Susan Repka, executive director of The Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance, will serve as chair for the Texas Business Alliance’s 2011 Back to Basics One Woman Conference on Aug. 19. Repka embarked on her career with the WBEA in 1998 by answering phones and taking reservations for events and, ultimately, worked her way up through the organization to receive the executive title in 2007. At the two-day conference, she will share her knowledge on the growth of small business and how women-owned businesses and corporate members can increase business opportunities through education, programs and professional networking. –alex green
What are your keys to success?
Believe in what you are doing. It has to be more than a “job.” It has to be a passion. Have a vision of where you want to be five years from now. Share that vision with people who support you and are willing to help you make the vision a reality. While negativity is a fact of life, don’t let it get you down.
How do you continue to educate yourself in your field?
I read continuously or at least try to skim over articles that will keep me informed of the latest trends. I also have a support group of other organizations across the United States who do what we do. We share best practices about programs that have worked in our area. I also know that I can turn to our members for assistance in any area. We have an extensive list of experts that are all willing to give advice anytime.
What projects are you currently working on that our readers should know about?
WBEA recently received a grant from the SBA to open a Women’s Business Center. This is an exciting program that will help women start companies. We hope this is the first of many grants that will expand our current educational programs.
For more information, please visit: www.wbea-texas.org.
