EmpowHER: Build
Thank you to our incredible sponsors – connect below!
We’re proud to spotlight our sponsors as integral partners in empowering women and creating lasting connections.
Check out the EmpowHER Sponsors below. Attendees receive special offers & access from sponsors
What is the EmpowHER Build Event?
- Highlighting & Networking with Women Shaping Real Estate & Construction
- Raise funds for HER Resiliency Center
- Special offers from our fantastic EmpowHER Build Sponsors
EmpowHER:Build – CoEd Happy Hour
Wednesday, April 9th – 4:30-6:30pm
Fogo de Chao – Towson | Networking & Connections
EmpowHER:Build – Event
Wednesday, April 23rd 4:30pm
Palisades of Towson | Networking | Presentations from Industry Leaders
Nguyen Roche Sutton
We provide representation for Corporate, Litigation, Criminal, Personal Injury, and Family Law.
Colleen Vacelet
Colleen Vacelet founded Intreegue Landscape Architecture in 2013. Beyond her business, Colleen is active as a mentor in the Maryland community. She mentors on the national and local level with professionals, college students, and high school students.
Beyond her business, Colleen is active as a mentor in the Maryland community. She mentors on the national and local level with professionals, college students, and high school students. She serves as a National Mentor with CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) for their leadership development program, and has spoken as a panelist for CREW Baltimore regarding women of influence and how to navigate the climb.
More than anything, Colleen cares about her children and the world they will grow up in. She “walks the talk” in her role as an environmental steward, both as a designer and citizen. On her property she raises chickens and bees, and grows veggies.
Katie Santarelli
President of Wye River Insurance, will be joining us for our EmpowHER Build event on April 23rd.
Katie is one of the most respected voices in real estate and construction insurance—and with good reason. Her leadership is grounded in deep industry expertise, sharp strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to delivering for her clients.
With more than 15 years of experience, Katie has built a reputation for navigating complex risk landscapes with clarity and confidence.
What’s even more inspiring is the way she shows up—not just as a President and founder of Wye River Insurance—but as a woman who empowers others through mentorship, insight, and bold leadership.
Katie has been named one of the Top 5 Real Estate Insurance Brokers in the U.S. and continues to pave the way for women in industries that have traditionally lacked representation at the top. She brings not only credentials and experience—but heart, purpose, and vision.
Charlyn Nater
A heart to serve! 25 years in community work, public speaking, youth development with a “true boots on the ground” mentality. Infectious spirit providing innovative leadership, fully bilingual (Spanish) helping bridge the gap, seeking resolutions and doing the work which evokes change!!
Currently serving as the Director of Main Streets for Baltimore City Mayors Office of Small Minority Business Advocacy & Development where she oversees nine Main Street Programs.
Charlyn is a mother to three beautiful children including her eldest daughter who attends North Carolina A & T. In Director Naters spare time she loves to travel home to her motherland of Puerto Rico and dances professional salsa.
Amber Schaffer
Amber is a true force in the construction industry—a connector, a champion for women, and a leader who brings both heart and hustle to everything she does. As the Director of Membership at ABC Greater Baltimore and President of
NAWIC Baltimore, Amber is committed to building a more inclusive and empowered industry, one relationship at a time.
With two decades of experience and the incredible honor of being named NAWIC’s National Future Leader of the Year, Amber leads with grit, grace, and the kind of purpose that moves people. She is proof that when women rise together, the possibilities are limitless.
Jenn Dewees
Jenn is a force in the construction and workforce development industries—an advocate, visionary, and changemaker working to make careers in the built environment more accessible, inclusive, and equitable.
As co-founder of the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector, Jenn has been instrumental in helping employers future-proof their workforce and in connecting youth to meaningful career pathways. Her leadership is deeply rooted in empowering women and underrepresented communities, tackling the gender pay gap, and advancing apprenticeships as a critical workforce solution.
Jenn’s voice is one of influence and action. She’s a sought-after speaker on national stages, a mentor to many, and a recognized leader with accolades that speak for themselves—Daily Record’s Top 100 Women (twice!), Construction Dive’s Top 33 Women in Construction, and CREW Baltimore’s Women of Influence, just to name a few.
Eva Hodsdon
Eva serves as Asset Manager at Trademark Properties, where her focus on the redevelopment of long-vacant historic buildings is helping reshape the future of Baltimore. Her work brings new life to our city’s architectural legacy—transforming these spaces into high-quality workforce housing and contributing to meaningful urban renewal.
With landmark projects like the revitalization of 300 W Fayette and the current redevelopment of the Fidelity and Deposit Building, Eva is at the forefront of sustainable, community-focused development.
Beyond her professional role, Eva also lends her expertise through board positions with Charles Street Development and Market Center Development Corporation, driving strategic progress in Baltimore’s urban core.
