Chamber initiative creates meaningful space for women leaders to connect

What began a few years ago with the intention of supporting women in business throughout Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding area has evolved into a consistent series of events providing opportunities for engagement, professional, and personal growth. 

Kaitlin Otteman, member engagement director at the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce, helps coordinate the Women in Business Council—consisting of local women leaders who collaborate to execute the Women in Business series of events for women in the community. 

“The Council has been a fantastic asset for our team, from serving as a sounding board for ideas, sharing insights on what has worked well in the past, and helping us stay closely aligned with what our community wants from this initiative,” shares Otteman.

Epicenter Mt. Pleasant spoke with Otteman to learn more about the Chamber’s Women in Business initiative. 

Epicenter Mt. Pleasant: Can you share the backstory about the Women in Business series, including when and why it started?
Kaitlin Otteman: The Women in Business series began in 2023 as the Women in Business Roundtables. These sessions featured local women leaders speaking on focused topics such as networking strategies, financial planning, and confidence-building. The events began as a way for women in our community to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another.  

This year, we are building on that great foundation by introducing more connected themes across sessions, increasing opportunities for the participants to engage with one another, and ensuring that each event has tangible take-home value for the attendees.


Epicenter: Who is the Women in Business series intended for?
Otteman: Our local women leaders and business owners, both those who have been established in the industry and those who are new! Our Council has been very intentional about creating opportunities that feel relevant and beneficial to a wide range of women.


Epicenter: What type of events does Women in Business host? And what solutions do these events provide community members?
Otteman: Our events include keynote speakers, expert panels, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. What we consistently hear from participants is a desire for genuine connections and supportive networks. That feedback helped shape our goal to create welcoming spaces where meaningful conversations happen, and where female empowerment can thrive within our community.


Epicenter: This year’s series of events recently kicked off with its first event of the year last week. How did it go?
Otteman: We intentionally designed the first session of the year to foster meaningful connections, and we received fantastic feedback! Many attendees shared how much they enjoyed meeting new people, which was exactly our goal.

We were also thrilled by the number of different industries represented among our 40+ attendees, with participants ranging from financial services and hospitality to nonprofits and small businesses. It was wonderful to have both seasoned leaders and newer professionals together, creating an environment where genuine, engaging dialogue could take place.

Epicenter: Can you share with us more about the additional events in 2026 that are being planned?
Otteman: Absolutely. Our next session takes place on April 9 and is titled LeadHERship Defined: Defining Your Values, facilitated by Nathalie Osborn. Participants will complete a values assessment in advance, and Nathalie will guide them through how personal values influence goals, leadership styles, and long-term success.

In September, we’ll host The Leadership Library, a book-club-style event designed to spark discussion and shared learning. Our final session of 2026, Life Changes of a Female Leader, will feature a panel of experts exploring how emotions, values, and lifestyles evolve through key personal and professional milestones.

All of our Women in Business sessions are up on our website, and registration is open! https://business.mt-pleasant.net/events/


Epicenter: Since Women in Business is a Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce initiative, to take part in the series, do you have to be a member of the Chamber?
Otteman: While Chamber members do receive a discounted rate for the events, the series is open to both members and non-members.