Women leaders honored, empowered at Hispanic Chamber expo

Dr. Laura Murillo, the president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce photographed Monday, April 24, 2017, in Houston. The chamber is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Wednesday as well as Murillo's 10 year tenure as its leader. ( Steve Gonzales / Houston Chronicle ) less Dr. Laura Murillo, the president and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce photographed Monday, April 24, 2017, in Houston. The chamber is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Wednesday as well as ... more Photo: Steve Gonzales, Staff Photo: Steve Gonzales, Staff Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Women leaders honored, empowered at Hispanic Chamber expo 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Be they young women starting careers or retirees looking to open their first business after years of working in the corporate world, more than 600 attendees are expected at the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's third annual Women's Leadership Conference and Business Expo on Friday.

Laura Murillo, chamber president and CEO, came up with the idea for the gathering three years ago after traveling the world as a representative of Houston on trade missions. On these travels, she said she would often be one of only a handful of women invited.

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Murillo felt it was necessary to create a space where women at various stages in entrepreneurial life could feel empowered in their efforts, and where they could gain the tools to strive for equality and excellence in the workplace.

According to the chamber, women-owned businesses in the Houston metro area account for more than 30 percent of all local businesses and generate over $40 billion in annual revenue year over year.

"The bottom line is that there is room for women at the table," Murillo said.

The morning kicks off at the Royal Sonesta Hotel with networking opportunities followed by a series of panels covering subjects such as how to get promotions, financing tools and more.