Women's Business Conference-Aberdeen | 2020

Women's Business Conference-Aberdeen

March 26, 2020

Dakota Event Center

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Women Empowering Women Panel

Grand Prizes

Meet Jennifer Pharr Davis

Jennifer Pharr outdoors

National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Jennifer Pharr Davis is a lover of long trails and good stories. As a record-breaking long-distance hiker, she has covered over 14,000 miles on every continent but Antarctica. In 2011, she hiked 47 miles a day for 46 straight days to become the first women to set the "Fastest Known Time (FKT)" on the Appalachian Trail. She also backpacked 550 miles while pregnant with her daughter and hiked 1,200 miles while nursing her son. Her story and her life are one of perseverance and commitment.

At age 24, Jennifer founded Blue Ridge Hiking Company in North Carolina to make trails accessible to hikers of all ages, genders, and ability levels. Her company is 11 years old, includes two locations, and takes over 1,500 people on hikes each year. Jennifer has authored seven books and written articles for the New York Times, Running Times and National Parks Traveler. Jennifer lives in Asheville, NC with her husband Brew, their daughter Charley and son Gus.

Through two dynamic sessions, Jennifer will weave together her trials on the trail and what she has learned along the way of her many adventures. Attendees will be empowered and inspired and leave with a new toolbox of ideas to take back to their workplace or business.

Keynote Topics

Defining the Path

In a world that wants women to do everything well, it is imperative that we discover a narrow path where we can excel. We can define these individual pathways through personal and professional exploration, setting boundaries and communicating clearly, and by choosing habits of change over struggles of control. Learn to embrace the power–and freedom-that comes from naming your vision and claiming your direction.

Going the Distance

Failure is not a mistake. It is an inherent part of any adventure. Taking on challenges can improve your creative problem solving skills and need for teamwork and delegation. Find ways to explore your potential, maximize your performance, and find the balance of what is possible in the short term versus what is beneficial in the long term.

Jennifer outside

Learn more about Jennifer’s books, company, and her story.

Jennifer will have signed books for sale at the conference.

3rd Annual Women's Business Conference-Aberdeen

Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Dakota Event Center

The 2020 keynote speaker is Jennifer Pharr Davis. National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, Jennifer has trekked over 14,000 miles of long-distance trails over six continents. In 2011, she covered the 2,185 mile Appalachian Trail (the “A.T.”) in forty-six days, eleven hours and twenty minutes, maintaining a remarkable average of forty-seven miles per day. By doing this, she claimed the overall (male or female) fastest known time on the ‘A.T” and became the first woman to set the mark. Jennifer has written five books and has been featured in the New York Times, Outside, Trail Runner, NPR’s Talk of the Nation and the Washington Post. She’s also a business owner with her husband, a community leader and a mom.

“Celebrating our 11th year helping women across the state launch new ventures and grow their businesses and careers, we wanted to focus on adventure and what that can mean in the workplace,” says Michelle Kane, SD CEO Director. “Jennifer is going to share stories of her extraordinary experiences all over the world which will result in actionable steps we can take to find the life explorer in all of us – both personally and professionally.”

This year, the focus of the Women’s Business Conference will be taking charge of your professional development and creating a seat at the table … even if you are not sure where to get started or where you should go next. The conference will speak to women in all phases of their career – from early career to seasoned professionals. Jennifer will lead two sessions. The first will include defining your focus and path, communicating clearly and setting boundaries AND staying adaptable in any environment. The second session will discuss creative problem solving, teamwork, resiliency and work-life balance. While she shares stories of her worldwide hiking adventures and experiences, she will provide tips and tools for success that can be implemented immediately.

Exhibitors

CONTACT INFORMATION

SD CEO: Women's Business Center
1200 University Street
Unit #9511
Spearfish, SD 57799-9511
605.642.6948
Mela.Cosme@BHSU.edu