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Our next gathering is April 24, 2025. The meeting will be held at Vienna Coffee Company In Maryville. 212 College Street.
All meetings start promptly at 12:00, so come a little early to get checked in, grab lunch, and find a seat! $5+ membership donations for charity accepted at the door. However, this month we are asking that you bring a jar of PEANUT BUTTER (not in glass) to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee; our charitable recipient of the month.
We meet every other month. Please sign up for the meeting/lunch using the form to the right.
Filling out the form at the right will ensure that we have a lunch and space for you.
Next meetings:
04/24/2025, 06/26/2025, 08/21/2025, 10/23/2025, 12/11/2025.
Our Speakers for February 2025
Panel Discussion
Represented by:
LEIGH COWDEN of Vermillion Law
JILLINN WILSON Financial Advisor at Edward Jones
TRICIA DAHLSTROM of Upkeep Business, LLC
Smart Women Smart Business Panelists
Meet Our Line-Up!
Join us for an empowering panel discussion featuring three accomplished professionals who are leaders in their fields. These experts will share their insights to inspire and equip female entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders at our next Smart Women Smart Business meeting.
Jillinn Wilson – A dedicated financial advisor, Jillinn specializes in asset management, retirement planning, and investment strategies. She builds long-term, trust-based relationships with clients, helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve financial confidence through informed decision-making.
Tricia Dahlstrom – As the owner of Upkeep Business LLC, Tricia is a bookkeeping expert committed to financial growth and precision. She streamlines financial operations, improves cash flow, and empowers business owners with the insights they need to focus on what they do best.
Leigh Cowden – A USAF veteran and seasoned attorney, Leigh is licensed in Tennessee, Florida, and New York. With over 30 years of business experience spanning multiple industries—including aviation, finance, hospitality, and real estate—she brings a wealth of knowledge to both litigation and transactional law. She splits her time between Tennessee and Florida, balancing her legal practice, family, and passion for tennis.
Together, these dynamic women will lead a powerful conversation on business success, leadership, and financial empowerment. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable strategies from industry experts!
Our Special Charitable Donation Recipient for February 2025
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee
Represented by Kristi Rule
At Smart Women Smart Business, we believe in the power of giving back to our community. This month, we are proud to support Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger and feeding hope.
Serving 18 counties across East Tennessee, Second Harvest provides essential food assistance to children, seniors, and families in need. Through innovative programs like Food for Kids, Mobile Pantries, and Senior Outreach, they distribute millions of meals each year, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.
By partnering with Second Harvest, we are helping to strengthen their mission of alleviating hunger and improving lives. We encourage our network of smart, passionate women in business to join us in supporting this vital cause—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Join us in supporting Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee this month!
Our Sponsor for December 2024
Jillinn Wilson
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Jillinn Wilson is a dedicated financial advisor specializing in building long-term, trust-based relationships with clients. With a deep understanding of asset management, retirement planning and investment strategies, Jillinn takes a personal approach to help individuals, families and business owners achieve financial confidence. By focusing on clients’ unique goals and values, Jillinn empowers them to make informed decisions for a secure financial future.
SWSB: WHO WE ARE
Smart Women, Smart Business (SWSB) is a business networking group for women only, meeting in Blount County, Tennessee on a bi-monthly basis. Our mission is to support women in business through educational presentations by industry experts, focus group discussions, and networking connections. We highlight and gather donations for a different, local non-profit organization at each meeting, and actively gather input and participation ideas from our members.
For 2025 all meetings (except December) will be held at Vienna Coffee Company, in the upstairs conference room, in Maryville, TN. 212 College St.
If you are interested in sponsoring one of our lunch meetings, please contact Cheyanne Marston at: ccm@ccmarstonandcompany.com
We’re excited about SWSB and the plans we have for 2025 and onward. Please join us!