WISE Conference awards $4,500 in scholarships Sept. 23

The WISE Conference returns Sept. 23 with $4,500 in scholarships for Spring-area businesswomen and proceeds benefiting a Montgomery County nonprofit that shelters homeless families.

The 14th annual Women Inspiring Supporting Empowering (WISE) Conference runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Church Project, 602 Pruitt Rd. in The Woodlands. The nonprofit event draws more than 350 local businesswomen each year for networking, educational sessions and a market featuring area small businesses, according to springtx.com.

Kiki Koymarianos, Malisa Floyd and Carol Gooch founded the conference 14 years ago. Their goal: give area businesswomen a full-day professional development event while raising money for local charities.

Three attendees will each receive a $1,500 scholarship.

No one on the WISE board or planning committee takes a salary. Members pay for their own tickets, a board member told springtx.com.

"…When you sponsor or attend the conference, you are directly giving back to a local non profit since our proceeds go to them," the board member said.

This year's Charity of Choice is Family Promise of Montgomery County, which operates a 90-day shelter program for families with children experiencing homelessness. The Conroe-based nonprofit, led by Executive Director Marilyn Kasmiersky, has served families in need since 2001 and assists roughly 24 families per year, according to the organization's website.

WISE selects at least one local charity each year and donates a portion of net conference proceeds to that organization, according to the conference website. The conference is hosted by Women On A Mission To Earn Commission and a second area business group.

Emily Artificavitch serves as the 2026 conference coordinator. The day includes breakout speakers, educational segments led by community leaders and a small-business market open to attendees.

What to know