Watauga Women in Leadership Coffee Connections

Join Watauga Women in Leadership as we come together to discuss Starting Something New!

The Watauga Women in Leadership committee invites you to our Summer Coffee Connections for 2026 on Wednesday, June 24th from 8:00-9:15AM at CALDWELL COMMUNITY COLLEGE & TECHNICAL INSTITUTE'S WATAUGA CAMPUS.

Carmela Tomlinson with the Small Business Center Network at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute and Stacey Gibson with The Entrepreneur's Source will spend the morning talking with us about building and maintaining a small business or franchise ownership - whether it is advocating for and helping a small business owner get started, or coaching someone who is ready to explore a new career path in franchise ownership.  

Attendees will gather at Caldwell Community College's Watauga Campus to enjoy light refreshments and coffee before we learn about all things small business, franchising, and how we, as women, can be successful in these endeavors.  

About the Speakers

Carmela Tomlinson serves as the Small Business Center Director at Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCCTI), where she supports entrepreneurs and drives local economic development. In addition to her role at CCCTI, she is a small business owner and leads her own marketing firm, bringing hands-on industry expertise to the clients and communities she serves. Her work focuses on empowering small businesses through strategic marketing, education, and practical resources for growth.

Stacey Gibson is a seasoned marketing professional with over 30 years of experience working with major brands, franchise systems, and small businesses. She began her career in agency marketing with clients like McDonald’s and Wachovia, later advancing to corporate roles at Hardee’s and McDonald’s Corporation and eventually becoming a Media Director. Now based in northwest North Carolina, she focuses on supporting small businesses and pursuing her passion for mentoring others to achieve their personal and professional goals through entrepreneurship.

WWIL Coffee Connections are complimentary for Boone Area Chamber members and $5/per person for non-Chamber members.

 Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute - WATAUGA CAMPUS

460 Community College Drive, Boone, NC

BUILDING W141, ROOM 103

A map of the campus will be sent when you register. 

Please register your full party.

Coffee and light breakfast snacks will be provided.

The mission of Watauga Women in Leadership (WWIL) is to empower women in business and leadership in all stages of their careers. The organization presents events that support women through networking and educational speakers. We hope to enable and grow business, support and mentoring opportunities among professional women in the High Country.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WWIL

When: Wednesday, April 29th from 8:00 am - 9:00 am

Where: Blue Ridge Conservancy, 416 Aho Road, Blowing Rock, NC