RECAPPING S.H.E. WEEK 2026

The eighth year of S.H.E. Week was held August 3-7, 2026 and challenged women across Frederick County to UNLEASH their potential, step more fully into their power, and lead with strength, heart, and equality.
The week started with Conference Day at the Walkersville Grand Social Hall with 250 attendees. Joyce King, Deputy State’s Attorney for Frederick County, kicked off the day with UNLEASH YOUR POWER: Stop Shrinking. Start Leading., challenging attendees to recognize the ways they may minimize their voices, talents, and presence and step more confidently into leadership. Communication strategist and coach Liz Marion followed with UNLEASH YOUR VOICE: Communicate with Confidence in Any Room, an interactive session focused on building the skills to speak up, contribute clearly, and be heard. Karmin Jenkins led UNLEASH YOUR BOUNDARIES: Strategic Leadership & Sustainable Growth, helping attendees think strategically about their time, energy, and boundaries. Dr. Olivia G. White closed out the speaker sessions with UNLEASH YOUR IMPACT: Releasing the Power, Purpose, and Potential to Lead with Influence and Legacy, challenging participants to lead with greater purpose and intention while expanding their influence and creating lasting impact.

S.H.E. Pitch is a pitch competition for female entrepreneurs designed to give businesses both in the “idea stage” and “growth stage” cash prizes, publicity and networking opportunities. This year, we were able to award each finalist with $500 and $14,000 in total prize money thanks to the generous support of community investors including the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development, First United Bank & Trust, OrangeTheory Fitness, and VCRE. Additional prizes included advertising opportunities in Sass Magazine, a voucher to Print@Hood, and tax consulting from HBK CPAs.

Winners Include: 
Growth Stage: The SEWcial Cafe
Idea Stage: Limitless Physical Therapy and Wellness, LLC
People’s Choice Award: The SEWcial Cafe
She’s Rising Award: The Healing Storm Holistic Wellness

​The SHERO Awards were established to celebrate and shine a light on 
individuals who are making an impact by triumphing over adversity, demonstrating extraordinary care for others or leading change in our community.

Awardees Include:
Strength - Wendy Addington
Heart - Karlys Kline
Equality - Ashley VanCleef

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE:

"The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Committee’s S.H.E. Week initiative was a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to celebrate the successes of local women. The week was an enriching experience to learn from local women who have blazed trails, transformed lives and created new opportunities for the next generation of female leaders. I enjoyed hearing their stories of success and failure, perseverance and passion, grit and grace. Frederick County is a great place to celebrate the strength, heart and equality of women!" - Jan Gardner, Former County Executive, Frederick County Government.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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