Photos Contributed by Sarah Jane Photography
What: Women Who Own it Awards
Where: Stephens College Kimball Ballroom
When: Nov. 6
Cost: Table Sponsor – $1,000, Individual Ticket – $75
Website: mowbc.org
Since 2018, the Women Who Own It Awards have been celebrating and honoring female entrepreneurs from eight different counties in Missouri: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cooper, Cole, Howard, Moniteau and Osage. Jayme Prenger, the director of the Missouri Women’s Business Center, says this event is about building up female entrepreneurs and acknowledging those who are giving back to their communities. “Recognizing women-owned businesses plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation and empowering more women to pursue their ambitions with confidence.” she says.
It also helps spread the word to surrounding counties about the existence of small female-owned businesses that are worth exploring and supporting. “I love being able to show what’s going on in these smaller communities,” Prenger says. “It gives everyone a voice.”
Each year, the community nominates strong female entrepreneurs from each of the eight counties who they believe have earned the Women Who Own It Award. Winning this award not only highlights the achievements of each woman but also allows each winner to share her story, network and lead others. “These are all women that they may never have met before winning the award; and it’s people you really want to network with,” Prenger says.
The eight winners in 2024 were Amanda Keene (Flowers on Phoenix), Nikki Gouge (Beckett’s), Jen Hedrick (SOA Architecture), Nicci Rexroat (A Place to Grow), Jennifer Schenck (The Connection Exchange), Lauren Wieberg (404 Marketing Agency), Rebekah Vaught (Beks) and Kiarah Harris (The Cookie Club). Nominations for this year’s event opened in August and winners will be announced at the award ceremony on Nov. 6. “It’s a night to recognize powerhouse women from all over mid-Missouri and honor those who have had a significant impact on their community,” Prenger says. “It’s always an inspirational evening.
