What Women Want founder Karen Meiring de Gonzalez (right) and event partner Natasha Panetta aim to help change the lives of women in the Illawarra. Photos: Supplied.
After a sellout inaugural What Women Want event and fundraiser prompted a waiting list last year, organisers are expecting the same response this year as it aims to not only fundraise but foster support among women in the Illawarra.
Tickets are now on sale for the event, to be held on 13 October at the Hamptons-inspired The Grange at Kembla Grange with special guest speaker, author Fiona Tuck.
What Women Want founder Karen Meiring de Gonzalez was inspired to start the event after hearing clients at her business, Skin Correctives, open up about their lives and witnessing firsthand how some became disempowered and reliant on community support.
Karen said she wanted to create a platform that not only raised funds for crucial causes that could help women in similar situations, but also brought women together to celebrate their strengths and achievements.
“Our primary goals are to raise significant funds for Dress for Success NSW Illawarra and the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, to empower attendees with valuable knowledge and connections, and to foster a sense of community and support among women in our region,” she said.
“Additionally, we aim to create a space that opens conversations and brings awareness.”
Karen said the two charities were chosen because they worked hand-in-hand to empower women from rock bottom to self-sufficiency.
“Dress for Success helps women achieve economic independence by providing professional attire and career development tools,” she said.
“The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre offers vital services to women recovering from domestic and sexual violence, ensuring they receive the care and support needed to rebuild their lives.
“These organisations address different stages of recovery and empowerment, making them perfect partners for our event.”
She said Skin Correctives had supported Dress for Success for a few years and she felt she could make a greater impact through What Women Want.
With last year’s event resulting in a waiting list, Karen said she was expecting the same high level of interest this year.
“Initially, we were hesitant to start the event too big, but it was such a huge success and the feedback we received was incredible,” she said.
“As a result, we’ve booked The Grange to accommodate double the number of guests.
“The positive feedback and last year’s waiting list have shown us a strong demand for such initiatives.
The What Women Want fundraiser is expected to be bigger and better this year.
“The event was so popular not only because it supported fantastic causes but also because we involved our business and community connections.”
Karen said attendees could expect inspiring and educational talks, numerous networking opportunities, a three-course lunch with a drink on arrival, generous gift bags worth more than $300, and prizes.
She said among the speakers would be author, nutritional medicine practitioner and skin expert Fiona Tuck.
“We chose Fiona Tuck because we aim to bring new and impactful topics to our audience each year, ensuring everyone leaves with life-changing insights,” she said.
“Fiona’s expertise in health and wellness, especially in nutrition, aligns perfectly with our theme of self-love and self-care.
“Women often have underlying health issues and hormonal changes that can be managed by adapting one’s nutrition.
“Fiona will inspire our guests to practise self-love through healthy eating.”
Karen said last year’s event attracted a diverse group of attendees, including professionals, entrepreneurs, students and stay-at-home mothers.
“Many mothers and daughters attended, and young women felt inspired and grateful to be part of such a supportive community,” she said.
Karen said last year’s event raised enough funds to support 52 women through the Dress for Success program, helping them become job interview-ready and providing them with suitable workwear.
She said it also created awareness of the kind of donations Dress for Success required and about drop-off areas for donations.
“We aim to double our fundraising efforts from last year and make an even greater impact,” she said.
“Additionally, we want to support local businesses and create a space for networking, allowing attendees to build meaningful connections and collaborations.”
Karen said the What Women Want fundraiser stood out from other events due to its unique blend of community focus and empowerment.
“While many events provide excellent networking and learning opportunities, we add a strong charitable component, ensuring that attendees leave feeling inspired and knowing they have contributed to meaningful causes,” she said.
“We place a special emphasis on holistic wellbeing and personal growth, supporting local women’s organisations, which adds a distinctive and heartfelt touch to our gathering.
“Additionally, we offer great value for money for both attendees and sponsors, aiming to make our guests feel pampered and appreciated, creating an atmosphere of generosity and support.”
She said the event was organised with event partner Natasha Panetta from Busy Goddess Marketing Co.
Tickets are on sale for the What Women Want event and fundraiser, which will be held on 13 October at The Grange at Kembla Grange.
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