SHE Week celebrates the women who are opening businesses, strengthening communities, and building pathways for continued growth. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2025 Small Business Profile, small businesses account for 99% of all businesses in Maryland and employ 1.2 million people. Of the state’s 696,000 small businesses, 46% of them are women-owned. These figures highlight the vital role entrepreneurship plays in Maryland’s economy and underscore the value of supporting initiatives that expand access for entrepreneurs and small business owners to connect with resources and build meaningful relationships.
Over the last several years, SHE Week has transformed into a three-day event focused on supporting and developing women through education, networking, mentorship, and partnerships. The event, managed by the Frederick County Chamber and their Women in Business Committee, provides opportunities for women throughout Frederick County to build professional connections, gain practical skills, and learn from other business and community leaders.
Acacia Bowens , co-chair for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business committee, and an entrepreneur herself, said, “S.H.E. Week may only be one week, but for many women, it’s the start of something much bigger. I’ve watched women walk in carrying the weight of the world and walk out inspired, renewed, and celebrated. I’ve seen She Pitch winners go on to open storefronts, grow their teams, and take their businesses further than they’d imagined. I’ve seen friendships from that week turn into mentors, collaborators, and lifelong support systems. That’s what S.H.E. Week really is, not just one week, but a beginning, for the women and for Frederick County.”
This year’s theme, “Unleash,” focused on encouraging women to recognize their potential, challenge limiting patterns, and approach leadership and professional growth with greater confidence and purpose.
S.H.E. Week Conference
The week began with Conference Day at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company, featuring a full day of speakers and workshops focused on leadership, communication, professional development, and sustainable growth.
Deputy State’s Attorney for Frederick County Joyce King encouraged attendees to move beyond self-imposed limitations and approach leadership with greater confidence, drawing on both professional experience and personal perspective.
Liz Marion, owner of Liby Works, focused on communicating effectively and with confidence in a variety of professional settings, emphasizing the importance of adapting communication styles to different audiences and circumstances.
Karmin Jenkins, of Inner Healing for Abundant Living, Inc., addressed the role of boundaries in effective leadership and sustainable professional growth.
Dr. Olivia White, Ph.D., focused on developing influence and creating a lasting professional and community impact.
Together, the sessions provided attendees with practical approaches to leadership, communication, and professional development. The conference also incorporated wellness activities, including Pilates sessions, throughout the day.
S.H.E. Pitch Competition
The next phase of SHE Week, S.H.E. Pitch provides women entrepreneurs with an opportunity to present their businesses and business concepts to a broader audience. Added in 2021, the competition includes both idea-stage and growth-stage businesses, with finalists receiving cash prizes, publicity, and networking opportunities.
The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development is a long-time sponsor of the SHE Pitch Competition. Two staff members serve as committee members during the evaluation phase, and our Economic Development Manager, Mary Ford-Naill, serves as a judge on the night of the event. Our team is proud to support our partners in initiatives that increase access and engagement for our entrepreneurs.
Beyond the competition itself, S.H.E. Pitch provides a platform for entrepreneurs to refine their messaging, gain exposure, and connect with potential customers, partners, and other members of the business community. The six finalists, all women-owned businesses, had five minutes to make a pitch to a panel of judges to win a $5,000 award, as well as other prizes, including a $250 voucher for printing services, a 1 year co-working membership and free tax strategy consulting, while the Growth Stage winner also receives an ad package from “Sass“ magazine.
This year’s award recipients included Dr. ChaCha Hudson, founder of The SEWcial Café, who received both the Growth Stage Award and People’s Choice Award. Janelle Perfetto, owner of Limitless Physical Therapy & Wellness, won the Idea Stage, while Chanin Storm of The Healing Storm Holistic Wellness received the SHE’s Rising Award.
Photo credit: Crvnka Photography
S.H.E.RO Awards
SHE Week concluded with the SHERO Awards, recognizing women who have made significant contributions to the community through leadership, service, and perseverance. The SHERO Awards are divided into three categories – strength, heart and equality and are nominated by members of the Frederick community.
Wendy Addington with Kyle’s Crusaders took home the Strength award for her work in raising funds for research into combating cancer in children. Karlys Kline, founder of the Women’s Giving Circle, was given the Heart Award for her trusted leadership and guidance to create enduring impact in Frederick County. Ashley Vancleef of Law for Parents was given the Equality award for her mission to assist parents to navigate the education systems and effectuate their child's legal rights and protections so that their children succeed.
The awards celebrate and shine a light on women who are triumphing over adversity, demonstrating extraordinary care for others or leading change in the Frederick County community.
Left to right: Wendy Addington (Strength), Karlys Kline (Heart), and Ashley Vancleef (Equality). Photo Credit: Crvnka Photography
Taken together, the events of SHE Week highlight the range of ways women contribute to Frederick’s business and civic landscape; from entrepreneurship and professional leadership to mentorship, community service, and advocacy.
Helen Propheter, set to take over leadership of Frederick County Chamber of Commerce in September, has been involved in SHE Week since its inception, "SHE Week was a powerful celebration of the strength, leadership, and impact of women in our community. As I look toward the opportunity to serve as the next Chamber President, I am inspired to continue building a Chamber where all are empowered to lead, connect, and create meaningful change.”
Women entrepreneurs represent a significant part of Frederick’s local business community. SHE Week provides demonstrates the value of creating opportunities for women to exchange knowledge, develop professional relationships, and connect with resources. SHE Week contributes to a stronger and more connected local business ecosystem by bringing entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members together.
Casey Beins, recently promoted to Director of Marketing and Communications for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, said, “S.H.E. Week 2026 was an incredible reminder of what can happen when our community comes together to celebrate and invest in women. From the energy of Conference Day to the excitement of S.H.E. Pitch and the celebration of our SHERO Award recipients, we were proud to create spaces for women to connect and recognize what makes Frederick County such a special place.”
The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development team is committed to supporting Frederick’s entrepreneurs and business owners. If you are starting your entrepreneurial journey, or you are growing your business and want to learn about resources and connections, reach out today by calling 301.600.6360, or schedule a meeting with our staff here.
