CSW Women’s Summit 2023 | Eagle Conference Room 1:45 – 2:45 pm
This moderator-led discussion will feature a representative from organizations supporting women entrepreneurs. The moderator will lead the conversation with questions focused on business planning, financing, and marketing for existing and new women entrepreneurs.
Moderator: Lorraine Butler
Lorraine Butler, Program and Management Analyst
As an advocate for working women, I am passionate about advancing gender equality and empowering women in the workforce. With a background in policy development, research, and outreach, I have dedicated my career to promoting equal opportunities and creating inclusive work environments for all.
Throughout my experience, I have collaborated with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and employers to drive positive change. I have conducted extensive research on women’s employment, wages, and working conditions, using data-driven insights to inform policies and initiatives.
Panelists
Neema Picket, Activist, Business Consultant, Motivational Speaker, Educator, Poet, Vegan Chef, Wellness Coach, JEDI
When she founded Kamaria Creations Wellness Retreat more than 20 years ago, Neema Kamaria Hanifa Pickett’s intention was to create space for Black people to feel supported through internal and external healing modalities. Neema also believes that entrepreneurship is the way to move families from poverty to financial freedom. Her passion for building community wealth led her to join the Women’s Business Center in New Mexico called WESST (Women’s Economic Self-sufficiency Team), where she supports the community to achieve its entrepreneurial goals through consulting, training and lending.
Neema is a recent 2023-2024 Kellogg Foundation Fellow and was named 2023’s National Women’s Business Center Advisor of the year. She also serves on the board of the Albuquerque Bless Fund, providing grants to Black-owned businesses. Neema holds a bachelor’s in clinical psychology and evolutionary anthropology, with a minor in international business. Additionally, she is a licensed cosmetologist and educator. In her spare time, you’ll find Neema in her garden, writing poetry or cuddling with miniature horses and goats.
Shacey Sullivan, Marketing at Farm Credit of New Mexico
Sullivan has worked to help Farmers and Ranchers grow their business for the past 22 years at Farm Credit of New Mexico where she heads the Brand efforts, responsible for Marketing, Public Relations and Government Affairs. She is passionate about helping women in agriculture develop their leadership skills. A native New Mexican raised in Fruitland, NM. A graduate of New Mexico State University with a Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics with a minor in Marketing.
Julianna Barbee, Small Business Development Center Director
Julianna Barbee is helping people live their passion, create a business legacy and unleash their creative spirit. She is a center director for New Mexico Small Business Development Center Network, a certified Business Analyst, National Stephan Covey Trainer and Business owner.
Julianna is helping businesses to reimagine, repurpose, reinvent and reignite their business. She is assisting in job creation and business development and is a certified national trainer. Working for SBDC is her third career.
Gabe Pacheco, President of the New Mexico Out Business Alliance
Gabe currently owns a series of businesses in the area including G&M Medical Center, G&M Urgent Care, G&M Radiant Botanicals Skin Care, and G&M Dream Vacations. Gabe is proud to be a first-generation college graduate, attaining his Honors Bachelor of Sports Science—Strength and Conditioning from the United States Sports Academy. He is also a certified personal trainer, weight loss coach, and nutrition counselor. He lives in Rio Rancho, NM where he loves to spend quality time with his dogs, cats, and his husband Mark. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, having been to 44 countries to date, and loves attending concerts and shows.
