Women Speak Up’s Girl Talk Event: Insights, Inspiration, and Industry Advice
Women Speak Up had the honor of hosting our second annual Girl Talk event on March 16, 2025. This inspiring virtual panel brought together incredible women from various industries to share their experiences, challenges, and advice with our engaged audience.
A Quick Recovery & A Powerful Message
Just 20 minutes into the event, we faced an unexpected technical issue that cut our virtual panel short. But in true problem-solving fashion, our founder quickly created a new platform link, and we were back on track within seconds. This moment was a testament to the adaptability and resilience of women, a perfect example of why women truly make the world go round.
An Unforgettable Panel
We were honored to welcome six dynamic women to share their professional and personal journeys:
Mara Smith - Founder and CEO, Inspiro Tequila
Tessa Caruso - Marketing Manager, JBJ Soul Foundation
Sara Diaz - CEO and Founder, The First Gen Madrina
Alana Meraz - Founder, LatinX Sports
Chanel Pettaway - Public Relations, Branding, Events & Media Specialist
Kalli Combs - Social Media and Content Strategist
The purpose of this event was to foster community among women in various industries and provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Our moderator and founder, Yanel, led an engaging discussion covering work-life balance, industry advice, and the essential skills that set successful women apart.
Key Takeaways & Powerful Insights
One of the most emphasized skills during the discussion was communication. Mara Smith highlighted that knowing how to effectively express your needs in a fast-moving industry is crucial.
Chanel Pettaway spoke about the importance of mentorship, stating that while she is always willing to help, she has rarely been asked. Her advice? Mentors won’t seek you out—you have to take the initiative and reach out to the people you admire.
Kalli Combs reinforced the importance of research and outreach. If you’re contacting someone for mentorship or collaboration, you must do your homework first. In the communications and business world, understanding who you’re reaching out to is a key skill.
The panelists also stressed the importance of authenticity in professional spaces. Alana Meraz, known for her sneakers and hoodies, shared how she remains true to herself despite industry norms.
Sara Diaz tackled mental health and imposter syndrome, reminding attendees that they deserve their seat at the table: "You are where you are for a reason."
Tessa Caruso, who works on a small marketing team, emphasized leadership and trust among colleagues. She also spoke about the power of storytelling and how it has shaped her career.
Audience Engagement & Shared Wisdom
One audience member shared that she was considering a career change and sought advice. The panelists unanimously encouraged networking and making connections to open new doors.
Another attendee summed up a major takeaway: “We don’t have to keep limiting ourselves.”
Throughout the discussion, one theme remained clear: building strong connections is crucial for career growth. Whether attending panels, networking events, or simply reaching out to professionals, a five-minute conversation could be life-changing.
Reframing Work-Life Balance
A recurring discussion point was the challenge of balancing work and life. The panelists reminded us that you can’t excel in everything at once. Instead, they advised focusing on specific goals and understanding that sometimes, one area of life may require more attention than another.
Yanel compared this to marriage: "Some days, you can only give 30%, and your partner has to give 70%."
Behind the Scenes: Lessons from a PR Intern
As a public relations intern who helped plan this event, I learned invaluable lessons. From initial research in January to selecting panelists and managing communication, I was the main point of contact for these incredible women. Seeing them in a professional setting and then getting to know them personally during the event was an experience I will carry with me throughout my career.
Planning this event taught me:
The importance of outreach and relationship-building
How to craft engaging questions for meaningful discussions
The logistics of event promotion and planning
How to adapt quickly when technical issues arise
Watching this event go from email scripts to a live activation was a milestone moment for me, reinforcing the value of preparation, adaptability, and teamwork.
Join Us Next Year!
The second annual Girl Talk event was a huge success, and we can’t wait to welcome you next year!
Missed this event? Don’t worry! Our 8th Annual Women Speak Up Gala is coming up in November.
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To learn more information, visit www.womenspeakupus.org for resources, events and more.
