Shantera Chatman founded the Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference in 2008 after volunteering for over a year at a local women’s shelter. The attendees of her Assertiveness class asked her to consider having a conference so they could continue hearing her down-to-earth message and bring their friends. Shantera worked as an IT Consultant for nearly 13 years at Booz Allen Hamilton where she worked with the Johnson Space Center. She frequently speaks on leadership and responsibility at universities such as the University of Houston-Clear Lake and Texas A&M University as well as other prominent organizations such as the US Census Bureau. She has worked throughout her career to help others discover their leadership talents through group facilitation, motivational speeches and other workshops/seminars. Shantera has made it her mission to see women showcased in a different light in the workplace and at home. Often criticized for being “too smart”, Shantera refuses to “dummy down” her message of power and self worth. Her message of being true to oneself is genuine and clear. She stresses an unapologetic belief in self and strong values that will build a foundation that is unbreakable. Shantera has also began a new chapter in her career where she is taking her consulting skills to companies and organizations that are in need of help with their mission-driven events. PowHerful Planning & Management is specialized consulting and knowledge sharing for companies and entrepreneurs working to organize special events.
The Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference is a reflection of not just Shantera’s beliefs, but also the beliefs of the women living, growing and thriving in and around the Houston community. With such a sturdy foundation and a strong following, the Annual Women’s Empowerment Conference will be around for many years to come.