Empower HER Network expands in Coshocton

A small group met in January 2024 with an idea to highlight women-owned or women-operated businesses in Coshocton County with an evening called the Empower HER Galentine’s Day. The tickets for the first event sold out in less than two weeks and received rave reviews from everyone who attended it.

The committee realized they had discovered an unmet need in the area and continued to meet and discuss other ideas and needs they had heard about. The first year, two other events also were held called Lunch and Learn. These included speakers and more than 130 guests. The group continued to meet and find new ideas, and now there are three different subcommittees: events, outreach and the mentor program.

The mission of the Empower Her Network is to be a ground-breaking new platform dedicated to women-owned, women-operated and women-supported businesses.

The network was created through the Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce as a platform for women to build meaningful relationships, exchange knowledge, and support one another’s growth both personally and professionally. They invite all women, whether they are a community leader, established professional or just starting out to join the network.

The Mentor-Her Program is a yearlong initiative of the Empower HER network designed to connect women through mentorship, leadership development and community engagement. Mentor-HER focuses on building confidence, strengthening leadership skills, fostering professional growth and creating connections among women in Coshocton County.

The program pairs women seeking guidance and growth with experienced mentors who share their knowledge with their mentees. The 2026 program includes nine mentors and nine mentees with support from eight Mentor-HER committee members. Stephanie Conrad and Heather Stoffer are the co-chairs of the initiative, and they work closely with the committee to guide the program and provide support.

The mentors and mentees will participate in group meet-ups and program events throughout the year. Each pair also is encouraged to connect in ways that fit their needs and lifestyles, whether that’s by phone, email or in person. With this approach relationships can be built while maintaining consistent support and communication.

The Empower HER Network will host Galentine’s Day 2026, sponsored by Genesis Healthcare Systems. It will be held Monday, Feb. 9 from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Coshocton Community Room. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., and it will include a complimentary charcuterie bar and nonalcoholic drinks. Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.

Programming will begin at 5 p.m. with a color analysis demo with Morgan Hammond, skincare and beauty demo by B. Radiant Wellness, and a mini fashion showcase by Canal Cargo and Lynnie Lou’s Boutique. Attendees also will be able to shop vendors until 7 p.m.

The VIP tickets are already sold out, but regular admission tickets are available at a cost of $15. Tickets can be purchased on the event Facebook page. For more information call the Chamber of Commerce at 740-622-5411.

There are 22 vendors signed up, and 10 more spots are available. Only women-owned and women-operated businesses can be vendors. Their next event will be a Lunch and Learn Thursday, April 16.

“We love how this is impacting our community. Over the holidays our outreach committee sponsored a single-mom family with Christmas gifts, and a blessing lunch surprised a young, single waitress. We welcome all women of different ages and backgrounds that want to make a difference in our community,” said Amy Crown, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.