Spark Women: From Big Experience to Meaningful Impact

This Spark Women Fireside Chat explores what it looks like to turn big experiences into meaningful impact.

Many of us spend years developing skills, leading teams, and gaining experience, but what happens when it's time to build something of our own? How do we leverage what we've learned to create work that reflects our values, serves our community, and leaves a lasting impact?

Join us for a conversation with May McNeil, founder and owner of West of May, as she shares her journey from leadership roles with brands like lululemon and Vuori to building a thriving boutique in the heart of downtown Johnson City. We'll talk about the transition from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship, creating businesses that put people first, cultivating authentic community, and the lessons that only come from taking the leap.

Whether you're growing a business, leading within an organization, or simply wondering what your next chapter could look like, you'll leave encouraged to see how your experiences can become the foundation for meaningful impact.

Lunch is included with this event! Please invite a friend or colleague who would enjoy this Spark Women Fireside Chat.

Meet Our Guest Speaker:

May McNeil is the founder and owner of West of May, a women's boutique in downtown Johnson City focused on thoughtful retail,  in-person connection, and helping women feel confident in what they wear. Before launching her business, she spent more than a decade in retail leadership with brands including Lululemon and Vuori, where she led high-performing teams and helped drive growth across multiple markets. Today, she combines that experience with entrepreneurship to build a business that invests in people, creates community, and contributes to the revitalization of downtown Johnson City.

Thank you to our partners and sponsors!

Founders Forge is a 501(c)3 non-profit that provide the connections and support you need to achieve success in your new ventures. They are constantly making connections to the local, state, and National Startup Organizations (NSOs), venture firms, and government entities. The FoundersForge Team believes in the underdog Entrepreneurs in the Appalachian Highlands and helping them on their Startup journeys. Their Mission is to be the catalyst behind all successful startups in the Appalachian Highlands and beyond. Our region is an incredible place for startups to thrive.

Thank you to Chicken Salad Chick of Johnson City for supporting Spark Women!