ABWA - Victoria Professional Express Network

10/15/2026

🌟 VPEN BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 🌟

💜 Meet Lizzy Pennington – VPEN Membership Chair! 💜

Please join us in celebrating Lizzy Pennington, a passionate entrepreneur, community advocate, and dedicated VPEN SHero! 🌟

Lizzy is the Founder and President of Arise Events Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading kindness, celebrating others, and making a difference through community outreach. She also owns Arise Events, an event décor and planning business, and is involved in Jay's Automotive, the family business she shares with her husband.

🎒 Making a Difference! Through Arise Events Ministries, Lizzy helped lead a Back-to-School Drive that provided more than 700 children with backpacks filled with school supplies and essentials! Her heart for service and bringing people together truly shines.

💫 As VPEN Membership Chair, Lizzy is passionate about building meaningful connections, welcoming new members, and helping women discover opportunities for friendship, leadership, and professional growth.

❤️ Outside of her busy schedule, Lizzy treasures time with her husband and son. Her faith guides her passion for serving others and making everyone feel valued and appreciated.

🌟 Thank you, Lizzy, for sharing your servant's heart, positive energy, and dedication with VPEN! Your commitment to lifting others up is a wonderful example of what makes our sisterhood so special.

✨ Stronger Together: Learn, Lead, Serve! ✨

10/14/2026

💙🌟 CORPORATE SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: J FRANCO MEDIA & MARKETING! 🌟💙

ABWA–Victoria Professional Express Network (VPEN) is excited to recognize and thank J Franco Media & Marketing for their generous support as a valued Corporate Sponsor! 💜⭐

Your partnership helps us continue our mission of empowering women through leadership, education, networking, and professional development. We are grateful to have businesses like yours investing in the success of women and strengthening our communities!

📣✨ ABOUT J FRANCO MEDIA & MARKETING

Creativity. Strategy. Connection. Growth.

Founded by J Franco, Franco Innovative Media & Marketing is a Houston-based, woman-owned marketing business dedicated to helping brands build their presence, connect with their audiences, and grow.

With a focus on creative marketing solutions, their services include:

✨ Branding and brand development

📱 Social media marketing and strategy

💻 Digital marketing

📣 Marketing and business growth strategies

🤝 Business coaching and creative solutions

Whether you're building a new business, refreshing your brand, or looking to strengthen your marketing presence, J Franco Media & Marketing understands the importance of helping businesses stand out!

📍 CONNECT WITH J FRANCO MEDIA & MARKETING

🏙️ Based in Houston, Texas

🌐 Website: https://thejfranco.com

💙 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thejfranco

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejfranco

📧 Email: [email protected]

We encourage our VPEN sisters, friends, and community supporters to visit their website, follow their social media pages, and show some love to a business that supports our organization! 💕

⭐ Stronger Together: Learn • Lead • Serve ⭐

10/14/2026

🍁🎁 CALLING ALL VPEN SHEROES! WE NEED YOUR HELP! 💗🌟

It's time to put our VPEN sisterhood and networking connections to work for a great cause! 💪💕

We're getting ready for our VPEN Fall Fundraiser – Gift Card Wreath Raffle, and we need YOUR help making it a fabulous success!

🎀 OUR GOAL: Create an AMAZING wreath filled with gift cards from local restaurants, boutiques, retailers, salons, and other favorite businesses, along with scratch-off lottery tickets for a little extra excitement! 🎟️✨

🌟 HOW CAN YOU HELP?

💗 ASK LOCAL BUSINESSES! Before reaching into your own pocket, reach out to your favorite local businesses and ask if they would be willing to donate a gift card. You might be surprised how many are happy to support our organization!

🎁 DONATE IF YOU CAN! Gift cards of ANY amount are appreciated! Whether it's $5, $10, $25, or more, every contribution helps. Scratch-off lottery tickets are welcome, too!

🤝 USE YOUR CONNECTIONS! As ABWA women, we know the POWER of networking! One simple conversation could help make this fundraiser a huge success!

💗 NO PRESSURE, JUST PARTICIPATION! With the holidays approaching, we understand that everyone has expenses. Our goal is to work together and secure business donations so no member feels obligated to make a large personal contribution.

📣 IMPORTANT REMINDER!

📅 Bring your gift card and scratch-off donations to our October 21st VPEN General Meeting at Victoria Country Club!

🍂 The more donations we collect, the BIGGER, BETTER, and MORE EXCITING our wreath will be!

🌟 STRONGER TOGETHER: LEARN, LEAD, SERVE! 🌟

This is what our VPEN sisterhood is all about — combining our talents, connections, and teamwork to accomplish something wonderful!

