Geraldton women gather to celebrate International Women’s Day at Women Inspiring Better Business breakfast

Women from all over Geraldton and beyond gathered on Friday morning to celebrate International Women’s Day and women in business. The annual event by Women Inspiring Better Business (WIBBS) was held at Geraldton Grammar School, which hosted close to 200 women for breakfast, Q&A panels with special guest speakers and a raffle. The networking event was MC’d by WIBBS committee members Kathryn Jackson and Kelly Eastough. Attendees heard from local business owners and guest speakers Lisa Kanny (Maisey Fuels), Narelle Herring (Herring’s Coastal Plumbing), Nicole Beaver (Ivy Vibe Boutique), Kelly Greenaway (Geraldton Wealth), Tanya Johns (Red Dust Holdings), Leah Hirst (JMH Group & Vac West Industrial), Kate York (Bendigo Bank) and Mel Sorgiovanni (Activewest Real Estate). They gave insights into the trials and tribulations of starting a business, advice to other women wanting to start their own, how to maintain a healthy work-life balance and their dreams and hopes for women in the workforce. Ms Greenaway, the director and financial advisor from Geraldton Wealth, said people must love what they do to enjoy their work. “Have an interest, have something that you’re passionate about and go and do it,” she said. Ms Sorgiovanni, the director of Activewest Real Estate, shared some excellent advice before the event wrapped up. “Stop listening to that nasty girl in your head — do something for you,” she said while explaining how she was now learning to fly a plane — something she thought she’d never do.