EmpowHER:Build Event Sponsors
Support our local business sponsors.
Follow. Like. Click to Support.
Empowerment through connectivity.
Partnership. Trust. Performance. Complimentary consultation to help solve your business goals.
LinkedIn: Sherry Nachman
Facebook: Nachman Consulting
Servicing Baltimore County and all of Maryland
We provide representation for Corporate, Litigation, Criminal, Personal Injury, and Family Law.
Facebook: Follow Us
LinkedIN: Connect with Us
Risk Management
Risk Management Services for Real Estate and Construction Professionals
LinkedIn: Connect with us.
IG: Follow Along
You deserve to be seen.
Boudoir, Personal Branding or Headshots – you deserve to know you are seen. Portraits to feel seen.
Facebook Group: Join VIP Group
Instagram: Follow Along in IG
Built with Integrity
Construction & Restoration. We build and transform people, communities and buildings.
LinkedIn: Connect with us.
Facebook: Follow Along
Thoughtful design & intriguing outcomes.
Boutique landscape architecture firm with vast experience that will intrigue your senses.
LinkedIN: Connect with us.
Facebook: Follow Us Here.
The Face of Construction in Baltimore
Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Baltimore is the largest organization in Maryland to represent the commercial construction industry. Our 650 members represent general and specialty contractors in the region.
LinkedIn: Connect with us.
Facebook: Follow Along
Empowering Diverse Talent in Maryland
Boutique landscape architecture firm with vast experience that will intrigue your senses.
LinkedIN: Connect with us.
Facebook: Follow Us Here.
Uplifts Local Businesses
Provides businesses with developmental resources and spotlights neighborhoods throughout the City.
Instagram: Baltimore Main Streets
Photos & Video
My goal is to capture beautiful in-between moments that make your story so special
LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
Instagram: Graced Productions
Find the best in Baltimore.
The best in Baltimore since 1907. Find all the best in food, shopping, sports, things to do and so much more.
LinkedIn: Baltimore Magazine
Facebook: Baltimore Magazine
Award Winning Business Solutions
Printing. Signage. Branding. Marketing.
LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
Facebook: Follow on Facebook
Couture designs with you in mind.
Each piece is crafted with detail and precision, reflecting a timeless luxury. We create clothing that is flattering for every woman
LinkedIn: Connect with Ella
Instagram: Follow Ella’s Designs
Best Flowers in Baltimore since 1971.
Light up any occasion with beautiful arrangements for everyone.
LinkedIn: Connect with Us on LinkedIn
Instagram: Follow us On IG
Baltimore’s Best Restaurant Winner
Cocktails, charcuterie boards, seasonal dishes and a relaxing atmosphere—all designed to foster friendly conversations.
Instagram: Connect with us on IG
Facebook: Like & Follow on Facebook
Get unstuck and gain momentum.
We curate the strategies you and your team need to boost your communication skills and coach you through the process in an interactive style.
LinkedIn: Connect with Rebecca
Facebook: Follow TallSmall
Handcrafted Cocktails
Combine with recommended spirits or enjoy with just soda water for a delightful non-alcoholic drink.
Instagram: Connect with Us
Facebook: Follow us On FB
Welcome to our circle.
Food is special. It brings us together. We all gather around the food! We believe it should be nourishing – taste amazing – and look beautiful.
Facebook: Follow along on Facebook
Instagram: See us on IG
Find yourself in Towson.
Towson. The center of it all. Stay up to date on the latest happenings in the area.
Facebook: Stay up to date on Facebook
Luxury apartments.
Luxury apartments that present a variety of exquisite features and amenities designed to enhance residents’ lifestyles.
Facebook: Follow us On Facebook
Forever Stable. Forever Family.
Your trusted financial partner for personal, business and wealth management needs
Facebook: Follow us On Facebook
LinkedIn: Connect with Nely on LinkedIn
Business Magazine
Original content and news directly to 10,000 business executives, decision-makers and professionals doing business in the Baltimore Region’s strategic business corridors.
LinkedIn: Connect with us on LinkedIn
Facebook: Like & Follow on Facebook
Passion for design & desire to change the world.
The largest, most influential network of architects and design professionals.
Facebook: Follow us On Facebook
LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn
End Construction Building Materials
The fundamental core of OGS – Integrity, Reliability and Customer Care defines the principles and foundation by which OGS operates since our beginnings in 2008.
LinkedIn: Connect with us on LinkedIn
EmpowHER Event non-profit recipient is HER Resiliency Center
HER Resiliency Center (HER) supports all women, and serves young women ages 18-25, regardless of race, class, and background. HER encapsulates a multilateral, holistic, and individualized approach – which is needed when combating systemic barriers that lead to poverty, substance use, homelessness, and sexual exploitation. No two women are identical and HER recognizes recovery, healing, and empowerment is an individualized journey.
