I breathed a huge sigh of relief as soon as I spotted a few more males, but with 800 people attending we were certainly a tiny minority. The organisers know their audience too, as the evening started with a massive shopping opportunity. Women's Initiative runs business classes for lower-income women in the Bay Area, encouraging them to start small companies, gain economic independence, and boost the economy and the community. Many graduates had stalls set up, selling everything from jewelry made from recycled materials to mini Peruvian empanadas.
Dinner was in the Grand Ballroom (of course) and the Chevron table hosted several graduates of the scheme. I sat next to Andrea, who has just launched her own skincare business called Rebma Elyk and sold her first pot of cream that night. And she could talk! I also chatted to a portrait photographer, and a graphic designer who has just moved here from Sydney. Dare I say it, but these 11-week evening classes seem to leave people somewhat more equipped to run their own company than a Haas MBA does...
Delicious food and wine kept coming while awards were given out. As ever in this great country, it was firstly about the networking and secondly about money. "Raise your hand if you're willing to write a cheque for $10,000 tonight," the chairwoman commanded in her speech. Somebody did, but Hannah was unwilling to warm up the Chevron corporate credit card that much. She contented herself with buying a box of chocolates and a pot of Andrea's hand cream.
Shopping under chandeliers.
Women are on the rise. I've known that for a long time.
It's Christin Ayers, who's a lady off the telly!
Dessert. Oh yes.
Hannah and Andrea complete their transaction.
