Female student leaders from the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps examined the topic of empowering women as leaders during the 20th Annual Big Sandy Women’s Business Symposium . This year’s theme was “She Leads.” The students attended numerous breakout workshops during the symposium that focused on economic development, entrepreneurship, speaking with a purpose and reconnecting with the business world. Students visited several vendors that represented small business owned by women.

During lunch, students were entertained by the Local Honeys, a group that sang various country and bluegrass hits of the Appalachian region.

The afternoon session featured keynote speaker Kelly Swanson, an award-winning storyteller, comedian and motivational speaker. Swanson travels throughout the United States speaking to various audiences about leadership. “I love using stories in the programs to teach,” she said.