Galveston Chamber Announces 2025 Women of the Year Honorees and Non-Profit Highlights

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Event will be held Friday, September 12 at Moody Gardens Convention Center

The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce will honor seven extraordinary women and two impactful non-profit organizations at the 18th Annual Galveston Women’s Conference on Friday, Sept. 12, at Moody Gardens Convention Center.

Joy (Falgout) Fertitta will receive the Mary Ellen Doyle Legacy Woman of the Year award. The wife of Vic Fertitta and mother of Jay, Tilman, and Todd Fertitta, she is known for her generosity, commitment to civic causes, and devotion to her family. After raising her children, Joy Fertitta volunteered at UTMB in Patient Services for 25 years and was involved with the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston, UTMB School of Nursing, Bradazzle and the 50 Club of Galveston County.

The 2025 Ann McLeod Moody Women of the Year honorees are:

  • Leslie Fortenberry, Marketing Director, Elitecare Emergency Hospital
  • Concetta Maceo-Sims, Owner, Maceo Spice & Import Company
  • Maria Luisa Mercado, Attorney, Lone Star Legal Aid
  • Magen Moore Ortiz, President, Harbor Offshore Marine
  • Jill Reason, Executive Director, Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre
  • Jocelyn Sullivan, Owner, Sugar Bean Coffee & Cream

This year’s non-profit spotlights are:

  • Christina Sullivan Foundation, providing inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual or physical challenges.
  • St. Vincent’s House, offering essential services such as its Galveston Diaper Bank, food pantry, veteran support, emergency assistance, and medical care for the uninsured through partnerships with UTMB.

The conference will feature keynote speaker Amy Purdy, three-time Paralympic medalist, New York Times best-selling author, and internationally recognized motivational speaker.

The Galveston Women’s Conference is designed to celebrate, inspire, and empower women. Attendees can expect energizing speakers, shopping with 150+ vendors, networking opportunities, and a full day designed to empower and uplift.

Tickets and sponsorships are available at www.GalvestonChamber.com.

Photo courtesy of Galveston Chamber

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