On Sept. 15, WALTER hosted the ninth annual WINnovation at The Umstead Hotel & Spa to celebrate female leadership through storytelling.

The evening kicked off with workshops on professional development led by Danielle Galmore of Touchpoint Wines, Chasta Hamilton, and Melissa Carrier and Elizabeth Benefield of Radiate Works. 

During cocktail hour, guests were able to take head shots with photographer Terrence Jones or have their resume reviewed by representatives from Duke Fuqua School of Business.

The WINnovation speakers delivered their talks during a three-course dinner in the ballroom. Dix Park Conservancy president and CEO Janet Cowell  talked about a career where she was often the only woman in the room. James Beard Award nomintated chef Preeti Waas, owner of Cheeni Indian Food Emporium, discussed building her business.

Debra Austin, ballet master at Carolina Ballet, spoke about being the first African American dancer for the New York City Ballet. Kathryn Shah explained how a cancer diagnosis shifted her off a high-test career track and led to founding Spring & Mulberry.

Thank you to our partner Bank of America, sponsor Diamonds Direct and workshop sponsors Wegmans and Duke Fuqua School of Business, as well as table sponsors Women Business Owners Network of the Triangle, North State Bank, Blue Water Spa, City of Raleigh, Great Outdoor Provision Company, Closets by Design, Dix Park Conservancy and Hutchison Law.

This article originally appeared in the November 2023 issue of WALTER magazine.