Women’s Startup Founders Unconference

X-Founders is hosting Portland’s first Unconference revolving around the theme of Women Entrepreneurship.

Who are X-Founders?
We are a roundtable of women business founders in Portland, OR, that came together with the realization that we needed and could benefit from a community of likeminded individuals with big aspirations. At X-founders, we offer peer mentoring in a safe, confidential space to support and challenge one another to reach our goals.
For more info, find us at: http://xfounderspdx.org/

The Event
What you don’t need is another presentation, books, or itineraries planned months ahead of time. Instead, what we all really seek when coming to an event is personal value. The best and most meaningful memories come from when we walk away with thought provoking discussions, new relationships, and those do not happen while sitting in lecture. They happen in the discussions that go on amongst the attendees.

The goal of this unconference is to bring forth the brightest minds in the community that feel strongly around the topic of women entrepreneurs. Then from there, to open a new doorway for opportunities to connect and learn, all while having fun and making it what you want it to be.

Megan O’Leary the Director of Member Services from OEN is going to facilitate the whole unconference event. A great experienced facilitator makes the event, so prepare yourself for a wonderful time.

9:00am-10:00am Coffee & networking
10:00-11:00am Overview and group agenda setting
11:00-11:45am Session 1
11:45am-12:30pm Session 2
12:30pm-1:30pm Lunch & Session 3
1:30pm-2:15pm Session 4
2:15pm-3:30pm Session 5
3:30pm-4:00pm Closing remarks

Lunch is included. Capiche.

So, what exactly is an ‘Unconference?’
Think of this as an open conference that is driven by its participants. Unlike traditional conferences, an unconferenceallows for flexibility, open discussion, and debate, all fueled by its attendees. Innovative conversations with some of the brightest people, important purposes and tasks discussed without any formal agenda, and unplanned dialogue led by ultimately what peaks your interest most.

Why attend?
This is your chance to learn from others, seek out answers, and openly ask questions to what matters most to you.

Come to build a collaborative network, establish partnerships, and be in a close community of people that value the same or similar topics of discussion.

Open your awareness to new ideas for yourself or your business.

Be exposed to new trends, latest issues, new projects, emerging businesses and tools..

Unconferences are proven to be highly productive for whatever issues people feel most strongly about. EXPECT fascinating questions, surprising results, inspiring quotes of laughter, and hard work.

How Does it Work?
Simple, we provide the theme — Women Entrepreneurship. When you arrive, we will kick off with an ice-breaker, introduce everyone, then break off into building the day’s agenda around your needs, interests, and areas of expertise.

The sessions will be broken up into 30-minute discussions and spaces are reserved for gatherings that happen throughout the day.

Who should attend?
If you took the time to read through all of this, then YOU! The event is open to anyone with an interest in the topic. The goal is to bring a diverse mix of individuals and professionals from all industries and stages of their business. Whether you’re a CEO, a startup founder, stay-at-home mom with a new idea, or simply just have interest in the topic of women entrepreneurs, we welcome you to join us. This event is open to all genders to attend and participate.

Organizers
Event Chair – Jessica Chan
Jessica Chan is the founder of WinkPens LLC; a manufacturer of innovative and quality writing instruments, with a unique niche for creative and refillable glass fountain pens built to write with raw inks such as wine, juice, or tea. The company was founded in Portland, OR, in 2015 to realize her vision of creating a sustainable alternative to something that many people use in their daily lives.

Jessica has a diverse background from teaching martial arts and personal training to business marketing, customer service, construction, and industrial design. Each major experience has been a stepping stone to where she is now — which is passionately pursuing her business venture. ” The potential to touch another person, to ignite that spark in them that might blossom into something great and the daily opportunity to just provide new experiences is what eternally fuels the love for my craft.”

Co-Chair – Monica Borrell
Monica Borrell is the CEO of Cardsmith. Cardsmith helps consultants, freelancers and creatives double their productivity by providing a lightweight, visual web app patterned after sticky-notes.

Monica has been self-employed since 1992 and Cardsmith is Monica’s 5th company. She has been a member of the X-founders group since it’s inception. “The relationships I’ve made with other women via X-founders have been invaluable to me both in my business and in my life. It is wonderful to have the camaraderie and support that this group of women provides”.

XFounders founder – Lin Carson
Lin Carson, PhD, is an entrepreneur, baker, food scientist, spouse and mother of 3 children. She is the CEO of BAKERpedia, a baking encyclopedia resource that provides continuing education to bakers. She has brought BAKERpedia from zero to over $100K in revenues within a year.

Lin attributes this to finding the right mentors, and surrounding herself with fellow X-founders. Lin created X-founders because she felt that women need this support for goal attainment. “Successful entrepreneurship requires a clear vision, grit and focus on one’s business. All too often, we get lonely on this journey, and we tend to veer off our paths. X-founders forces you to come meet and talk about your goals every week so that you remain focused on your journey.”

Megan O’Leary – OEN Director of Membership Services
 As Director of Membership Services, Megan manages recruitment, retention and educational programming for OEN’s statewide network. She is focused on providing an excellent and beneficial experience for members, connecting them to resources and building a strong and thriving community.

Megan has over 13 years of professional experience which began as an AmeriCorps Member with the education organization City Year. This began 10 years in the education space where she developed programs, managed staff, trained volunteers, raised money and executed special events. In 2011, she was selected to lead the start-up of City Year’s 22nd U.S. location in Sacramento and successfully opened the doors in 6 months. Megan came to Oregon in 2013 where she most recently was leading Community Affairs for global nonprofit Idealist.org’s Portland office. Megan holds a BA from The University of Arizona and is a proud member of her alma mater’s Wildcat for Life Alumni Leadership Council. She currently serves as Board Chair for YNPN Portland.