Skip to main content

FAQs

Below is a list of common questions people have asked about VIA Collective Inc or VIA Connects. If your question has not been answered, please contact us.

About VIA Collective Inc

What is VIA Collective?
VIA (Voices in Action) Collective Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit grassroots organization incorporated in 2022 by a visionary team of womxn living and working in the Golden Isles.

What is VIA Connects?
VIA Connects are VIA Collective Inc’s events specifically designed for womxn. Our goal is to connect and support the women in our community through personal, professional, and collective growth opportunities.

What is the VIA Collective, Inc Mission?
VIA Collective Inc believes every womxn has an individual lived experience, a voice to be empowered, and the capacity to positively impact her community and our world. We believe our responsibility is to inspire, support, uplift and celebrate the diversity womxn in our community by providing opportunities for authentic connections and meaningful learning.

Who is the team behind VIA Collective?

  • Officers
    • Chief Executive Officer, Anne Goodstein, Creative Director & Partner at h2o creative group
    • Chief Financial Officer, Ande Noktes, Exec. Director of the Art & Lindee Center for Entrepreneurship 
    • Secretary, Libby Cole, Owner of Expand Coaching and Consulting 
  • VIA Connects 2023 Conference Steering Committee
    • Carrie Lofstrom, MS, LPC, CPCS,CEO Clinical Therapist at Radiant Counseling, LLC
    • Catherine Fleming, Membership Director, The Club
    • Charlotte Nash, LCSW, Owner and Therapist at Radiant Counseling, LLC
    • Jasmine Frazier, CRM Specialist at GreenFig
    • Jennifer Lee, Business Consultant, Small Business Development Center, University of Georgia
    • Kate Sabbe, Social Media Manager at PunchDrunk Digital
    • Lori Peacock, Entrepreneur at Golden Isles Gourmet Popcorn
    • Madison Schroeder, Manager, Schroeder’s Market
    • Mercedes Marsh, Interpreter, Spanish Community Liaison, Glynn County Schools
    • Nicki Schroeder, Owner, Schroeder’s Market
    • Rita Spaulding, Mediator and Attorney at Law
    • Shemeka Frazier Sorrells, Social Justice Advocate, Co-Founder of A Better Glynn Inc.

About The Event

What is the Conference about?
The inaugural VIA Connects conference has been designed to provide an experience of personal growth, wellness, professional growth and community. Throughout the day, over 15 motivational speakers representing diverse backgrounds will share powerful stories and deliver strategies so that attendees learn valuable skills, discover tools that inspire growth and build meaningful personal and professional relationships.

What is 2023’s theme?
The VIA Connects conference is founded on the theme of BE BRAVE! We chose this theme for our inaugural conference as we are all bravely pursuing new opportunities within our community. BE BRAVE! aligns VIA Collective Inc’s. four pillars: Connection (Relationship-building); Inspiration (Possibility-building); Inclusiveness (Community-building); and Meaningfulness (Learning-oriented).

When, what time & where?

  • Saturday, March 25, 2023. 
  • Marshes of Glynn Brunswick Library, 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, Georgia.
  • 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Is the space limited?
Space is limited to the first 200 people.

What is the registration deadline?
The online registration deadline for the VIA Connects conference is Thursday, March 23, 2023.

How do I register?
Registration is available at: https://viaconnects.org/event/via-connects-2023/
You can also purchase your ticket at the door.

What is the cost to attend the conference?

  • General Admission is $25.00 for the full day of programming. Includes a tote bag for the first 200 attendees.

Thanks to our partner The Golden Isles Development Authority, we were able to offer 5o tickets + lunch bag, based on income and specific situation. Applications are closed for 2023.

Can I buy more than one ticket or make a donation to the VIA Connects conference so another womxn may attend?
Yes! You may purchase more than one ticket for the conference. You may also make a donation to the conference so that womxn in need of a waiver of the conference fee due to financial challenges may attend.

Will you be serving food and drinks?
The option to pre-purchase a bag-lunch is now closed. But we will have a food truck in front of the library. You may also purchase lunch at one of the restaurants in the downtown Brunswick area or bring your own lunch.

Accessibility
The Marshes of Glynn Brunswick Library is handicap accessible. If you have any special request, please contact us at info@viaconnects.org

Child care
Child care is available for attendees of the VIA Connects conference. This option is now closed.

Code of Conduct
The VIA Connects conference is designed to promote personal and professional growth by providing relevant information and through interaction with a diverse group of womxn from our community. We ask that all attendees treat each other with genuine respect and kindness.

Health & Safety
VIA Conference attendees’ personal and emotional health is our utmost priority. We have provided a safe place and space at the Marshes of Glynn Brunswick library. During these times of heightened healthcare awareness, attendees are encouraged to practice whatever safety measures they deem important, e.g. wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, etc.

Agenda

What is 2023’s program?
The structure for the VIA Connects conference includes four tracks: Personal Growth, Financial Wellness, Professional Growth, and Community Growth. The 15 varied breakout sessions will be focused on these four areas. Attendees may select to participate in breakout sessions all in one track, or may select from any of the topics in the four areas.
When available the program can be found under agenda.
Information subject to change

Where can I find the program?
As soon as released, the VIA Connects conference program will be available at ViaConnects.org. The topics and speakers are listed on the program’s agenda.
Information subject to change

Who are the Presenters and Speakers?
The womxn who are presenting and/or speaking at the VIA Connects conference represent diverse backgrounds, experiences, and personal and professional journeys. For a detailed list of topics and presenters/speakers check out the agenda section on our website.

Can I be a speaker?
The VIA Connects speaker’s subcommittee is currently receiving proposals from speakers. You may complete an application to become a speaker at ViaConnects.org.  Speakers will be selected based on your experience to inform, motivate, and support womxn’s growth based on your own journey and experience. Individuals interested in speaking so that they can promote a product or service are not encouraged to apply. Speakers are asked to volunteer their time to support the conference’s mission and vision.

Can I or my organization sponsor VIA Connects 2023?
If you are interested in becoming a VIA Connects conference sponsor, contact us or visit our Take Part page.

How do I register?
Registration information for the VIA Connects conference is available here.

What is the cost to attend the conference?
The cost of the VIA Connect conference is $25 for the full day of programming.  You may also purchase a bag lunch for an additional fee of $15.  Daycare is also available here.

A limited number of free tickets have been made available thanks to our partner Golden Isles Development Authority. Please contact us: info@viaconnects.org. Restrictions apply, availability limited. 

You may also purchase a VIA Conference Tote Bag the day of the event for $25.  The registration fee, lunch, and daycare should be made at here.

What if I purchase a ticket(s) and cannot attend?
If after purchasing a ticket you are unable to attend, you may give your e-ticket to a friend, family member or colleague.  Be sure to print your ticket after purchase. If you need to transfer your ticket to someone else, she must bring the ticket with them to the event. NO Refunds of conference tickets or lunch will be provided.