Albany Chamber hosts PROPEL Level Up Luncheon Empowering Women in Business
ALBANY, Ga. — The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce (AACC) hosted a packed-out crowd Tuesday at the 2025 PROPEL Level Up Luncheon, a signature program designed to advance the personal and professional growth of women across Southwest Georgia. The event was held recently at the Merry Acres Event Center and featured interactive sessions, engaging speakers, and an atmosphere filled with inspiration and connection. Presented by Asa Med Spa and Asa Elevates, the luncheon brought together more than 100 attendees from all corners of Southwest Georgia.
The day began with registration, networking, and vendor shopping. Guests then participated in two breakout sessions, one focused on building confidence and elevating careers through self-care and presence led by presenting sponsor, Asa Elevates, and the other highlighting the leadership of women in economic development. The latter was moderated by Albany Area Chamber Board Chair Smith Wilson and featured insight from regional leaders including Jana Dyke of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, Tonita McKnight of the UGA Small Business Development Center in Albany, and Ashley Miller of the Ashburn-Turner County Chamber of Commerce.
The heart of the program came during the keynote address delivered by Tanisha Johnson, regional education and workforce leader with Georgia Power. Johnson, a first-generation college graduate, shared her deeply personal story of overcoming adversity and building a life rooted in purpose, perseverance, and service. Her message to the audience was clear: no matter your circumstances or where you come from, you can move forward, achieve your goals, and lead a life of impact if you believe in yourself and commit to the work. Her words resonated so strongly that they were met with a standing ovation.
“Events like PROPEL give us the space to connect with one another, to challenge ourselves, and to be reminded of our strength,” said Smith Wilson, Chair of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “As a business owner, board member, and mother of three daughters, I know firsthand how important it is to pour into women and invest in their success. When we elevate women, we strengthen families, communities, and economies.”
The PROPEL initiative, one of the Chamber’s flagship programs for women in business, is built around a mission to educate, empower, and connect women at all stages of their careers. It provides access to mentorship, leadership development, and tools that help women grow professionally and personally. Studies show that companies with women in leadership are more profitable and more innovative. Yet, women continue to face gaps in access to opportunity and representation. With women making up nearly half the U.S. workforce and owning more than 42 percent of Georgia’s small businesses, events like PROPEL are vital in supporting inclusive economic growth.
This year’s event was made possible by the generous support of sponsors. Presenting sponsors included Asa Med Spa and Asa Elevates. Supporting sponsors were NorthPoint Christian Counseling, Albany Area Primary Health Care, and Molson Coors.
Guests also enjoyed a catered lunch, door prizes, and continued networking throughout the afternoon. The energy of the room reflected the mission of the event: to create space for women to rise, lead, and support one another in the process.
For more information on PROPEL or other Chamber programs, or to sign up for updates and announcements, visit www.albanyga.com and follow the Albany Area Chamber on social media.
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