On International Women’s Day, a vibrant community gathered at Freeland Spirits for Xcelerate Women’s third annual Celebration of Impact, an afternoon dedicated to recognizing the women business owners featured in our 2025 Impact Report.

Hosted at the women-owned distillery founded by Xcelerate Women alum Jill Kuehler, the gathering brought together business owners, partners, supporters, and new faces who believe deeply in the work women business owners are building across our region.

120+ guests mingled over signature Freeland cocktails and an iconic lineup of bites from women-led favorites including Gado Gado, Moosubi, Javelina, Oma's Hideaway, L'Echelle, Decadent Creations, Notorious B.A.G.E.L, and Kachka, along with beverages from Dappled Tonic and Maté Party. The spread was served on sustainable tableware generously donated by Dtocs.

Throughout Women’s History Month, Freeland Spirits is also donating a portion of proceeds from their limited edition Pink Gin, a true example of women backing women.

At the heart of the event was a moment recognizing the business owners whose stories anchor this year’s Impact Report. Those in attendance included Ly Thuy Mai of 7Thirty Creative, Iliana Maura of Iliana Maura Divinely Dairy-Free Butter, Jordan Mishra Johnson of Drawn Hungry, and Kathryn Madison of Dye Candy, each recognized for milestones they reached in 2025. In a surprise reveal, all featured business owners from the 2025 Impact Report were also gifted an annual Xcelerate Membership.

A celebratory raffle added to the excitement, with prizes including bottles of Freeland’s limited edition Pink Gin, private tasting tours of the distillery, and an annual Xcelerate Membership. Alexa Cid Carrera of La Casa de Mama and one of last year’s featured business owners took home the membership prize.

The afternoon also marked a milestone as we officially announced and launched Xcelerate Membership, the next chapter in building a community that supports women business owners.

Check out photos from the 2026 Celebration of Impact, below. ✨