‘A Night for Women in Business and Entrepreneurship,' an event put on by the University of Nevada, Reno's College of Business and The Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship, took place Thursday, May 24. The event was designed to inspire current and future business women in the community.

Keynote speaker Joelle K. Jay, an award-winning executive coach and author, gave a talk on her personal business experiences. Jay included a handout from her book "The Inner Edge: The Top 10 Practices of Personal Leadership" with her top recommendations. Jay also emphasized the importance in having and maintaining one's own vision.

"The question here is, ‘What do you want?'" Jay said. "Briefly, review your vision so your focus will be aimed in the right direction. Take a step back and take a panoramic view of your life."

The Women's Initiative strives to empower female businesses in the community and build a stronger network for women entrepreneurs. Throughout May, the Ozmen Center held a speaker series designed to inspire and connect students with local business and community leaders.

As a business owner herself, Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve also supports the Women's Initiative. Mayor Schieve owns Clothes Mentor and a Plato's Closet franchise. Schieve was unable to appear at this year's event, but she did send a message for her fellow aspiring business women.

"Female-owned businesses are growing exponentially in our country right now," Schieve said. "Some of the fastest-growing industries in women-owned businesses are health care, scientific and technical services and retail trade. Women can often provide a new perspective to help make businesses more successful and profitable."