The Savvy Dames are a group of Indianapolis-area businesswomen who, in the course of doing business together, discovered their shared passion for supporting other women and the community in which they live. In an effort to leave a tangible legacy that would benefit other women and the community at large, in 2009 they founded the Women’s Leadership Fund. Since that time, they have been involved in dozens of events, including their signature event An Afternoon at the Oscars to benefit various community groups and causes.
The event is scheduled for Friday June 8 from 1:30 PM to 5 PM. It will be held at Masterpiece Classic Cars, 675 N. US 31, Whiteland, IN, surrounded by one-0f-a-kind classic cars with prices that reach into the six figures.
Savvy dames attend this event!
Event Demographics:
- Women ages 21-65 (most will be 30-50)
- Most own their homes
- Approximately 80% are businesswomen and influencers of other dames!
- More than 75% are mothers
- More than 75% have some college education
- Most exceed county household median income of $62,000
Tickets are $75.00 they can be purchased here.
Event Organizers
Erin Smith
Spotlight Strategies
Erin Smith is co-owner of Spotlight Strategies, a print, apparel and promotional product firm. Her strong commitment to Hoosier values and business would lead you to believe she is a native of Indiana. Her impact has been remarkable in the short 11 years she has called Greenwood, IN her home.
An accomplished health care administrator turned business owner, Erin brings rare behavioral expertise to the world of small business. With a Master’s degree in Social Work, and a thriving business she is a sought after advisor, coach and mentor to many of Indiana’s small business owners and business support organizations. Erin demonstrates a strong sense of commitment to any organization she chooses to spend time on and is successful getting the most out of people coming together to support a cause or build a company.
Her passion invigorates those who join her and encourages them to believe they can achieve impressive goals. There is no shortage of people who are eager to serve with Smith because they know she will not waste their time or energy in unproductive pursuits. Her leadership has been recognized through several awards including: NAWBO Indianapolis Member of the Year (2008), Indy’s Best & Brightest (2010) and the Ernie G. Mishler Award for community service (2010). As a partner in another company, Savvy Dames, she was instrumental in creating an annual scholarship to improve leadership skills of women business owners.
Susan McCarty
Spotlight Strategies
Susan McCarty is co-owner of Spotlight Strategies, a print, apparel and promotional productions firm. Susan began her entrepreneurial journey in the early 1980’s earning her Real Estate Broker’s license and working in the family real estate business getting her first experiences with asset management, business finance, and administration. In the late 1980’s, with her husband Drew, Susan started, operated and after 6 years sold her first company, Meditech. Following that successful venture they decided in the mid 1990’s to start another company in a different industry – printing! This company, Printers, Inc. grew quickly leading to the acquisition of Franklin Printing in 2001. In 2011 Susan merged the printing company with The Stitch Smith, further expanding production capabilities and services to include embroidered image wear, promotional products, signs, and screen-printing. Erin Smith, her business partner, and Susan have successfully re-branded the image and offerings of their firm as Spotlight Strategies.
Susan’s strong work ethic and commitment to a leadership lifestyle are best summed up in her own words: “It is my belief that what will define me as having been an effective leader is more a matter of significance. The difference I make in the lives of others. What matters most to me is impacting the hearts and lives of those with whom I interact personally and professionally. My life should be a testimony to the biblical leadership principles I strive to embody. ‘For out of the overflow of ‘her’ heart ‘her’ mouth speaks.’ (Luke 6:45).”
Jill Bode
Designed Write Public Relations
Savvy Dame & PR Chick Jill Bode founded Designed Write Public Relations in 1998. Working with recycled bubble gum, string, and duct tape, she managed to craft a cutting-edge, custom PR consortium that works with clients all over the country.
At Designed Write PR, Jill employs basic Kindergarten Teacher techniques—patience, kindness & cupcakes—with a number of organizations, including a large international company, to build word-of-mouth marketing campaigns and strategically invest in their communities. Because of her unique background and training, rabid entrepreneurs frequently stalk Jill for her knowledge of Word-of-Mouth Marketing.
Deb Walton
Indy City GiftBaskets
Deb has incorporated her positive attitude in everything she does. She has an extraordinary talent of bringing women together to share business and great ideas, and is probably most well known for her “Fabulous Fun Fridays,” where she brings women in the Indianapolis area together, to promote business and elevate the playing field. Deb prefers to be a “cheerleader” for other women, motivating others with a “Get It Done” attitude. Her involvement with the NAWBO (National Associate of Women Business Owners) and her board director position for the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce has provided her access to great women that appreciate her leading fun networking events.
These networking skills have boosted her company, Indy City GiftBaskets to new heights since its inception in 2002. Whether your business needs to say “thank you” to customers, send condolences with a Bereavement Basket or say “sorry” with a one of a kind Sorry Basket, Indy City GiftBaskets needs to be your first call! As Chief Gift Officer, Deb will be sure that your gift leaves a positive impression no matter what the occasion.
