A network of women helping women in business is the driving force of Elevate in Lawrence. Founded in 2023, the organization’s goal is to create networking opportunities where women can share their talents, ideas, gifts, and knowledge to lift one another up. It is also a group that understands the importance of mentorship for women as they start businesses, raise their children, and give back to the community.
Kelly Loneker, Regional Business Development Associate at Silver Lake Bank and founder of Elevate, and Tiffany Hall, Vice President of Membership, Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, both agree that the significance of women mentoring other women in professional settings and beyond cannot be overstated. It is fundamental in shaping a more inclusive and equitable workforce, fostering personal and professional growth, and breaking down the barriers that women often face in various fields.
Elevate was started help:
- Empowerment and Confidence Building: Mentors empower their mentees by sharing insights and guidance tailored to navigating the unique challenges women face in the workplace. This encouragement helps mentees assert themselves more confidently, take on leadership roles, and strive for higher achievements.
- Role Modeling and Visibility: Having a mentor who has navigated the complexities of being a woman in a professional setting offers a tangible example of what is possible. It is critical to inspire the next generation of women to pursue their goals with determination.
- Networking Tools: Loneker says the goal is to “introduce tools used to build business and relationships critical to improving daily success.”
Hall agrees, “It is important to provide women and minorities access to both the resources and capital that they need to start and establish their business and impact on the community. This access to opportunities is vital for career advancement and breaking through the glass ceiling that many women encounter.”
- Personal Growth for Mentors: The benefits are not one-sided; mentors also gain significantly from the relationship. Through mentoring, women leaders can refine their leadership and communication skills, gain new perspectives, and find fulfillment in contributing to someone else's growth.
For more information about Elevate and their upcoming networking event in June, contact Loneker at kellyloneker@gmail.com or visit elevate-lawrence.square.site to join the email group.
These entrepreneurs in Lawrence are examples of women who support others while running their own businesses.
Dr. Stephanie Pasas-Farmer
Biodata Solutions
Founded in 2015, Biodata Solutions has emerged as a formidable player in the drug development industry, particularly in the bioanalytical consulting sector. Dr. Pasas-Farmer's leadership and vision have been instrumental in the company’s growth and success. With over 13 years of experience in bioanalytical chemistry, drug metabolism, and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), she has led the company to become a key player in the drug development industry.
The company's involvement in a diverse range of drug development programs, including those focusing on oncology and potentially life-saving treatments like an HIV vaccine, underscores its commitment to addressing unmet medical needs. Their expertise extends across a broad spectrum of drug development processes, including operational program management, method development, and validation, as well as market planning and development for new perspective drugs around the world that can change lives.
One of Biodata Solutions' most significant advancements was the incorporation of software Red Thread®, also founded by Dr. Pasas-Farmer and renowned for its innovative AI-driven solutions, which automates specific preclinical and clinical bioanalytical processes. This automation reduces time and costs associated with trials and enhances consistency in results, improving the overall efficiency of drug development projects.
Dr. Pasas-Farmer also mentors KU chemistry students working on their Masters and Ph.D degrees. BdataSolutions.com
Trina Baker
Trina Baker Photography
In our picturesque city of Lawrence, Baker is a photographer and mixed media artist known for capturing her subjects' essence and strength. Specializing in boudoir and personal branding photography, Baker has a talent for showcasing the beauty and confidence of those she photographs, helping individuals and businesses alike to narrate their unique stories through captivating images.
Baker mentioned three groups that have been important to her as she develops and hones her business: The Chamber of Commerce, Elevate, and the Boss Lady Project. These groups allow her to share ideas with other business owners, network, and gain inspiration.
Trina Baker Photography is dedicated to elevating the professional image of female entrepreneurs and professionals through personal branding photography. This specialized service aims to capture the individuality and essence of a brand, offering high-resolution images that enhance online presence and credibility. Baker's personalized approach starts with a detailed consultation to understand the brand, its goals, and its vision. She ensures the photoshoot aligns perfectly with the client's brand identity. TrinaBaker.net
Kimberly Williams
Sound Speech Therapy
Williams has created a nurturing environment for children requiring speech therapy. With over 17 years of experience, she and her dedicated team offer specialized services, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, orofacial myofunctional therapy, and feeding therapy. The practice is built on a foundation of fun and effective therapy strategies that cater to children of various ages, emphasizing the importance of creating personal connections between therapists, patients, families, and community professionals.
Sound Speech Therapy's approach is tailored to meet each client's individual needs, fostering trust and building on prior successes to encourage a solid foundation of skills that will last a lifetime. The goal is to address immediate communication concerns and develop robust, motivating, and enjoyable therapy activities that support each child's unique developmental journey. From the initial contact to assessment and through to creating an individualized treatment plan, Sound Speech Therapy guides families through each step, offering in-person and teletherapy services to accommodate different needs.
Kim has her own family and spoke of the importance of her family's support and her engagement in women's networks here in Lawrence, particularly Elevate and the Chamber. She appreciates the opportunity to engage with other women and business owners for support and help as her business and team practice grow. Soundspeechks.com
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Kelly Shaw
Kelly Shaw Consulting
Shaw has a rich background in corporate leadership and a passion for empowering individuals and teams. She gained experience partnering with managers to help develop their leadership abilities. Through her experience in working with teams and mentorship, initially via the International Women’s Forum, she grew her knowledge, which led to her current consulting business. Kelly's business focuses on individual coaching, team building, and motivational speaking.
Shaw mentioned mentors such as Heather Hoy from the Douglas County Community Foundation and other local women through Central Rotary, Leadership Lawernce, and the Chamber of Commerce as instrumental to establishing ties to the local community. Creating this network of mentors and thought leaders has had a great impact on identifying opportunities for her business and creating avenues for service back to the community.
With her corporate experience coupled with a deep understanding of the non-profit sector, Shaw is prepared and experienced in both individual and team coaching to transform organizations through cultural transformation, retreats, panel discussions, and stress management workshops targeted to the goals of the team and organization. Kelly also loves to mentor individuals in the community as they establish their businesses locally or internationally. KellyShawConsulting.com
Dr. Pasas-Farmer's leadership and vision have been instrumental in the company’s growth and success...she has become a key player in the drug development industry.
Baker has a talent for showcasing the beauty and confidence of those she photographs, helping individuals and businesses alike to narrate their unique stories...
William's practice is built on a foundation of fun and effective therapy strategies that cater to children of various ages...creating connections between therapists, patients, families...
Shaw is experienced in both individual and team coaching to transform organizations through cultural transformation, retreats, panel discussions, and stress management workshops...
