DOWNEY — On Thursday August 29, nearly 100 women convened as part of the “FLEW Empower Hour,” a networking mixer designed for professional women of all ages who are looking to advance their careers while helping other women advance theirs.

The attendees consisted of women in different professions, with a heavy focus on women in the legal, medical, and business professions. Most were local but many travelled from Riverside and Ventura Counties.

The event was held at the Rio Hondo Event Center, where attendees were greeted with a professional photographer. The attendees were encouraged to network during what organizers called the: “Empower Hour,” a segment of the night where women exchanged their business cards and networked with each other.

The goals of the evening were that women attendees would build and expand their networks, that they would seek advice from more experienced women in their respective industry, and that they would provide advice for those women who were starting off in their professions. Women were encouraged to bring their young children and many did so (children included pre-teen, infant, and teenage children who were in attendance).

The night’s honorees included Judge Shelly Torrealba, who was the “Woman of the Hour.” Additionally, the “Breaking Barriers Award” was awarded to accomplished Doctor, Dr. Sandra Salazar, who is a doctor for Kaiser in Downey and who is also serving as a elected official in the capacity of Cerritos College Board of Trustees.

María Torres, executive director and lead organizer of the event, commented: “We are humbled to share this space with these two accomplished women, for they are fierce women who have not forgotten to keep the door open for the women coming after them! We all thank them for their achievements. We also thank our allies in advancing our interests!”

For more information on how to support the next event, please contact FLEW at joinflew@gmail.com or by texting/ calling Maria Torres at (213) 842-6214.