their heartfelt gratitude to Neco Beasley, Julie Causey, Kachell Smith, and Annie Davis for sharing their invaluable insights and knowledge with the audience. Their willingness to discuss both successes and challenges provided authentic guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs while inspiring established business owners to reach new heights.
“Events like tonight remind us why we do this work,” concluded the Chamber representative. “When we celebrate our leaders and share their wisdom, we strengthen not just individual businesses but our entire community.”
A Lasting Impression
As attendees departed, the energy remained palpable—conversations continued in small groups, business cards were exchanged, and impromptu mentoring sessions formed in the venue’s corners. The event successfully transformed inspiration into action, leaving participants not just moved but motivated to apply the evening’s lessons.
The 2025 “HerStory: Honoring Women Leaders” event has set a new standard for celebrating women’s contributions to Fort Wayne’s business landscape. As Women’s History Month continues, the ripple effects of this powerful gathering will undoubtedly be felt throughout the community, advancing the Black Chamber’s mission of creating more opportunities for diverse business leadership in northeast Indiana.
About the Organizer
Black Chamber Fort Wayne
The Black Chamber Fort Wayne, led by Board President Ramadan Abdul-Azeez, is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of Black-owned businesses in the Fort Wayne community. The Chamber helps entrepreneurs and professionals build valuable connections and access essential resources through networking events, advocacy, and educational opportunities. The Chamber is committed to creating a thriving environment for Black business leaders to flourish and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.
The Fort Wayne Black Chamber of Commerce
© Black Chamber Fort Wayne, 2025. All rights reserved
