Women in Business Wagga Wagga members with guest of honour and keynote speaker, journalist and presenter Jessica Rowe at the 20-year celebrations at The Range. Photo: Women in Business Wagga Wagga.
Women in Business Wagga Wagga recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with renowned Australian journalist Jessica Rowe.
About 200 people attended the celebration at The Range on Friday 23 August, including Women in Business Wagga Wagga members, community members and Fran Trench, the first president of Women in Business Wagga Wagga.
Keynote speaker Jessica Rowe is an accomplished journalist, television presenter, three-time best-selling author and host of the popular podcast and website Crap Housewife.
A proud, self-confessed ‘crap housewife’ Jessica encourages her loyal online following to embrace life’s imperfections. Jessica’s keynote speech was on being bold and brave.
Women in Business Wagga Wagga president Gioia Gianniotis said she was inspired by Jessica’s podcast and suggested securing her as a guest speaker for the event.
“The evening included a lovely sit-down dinner, and Jessica spoke for half an hour,” Gioia said.
“We also had a 30-minute Q&A session with Jessica where she talked about her experiences as a mother and her amazing career.”
Women in Business Wagga Wagga president Gioia Gianniotis with Jessica Rowe. Photo: Women in Business Wagga Wagga.
“Getting Jessica was a great idea, and I’m really proud of it,” Gioia said.
“The committee agreed she’s amazing, relatable, colourful, and has this incredible presence.”
Gioia said the former co-host of Studio 10 spoke about bringing more joy to the world, being appreciative and having a laugh.
Gioia, who has been part of Women in Business Wagga Wagga for nearly 15 years, said being part of the 20th celebration as president was an “incredible moment”.
“It has been a joyful one for me because I always felt that Women in Business was a great support to me and my career,” Gioia said.
“And seeing all those women come and celebrate showed we’re part of an incredible organisation, how much we are part of the community in Wagga, and the kind of opportunities and support we offer women.
“It was a proud moment. We all need to step back and appreciate that we’ve kept the committee running for 20 years and are so successful.”
Gioia said Women in Business Wagga Wagga had incredible support from Wagga Wagga City Council and its sponsors for the 20th celebrations.
“We have so many groups that come out and support us, and it’s always really appreciated,” Gioia said.
Women in Business Wagga Wagga was set up by a group of local women in 2004. Now with 350 members, the organisation is planning its AGM and strategic planning for 2025 and is seeking nominations for new committee members.
“We want people coming out from the woodwork that have never put their hand up before,” Gioia said.
“The more diverse we are, the better results we will have.
“We’ve had quite a few people reach out to us about potential collaboration. It will be another interesting year for sure.”
To learn more and join the organisation, visit Women in Business Wagga Wagga.
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