SHeroes, let's show everyone what happens when women come together with a purpose! 💗💪

Thank you for helping VPEN continue to GROW, GIVE BACK, and SHINE! ✨

10/14/2026

🌟 VPEN BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 🌟

💙 Meet Rachel Nessel – Vice President of Administration! 💙

Rachel has spent 17 years at Victoria College, where she currently serves as Department Chair of Career & Technical Education–Continuing Education. She is passionate about empowering others through education, workforce training, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

🎓 Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree from Texas Lutheran University and a Master's in Adult & Higher Education from the University of Houston-Victoria.

💫 Since joining VPEN in 2010, Rachel has served in several leadership roles, sharing her experience, dedication, and commitment to helping women connect, grow, and succeed.

❤️ Outside of her professional and VPEN responsibilities, Rachel enjoys ranch life in DeWitt County with her husband, Dustin, and their two daughters, Kinley and Ayla. She stays busy supporting her daughters' sports and 4-H activities and serving her church community.

🌟 Thank you, Rachel, for 16 years of dedication to VPEN and for continuing to lead with purpose and heart! Your commitment to empowering others truly reflects our 2026–2027 theme:

✨ Stronger Together: Learn, Lead, Serve! ✨

10/12/2026

🌟💜 CELEBRATING OUR VPEN SISTER – ASHLEY STREVEL! 💜🌟

🏆🎉 NATIONAL RECOGNITION! WHAT AN AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT! 🎉🏆

Please join ABWA's Victoria Professional Express Network (VPEN) in congratulating our very own Ashley Strevel and the City of Victoria's Communications & Public Affairs team on receiving a prestigious Award of Excellence from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) for Town Talk! 👏🎥

What an incredible honor to see the hard work, creativity, and dedication of our local communications professionals recognized on a NATIONAL level! 🌟

💜 Ashley, your VPEN sisters are SO PROUD OF YOU! Your commitment to excellence, passion for connecting our community, and dedication to your profession are an inspiration to the women around you.

At VPEN, we believe in celebrating the achievements of our sisters, lifting one another up, and recognizing women who are making a difference! Ashley, you are a wonderful example of what it means to lead with purpose and make a positive impact through your work.

👏 A HUGE congratulations to Ashley and the entire Town Talk team! Thank you for helping share the stories, people, and happenings that make Victoria such a special community!

✨ Keep shining, Ashley! Your VPEN sisters are cheering you on and celebrating this well-deserved recognition! 💜🌟

STRONGER TOGETHER: LEARN, LEAD, SERVE! 💜

🏆 Town Talk has earned a 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱!

Congratulations to the City’s Communications & Public Affairs team on receiving an Award of Excellence from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) for Town Talk! 🎙️ Read more: https://www.victoriatx.gov/m/NewsFlash/home/detail/2294

The award recognizes Town Talk’s work in proactively sharing important updates to the community through "From Crisis to Commitment: Long-Term Water Solutions," a special episode featuring transparent discussion with key leaders about 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲, 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀, and 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀.💧

This is Town Talk’s first national award, adding to multiple state awards earned since the podcast launched in its current format.

10/12/2026

🌟💜 CELEBRATING LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS! CONGRATULATIONS, PAULA CADENGO! 💜🌟

🎉👏 VPEN is PROUD to celebrate one of our very own ABWA sisters, Paula Cadengo, on her election to the Victoria Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors!

Paula, what an exciting and well-deserved accomplishment! Your dedication to building relationships, supporting local businesses, and making a positive impact throughout our community truly reflects the heart of leadership and service. 💜

Through your work with VCS Companies and your involvement in our community, you continue to demonstrate the power of connection, commitment, and women supporting women!

✨ At ABWA's Victoria Professional Express Network (VPEN), we believe in empowering women to grow personally and professionally, step into leadership roles, and make a difference. Seeing one of our sisters achieve this milestone is exactly what we love to celebrate!

👏 Paula, your VPEN sisters are cheering you on! We are incredibly proud of you and know you will bring your passion, talents, and dedication to this exciting new chapter of service.

💜🌟 STRONGER TOGETHER: LEARN, LEAD, SERVE! 🌟💜

Please join us in giving Paula a BIG round of applause and congratulating her on this wonderful achievement! 🎉👏

Please join us in congratulating our very own Paula Cadengo on being elected to the Victoria Chamber of Commerce Board! 🎉👏

At VCS Companies, we’re proud to have a PR woman who puts so much heart into representing our team and connecting with our community. Seeing Paula take on this opportunity to serve Victoria gives us even more reason to celebrate! ❤️

Paula, we’re grateful for everything you bring to VCS and so proud to have you representing us. We can’t wait to cheer you on!

Help us show Paula some love in the comments! 👇✨

10/10/2026

💜🌟 **CORPORATE SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT — VILLAFRANCA INSURANCE!** 🌟💜

👏 **THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING CORPORATE SPONSOR, VILLAFRANCA INSURANCE!** 👏

🛡️ **VILLAFRANCA INSURANCE SERVICES INCLUDE:**

✅ Life Insurance – Helping protect the people you love.

✅ Individual & Family Health Insurance – Finding coverage that fits your needs and budget.

