The Nashville Coalition of 100 Black Women Foundation, Incorporated hosts the annual Sister-for-Sister Conference, Saturday, April 2 at the Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel, 600 Marriott Drive; HCA/TriStar Health is presenting sponsor. “Developing Your Personal Best in Health, Education, and Economic Empowerment” is the theme for the conference, which will feature Carolyn Hardy, the first African-American female to own a major brewery – Hardy Bottling – and founder of Henderson Transloading Services.
“Carol Hardy is a powerhouse and an astute businesswoman,” said Latrecia Jordan, conference chairman. “With her diverse experience, we have no doubt that she will share great insight with attendees about the pitfalls and advantages of entrepreneurship.”
Carolyn Hardy served as the first African-American female plant manager of J.M. Smucker Co.; vice president of services for Honeywell-POMS Corporation; and first African-American female vice president of a major brewery, Coors. In 2006, Hardy became the first African-American female to own a major brewery, Hardy Bottling, with the ability to manufacture more than 100 million cases. She sold her brewery assets to City Brewing in 2011. In 2012, Hardy founded Henderson Transloading Services providing one-stop shopping services for grain, lumber, and other goods that benefit from multi-modal services offered in Memphis.
“Entrepreneurship is critical because we live in a changing world and someone has to be brave enough to change with it. Entrepreneurship is critical because we create new from the old,” Hardy said. “As we know, most jobs are created by small businesses. Jobs and meaningful work give people hope and a reason for being. I like to believe that as an entrepreneur I have had a small impact on people’s lives in that way.”
Hardy earned her BBA and MBA from the University of Memphis and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She is currently chair of the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, chair of the New Memphis Institute and serves on several other boards.
Hardy will conclude a full-day conference assembling knowledgeable speakers touching on topics such as education, economics and health care. The 2016 Davis-Galloway Empowerment Award will be presented recognizing and honoring women who ascend to leadership through outstanding advocacy, effective networking and superlative community service.
Friday, April 1, the conference hosts a free Professional Development Workshop at the Meharry Medical College Cal Turner Family Center. Higher education professionals from American Baptist College, Fisk, Meharry, and TSU will discuss the “State of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)” and the challenges and opportunities of these important institutions.
“Each year, the Sister-for-Sister Conference is packed with thought-provoking, inspiring and motivational speakers and educational workshops that help to empower women to reach their personal best,” Jordan said. “We are convinced that attendees will walk away with information that will impact their lives for the better and help them to make positive transformations.”
Registration is $65 per person, including continental breakfast, workshops, access to vendors, conference materials, networking, and lunch. Tickets, table reservations and sponsorship opportunities are available on the website www.NashvilleFoundation100BW.org or by calling (615) 424-4753.
