2026 JEFAS® Business Excellence Summit
About this Event
Building a business can be exciting, but it can also mean making a hundred decisions alone.
Sometimes what helps most is not another article to save or webinar to watch later. It is sitting across from another woman who understands what you are trying to build, asking the question you have been carrying around and hearing an honest answer from someone willing to share what she learned.
That is why we created the JEFAS® Business Excellence Summit: a day for learning, making connections and having the kinds of conversations that can change what comes next.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, JEFAS® Latinas in Business Magazine and the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach at Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business will bring Latina entrepreneurs, business leaders and community partners together in Des Moines for the third annual summit.
Two Sold-Out Summits, and a New Chapter
The first two JEFAS® summits each welcomed more than 250 attendees from Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois and beyond. Both events sold out.
This year, we are returning with a new partnership with Drake University, expanded resources and another full day to learn from women doing the work, find practical support and meet people who understand both the ambition and the reality behind building something of your own.
In 2025, the JEFAS® Business Excellence Summit received the Gold José Martí Award for Outstanding Event from the National Association of Hispanic Publications, one of the nation’s highest honors recognizing excellence in Hispanic media and community programming.
What You’ll Find at the Summit
Throughout the day, attendees will have opportunities to learn, ask questions, exchange ideas and build relationships with entrepreneurs and professionals from across the Midwest.
The 2026 summit will include:
• Nationally and regionally recognized speakers
• Educational workshops with practical business information and resources
• Leadership development sessions
• Time to meet potential collaborators, mentors and professional connections
• An exhibitor marketplace featuring businesses and community organizations
• Candid stories and lessons from Latina entrepreneurs building businesses in their communities
The speaker lineup, workshops and complete schedule will be announced as details are confirmed.
You Don’t Need to Have Everything Figured Out
Maybe you are preparing to open your first business. Maybe you have been doing this for years and are ready to grow in a new direction. You may be advancing your career, leading a nonprofit, supporting entrepreneurs in your community or carrying an idea you have not acted on yet.
You do not need to own a business, arrive with a polished pitch or know exactly what your next step will be.
The summit welcomes entrepreneurs, small business owners, corporate professionals, nonprofit leaders, students, aspiring entrepreneurs, business resource providers and community partners. If you care about entrepreneurship and want to contribute to the success of Latina-owned businesses, you are part of this conversation.
Join Us in Des Moines
The previous two summits sold out, so if this sounds like the day you have been looking for, we encourage you to register early.
Bring your questions, your ideas and a willingness to introduce yourself to someone new. We would love to welcome you to the JEFAS® community on September 4.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 116.15
