Event co-chairs Lydia Bebee, of Chevron, Ann Berkey, of McKesson Foundation, and Laura Ipsen, of Cisco, invite you to join us for the 2009 Women's Initiative Celebration.

Wednesday, May 13, 5:30pm - 9:00pm
5:30 – 7:00pm - Marketplace (Wine, Hors d’Oeuvres, and shopping)
7:00 – 9:00 pm- Awards Dinner program

Westin St. Francis Hotel, Union Square in San Francisco » VIEW MAP
Attire: Business swanky

Join the most powerful women in business who are taking action to empower women and stimulate the economy. Our celebration is one of the most inspirational events you will attend all year. Your participation will help empower low-income women throughout the Bay Area to start their own businesses, create jobs, and give back to the community.
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This year Women's Initiative honors ...

Founders’ Award Honoree
Recognizing an exceptional leader in our business community who embodies the values of Women's Initiative

Janet Lamkin , President, Bank of America California
As President of Bank of America California, Janet Lamkin is responsible for ensuring the integration of the company's entire operation throughout the state, in order to deliver the full power of Bank of America to customers, clients and communities and meet the bank's growth goals across all lines of business. California is the largest and most important market of Bank of America's nationwide franchise, and Bank of America's largest bank. Janet worked for Bank of America in California for more than ten years, serving in a variety of roles, most recently as the company's corporate communications and public affairs executive. She left the bank in 2005 to become President and Chief Executive Officer of the California Bankers Association and returned in June of 2007 to assume her current role.

Enterprising Woman of the Year
Recognizing outstanding Women’s Initiative entrepreneurs. These are graduates of our program.

Alison Bakarat , owner of Bakesale Betty
Alison emigrated from Australia in 2000 and worked as a cook at Chez Panisse in Berkeley for three years before leaving to sell her Australian-style baked goods at various farmers markets. While an excellent baker, Alison needed help with the business aspect of her job, so she turned to Women's Initiative and graduated in March of 2003. She opened her bakery storefront in Oakland's Temescal district in 2005, and sales have been booming ever since. Bakesale Betty has received tremendous reviews in numerous Bay Area publications from the San Francisco Chronicle to Oakland Magazine. Last year, Maria Shriver toured several Women's Initiative businesses including Bakesale Betty. As a result, Alison's scones are now a regular treat at the Governor's Mansion. More importantly, Alison's success means she employs approximately 100 employees and has given a boost to other businesses in the neighborhood.

Enterprising Woman on the Rise
Recognizing outstanding Women’s Initiative entrepreneurs. These are graduates of our program.

Josephine White, owner of The Front Porch
Josey White is the owner and manager of San Francisco's "The Front Porch" Restaurant. Josey got her start in the restaurant business at Emmy Spaghetti Shack in 2000. From her friend and mentor, Emmy, she learned the inside scoop of running and owning a restaurant. Armed with her experiences from The Shack, White left in 2006 to start her own place and graduated from Women's Initiative that same year.
In spite of San Francisco's extremely competitive restaurant industry and a very limited budget, she managed to build a thriving business from scratch. Josey and The Front Porch have become an integral part of her south Mission neighborhood, as the restaurant brings customers from all over the city and Josey is committed to giving back to the community.

Marketplace opens at 5:30 pm. Come early to purchase exquisite jewelry, clothing, and more from our graduates at the Marketplace.

Thanks to the following for ensuring the success of the event:

» Women's Initiative Leadership around the bay is extensive. To see listings of our board leaders CLICK HERE

» Now is the time to buy your table and invite guests CLICK HERE

Take Action !

Join us to celebrate women who are empowering and stimulating the economy.

Sponsor Levels and Ticket Prices
Presenting Sponsor $50,000
Social Investor $25,000
Venture Capitalist $10,000
Asset Builder $5,000
Individual $350

**Note**: It is not longer possible to buy tickets for this event online. Tickets will be available at the door. You may still make online donations. For more information and questions contact Madhuri Kirkham at (510) 287-3107 or mkirkham@womensinitiative.org.

Made possible by the generosity of our sponsors