WOAMTEC – Chateau Élan Welcomes Founder Kathleen Hawkins to Georgia

On Thursday, Jan. 26, the Braselton-based chapter of a national business-building organization will welcome its founder and CEO — a woman who has served as inspiration to countless professional businesswomen.

It all began in Heathrow, Fla., in 2007 when Kathleen Hawkins — an accomplished business consultant, international speaker, award-winning photographer, nine-time published author, wife and mother — launched the first chapter of her unique vision for a business-building organization geared toward women. With the main goal of providing a platform for female entrepreneurs to promote and grow their businesses while maintaining their priorities of faith, family and career, she named her new organization WOAMTEC — Women on a Mission to Earn Commission.

In the nearly five years since, WOAMTEC has expanded outside the boundaries of Florida to include more than 70 chapters and more than 1,000 members in 15 states, including Georgia. As a matter of fact, the No. 1 chapter in the nation in terms of membership just happens to be located here in Barrow County — thanks to the WOAMTEC Chateau Élan Chapter.

Led by enigmatic director Ginny Bishop of Ginny Bishop Marketing, WOAMTEC — Chateau Élan has rapidly grown in scope, as well as size, since Bishop took the reins less than two years ago. In addition to hosting two networking luncheons at the popular Chateau Élan Winery in Braselton each month, as news spreads of the success of the local WOAMTEC group they have even welcomed a number of male members.

“Both Kathleen Hawkins and WOAMTEC have served as very positive forces in my life,” Bishop said. “I am honored to serve Kathleen’s legacy and follow in her footsteps by empowering and connecting businessmen and women here in North Georgia. It’s so rewarding to watch the number of personal and professional relationships blossom and grow out of our chapter, and I take great pride in the successes of each and every one of our members.”

In step with a passion near and dear to Hawkins’ heart, WOAMTEC — Chateau Élan has also recently partnered with a couple of local charities — the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia and the Foster Children’s Foundation. Committed to her own service to her local community, Hawkins is a devoted child advocate, a licensed foster parent and loving mother of three. Along with husband Jeff, Hawkins launched the WOAMTEC Foundation in 2009, which is focused on helping women and children in need. In addition to the great work she has done in Florida, she encourages each of her chapters to extend their reach outside of their own networks and strengthen their individual communities by forming alliances with local charities.

During the upcoming WOAMTEC VIP Roundtable Meeting and Luncheon at Chateau Élan on Thursday, Jan. 26, the Chateau Élan Chapter will proudly welcome their founder and CEO along with other chapter directors and members from all over the state of Georgia. 

The Executive Roundtable segment of the meeting will feature four Atlanta-based CEO’s and will be moderated by Kathleen Hawkins. The meeting will provide an excellent forum for local business men and women to network and learn. The cost to attend is $23 and includes lunch. This event will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is open to all. For more information, or visit WOAMTEC online.

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