Women Advancing a Prosperous Alaska (WAPAK), a Project W community group in Anchorage, Alaska, embraced the Spring season at its community growth event "Sowing Seeds for Success" on February 29, 2024. With a focus on networking and building relationships, attendees broke into small groups to discuss latest developments in their respective industries and their own recent efforts to promote growth for themselves, their businesses, and the industries in which they work.
Discussions covered a lot of ground―from the rise of AI and its varied impacts on business operations and opportunities, to best practices for marketing and public speaking with an introverted personality. Attendees expressed gratitude for the dedicated space for women in business to connect, network, and share stories of successful business ventures and tactics.
The event included a new spotlight feature that highlighted two attendees: Shannon Oelkers of Integrity Environmental, LLC, and Tori Hickel of Willowridge Construction.
 | Shannon Oelkers founded Integrity, an environmental consulting firm specializing in fuel storage, 14 years ago. Shannon has shaped her company to promote the inclusion of women in a heavily male-dominated industry and launched her own podcast last year called Tank Talk to share bulk fuel expertise around the world. |
| Tori Hickel is a designer and media director for Willowridge, where she helps to create beautiful and inspirational spaces for her clients. One of Tori's newest event spaces, The Foundry, was highlighted as one where multiple vendors/businesses can come together and collaborate for unique, dynamic gatherings. |   |
WAPAK intends to continue to spotlight the impressive women making things happen in Alaska's business and broader community at future events. As a community-first network, WAPAK welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organizations who are interested in supporting our mission.
To learn more about WAPAK, contact Liz Hodes at ElizabethHodes@dwt.com or Anne Marie Tavella at AnnemarieTavella@dwt.com.