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Aurora Women in Business Tea PartyIn honor of Women's History Month, the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance presents the 2026 Aurora Women in Business Tea Party: Stronger Together: Community, Networking, & Collective Power, a curated experience designed to elevate how Black women in business connect, collaborate, and build sustainable professional ecosystems. This session moves beyond surface-level networking to foster meaningful relationships that support business growth, leadership development, and personal well-being.
Through a thoughtfully structured format--including a keynote reflection, a fireside panel discussion, and guided small-group engagement--participants will gain insight from experienced Black women leaders while actively strengthening their own professional networks in an elegant and welcoming tea-party environment.
This event aims to:
-Highlight the critical role of community and collective power in the success of Black women in business.
-Share best practices for building authentic, trust-based professional networks.
-Encourage mentorship, collaboration, and resource sharing across industries.
-Create space for honest dialogue, shared wisdom, and mutual support.
Tea party attire is encouraged (but optional); men are welcome.
What to Expect
Opening Keynote: Michele Clark, Chief Human Resources Office, City of Aurora: A thought-provoking message on the value of collective impact, intentional networking, and community leadership.
Fireside Panel Discussion: A moderated conversation with Black women business leaders, founders, or community builders sharing lived experiences, challenges, and strategies for cultivating strong ecosystems.
Interactive Table Conversations (Guided Discussions): Guided small-group discussions designed to deepen connections and encourage peer-to-peer learning​.
Live Audience Q&A: An opportunity for attendees to engage directly with panelists and explore real-world applications
Closing Reflection & Call to Action: A collective commitment to continued connection, mentorship, and collaboration beyond the event.
Keynote Speaker and Panelists
Keynote Speaker & Panelist:
Michele Clark, Chief Human Resources Office, City of Aurora
Panelists:
Sandra Harrison, DVA Leadership & Development Training
Chef Ora, Cafe 322
Event Host:
Yolanda V. Dunn, MBA, is a business leader and community-centered entrepreneur, co-owner of Leave Me Bee Pest Control, Inc.
Catered by Riley Bell
Member Tickets: $55
Non-Member Tickets: $75
Sponsorships Available
All sponsorships include company's logo featured as a sponsor on all event communications, webpage, and social media channels.
Influence Sponsorship $1,000: Four (4) event tickets; exclusive spotlight opportunity (5 minutes to introduce your business) during the event; recognition as a key supporter of Aurora Women in Business initiatives; logo placement on event signage and in event booklet; opportunity to provide business cards or promotional materials for goodie bags at the event
Inspire Sponsorship ($750): Three (3) event tickets; verbal recognition at the event; logo placement on event signage and in event booklet; opportunity to provide business cards or promotional materials for goodie bags at the event
Empower Sponsorship ($500): Two (2) event tickets; verbal recognition at the event; logo in the event booklet; opportunity to provide business cards or promotional materials for goodie bags at the event
Community Sponsorship ($250): One (1) event ticket; listing in the event booklet; opportunity to provide business cards or promotional materials for goodie bags at the event
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Sage Event Space, 1167 Oak St, North Aurora, IL 60542-2061, United States
Tickets
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