2024 Women EmPOWER Forum

On November 7, LCWAG hosted the 2024 Women EmPOWER Forum, a vibrant gathering designed to spark entrepreneurial thinking and connect women with the tools, insights and support needed to move their businesses—or business ideas—forward.

Held in a welcoming, collaborative setting, the forum brought together a diverse mix of entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and local leaders. Attendees explored a range of topics, from launching a business to scaling up an existing venture, all while engaging in meaningful dialogue with experienced professionals who’ve navigated the journey themselves.

Highlights included:

• A panel discussion featuring local women business leaders sharing firsthand lessons and strategies

• A presentation from Leesburg Economic Development spotlighting regional resources

• Facilitated networking over lunch, giving participants a chance to connect and collaborate

• Breakout conversations that encouraged exploration of business ideas and next steps

Whether participants arrived with a fully formed business plan or just a spark of inspiration, they left with practical guidance, fresh ideas and new connections in a community of women supporting women in business.

Speakers included (pictured left to right):

Cheryl Wiehn 
Brown Dog Bookkeeping

Cheryl Wiehn, owner of Brown Dog Bookkeeping, helps small business owners streamline finances through bookkeeping, strategy sessions and QuickBooks training. A certified QuickBooks Advanced ProAdvisor with a business degree and broad industry experience, she supports clients at every stage of their business journey.

Natasha Magrath
You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia

Natasha Magrath is president and CEO of You’ve Got Maids of Northern Virginia, a top-rated cleaning service with awards including Best of Loudoun. Since founding the company in 2017, she has driven consistent revenue growth. A committed community leader, Natasha serves as treasurer for the Loudoun Literacy Council and Equality Loudoun and sits on multiple boards. She holds a B.S. in accounting and finance from the University of Lebanon.

Rosa Soto
Shear Love

Rosa Soto is founder and owner of Shear Love, Loudoun County’s first personalized pet spa and boutique. Starting as a mobile groomer in 2019, she expanded to a storefront in 2023. With over 10 years in pet care, Rosa emphasizes ongoing staff education and holds multiple degrees and 20+ grooming certifications.

Camille Hardy
Chunky Vegan

Camille Hardy, founder of Chunky Vegan, is revolutionizing baby food with plant-based, nutrient-rich meals from local organic farms. With a business degree and 20+ years as an IT executive, she blends innovation and transparency to provide healthy, expert-backed nutrition. Inspired by her son’s birth, Camille is now training as a Functional Nutritionist to further advance infant health.

Moderator: Lorraine Rise, M.S., CPRW, CPCC, SHRM-CP
Career UpRising

Lorraine Rise is founder of Career UpRising, having supported over 400 clients, including at Microsoft, Amazon and IBM. With a background in coaching, HR and recruiting, she launched Career UpRising in 2015 to empower career growth. Lorraine also hosts the Career UpRising podcast available on iTunes and Spotify.

Thank You to Our Sponsors / Supporters

2023 Women’s Entrepreneurial Business Seminar - May 3