The Valley Sierra Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is getting set to host its 8th annual Business Women’s Symposium on Sept. 22. The event, which will take place at Greens on Tenth event venue in Modesto, is designed for local businesswomen to learn, inspire and connect with likeminded members of the community.

“This transformative event is your gateway to empowerment, offering a platform to learn from remarkable women, share experiences and forge invaluable relationships,” said Amy Copland, SBDC program manager.

According to the SBDC, women make up over 50.4% of Stanislaus County’s population, citing the 2021 US Census. Many companies are managed, owned and operated by women, with the event aiming to give women in these positions “the tools to take speed and make a presence in their organizations as female leaders.”

Speakers at next month’s event will be Veronica Hernandez, Maria Apodaca and Jessica Chang Irish.

Chang Irish is an Emmy-winning television news reporter. Apodaca is the owner of Mocha Magic Café and Bake Shop in Modesto. Meanwhile, Hernandez, who will serve as the event’s keynote speaker, is the current general manager of the Modesto Nuts and the first Latina to hold the position in the history of Minor League Baseball.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sept. 22. Tickets cost $35 and include breakfast and a raffle ticket. To learn more or register, visit bit.ly/8thBWS. There are limited seats.