✅ Medicare – Guidance in navigating Medicare options and coverage.

✅ Dental & Vision Insurance – Helping keep your smile and vision healthy.

✅ Supplemental & Aflac Insurance – Additional coverage options for life's unexpected moments.

💜 **A WOMAN IN BUSINESS MAKING A DIFFERENCE!**

Sarita's dedication to customer service, community involvement, and helping others succeed reflects the very heart of ABWA! As a valued VPEN member and our **Vice President of Marketing**, Sarita demonstrates what it means to lead with purpose, serve with passion, and empower those around her.

We are especially grateful for businesses like Villafranca Insurance that invest in professional women, leadership development, networking, and the continued growth of our local business community.

📍 **CONTACT VILLAFRANCA INSURANCE**

🏢 One O'Connor Plaza

101 W. Goodwin Avenue, Suite 1101

Victoria, TX 77901

📞 **Phone:** (361) 655-8083

📧 **Email:** [email protected]

🌐 **Website:** www.villafrancainsurance.com

🕘 **Office:** Monday–Friday, appointments recommended.

🎉 **THANK YOU, SARITA & VILLAFRANCA INSURANCE!** 🎉

Your support helps VPEN continue creating opportunities for women to connect, learn, lead, and grow both personally and professionally.

💜 We encourage our members, friends, and community to **SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT VPEN!** Whether you're reviewing your current insurance or exploring new coverage options, reach out to Sarita and discover the difference personalized service can make!

🌟 **VPEN — Stronger Together: Learn, Lead, Serve!** 🌟

10/10/2026

🌟💜 GREAT WOMEN BUILD GREAT CONNECTIONS — AND GREAT CONNECTIONS CREATE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES! 💜🌟

🚀 IT'S TIME TO ACTIVATE HER AMBITION! 🚀

The American Business Women's Association (ABWA) is celebrating its 2026 Fall Membership Campaign, September 1 – November 30, and the Victoria Professional Express Network (VPEN) is ready to welcome women who are looking for MORE!

💫 More opportunities to LEARN.
💫 More confidence to LEAD.
💫 More connections to GROW.
💫 More ways to SERVE.
💫 More women cheering YOU on!

Because success isn't just about what you accomplish — it's also about the people who inspire you along the way! ❤️

✨ WHY VPEN? ✨

At VPEN, we bring together women from different industries, careers, and walks of life who share a common goal: to help one another become the best versions of ourselves! Whether you're building a business, advancing your career, developing your leadership skills, or looking for a meaningful way to get involved in our community, VPEN offers opportunities to make it happen.

💼 Professional Growth — Educational programs, leadership development, and resources to help you reach your goals.
🤝 Powerful Connections — Build relationships with women who share ideas, open doors, and celebrate your accomplishments.
🌟 Leadership Development — Discover your strengths, step outside your comfort zone, and grow into the leader you aspire to be.
❤️ Community Impact — Put your passion into action through volunteer opportunities and projects that make a difference in Victoria.
🎉 Recognition & Celebration — Be part of a network that recognizes achievements, encourages personal growth, and celebrates women who lead by example!

We invite you to attend an upcoming VPEN General Meeting and see for yourself what makes our organization so special!

Come meet our members, enjoy an engaging program, expand your professional circle, and discover how ABWA can be part of YOUR success story.

📩 Interested in learning more about VPEN? Send us a message through our page! We'd love to connect with you and invite you to our next meeting.

💜 Your ambition brought you this far. Let VPEN help you discover what's next! 🌟

10/10/2026

🎉🎂 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARITA VILLAFRANCA! 🎂🎉

💜🌟 Today, our ABWA Victoria Professional Express Network (VPEN) family is celebrating one of our wonderful members, Sarita Villafranca! 🥳💐

Sarita, we are so grateful for the energy, dedication, and leadership you bring to VPEN! Your commitment to supporting and empowering women makes a difference, and we are blessed to have you as part of our ABWA sisterhood! 💜

🎁 May your special day be filled with love, laughter, wonderful memories, and all the happiness you deserve! Here's to another amazing year of opportunities, success, friendship, and making your dreams shine! ✨

🥳 Help us shower Sarita with birthday wishes in the comments! 🎈🎊

💜 Stronger Together: Learn, Lead, Serve! 🌟

10/07/2026

Our October Business Spotlight is Maria “Ali” Garza of AliB.O.S.S. Bookkeepers! 🌟

Get to know Ali and her business as we shine a spotlight on one of the local professionals who helps make our business community special.

She specializes in: ✨
•Business Formation
•Bookkeeping
•Tax Preparation
•Strategic Financial Collaborating
•Generational Growth

Join us at our ABWA VPEN luncheon on October 21st to connect with fellow professionals and learn more about AliB.O.S.S. Bookkeepers! We look forward to seeing you there! 🤝💜

Click Link to Register for this month’s Luncheon:

💌 https://givebutter.com/VPEN2610