EBS STAFF
On March 1, the first day of Women’s History Month, the Montana Chamber of Commerce awarded four women with 2024 Indigenous and Rural Business Women’s Scholarships. The scholarships will cover all expenses for the women to attend the Women in Business Summit: Blazing Trails, happening in Bozeman March 6 to 8.
“Supporting women isn’t just about leveling the playing field; it’s about recognizing the immense talent, innovation, and leadership they bring to the table,” Liz Marchi, Head of Community Engagement at Two Bear Capital, stated in the release. Two Bear Capital sponsored the program.
The business summit will celebrate and empower women in business through networking, programming and workshops in leadership development, financial wellbeing, entrepreneurship, advocacy and philanthropy.
Cora Chandler, owner of Coray Kay Productions from Billings won the award, saying she is committed to women’s economic empowerment. Sarah Fischer from Peerless, Montana won the award as owner of Moonlight Laserworks.
Yolanda OldDwarf from Billings won the scholarship as CEO of Sweet Sage Woman and Aleisha Shirley, from Melrose, Montana, won the scholarship as the owner of Solid in the Saddle.
There will be a panel discussion at the event called “Inclusive Horizons Elevating BIPOC Women in Business, in which Yolanda OldDwarf and Cora Chandler will participate in, also celebrating the launch of Native Women’s Launch Program at Accelerate Montana.
“Native Women Launch offers comprehensive and culturally inclusive courses in business, leadership, and finance specifically for female Indigenous entrepreneurs to support them in forging their paths, and shaping a future where their ventures flourish,” Karen Dove, program director of Native Women’s Launch Program stated in the release. “Accelerate Montana is excited to support Indigenous Women leading the way in business and leadership in Montana as part of the Native Women Launch program.”
