Surrounded by magazines, scissors and conversation, women gathered Friday evening, March 27, for the inaugural VisionHER event, turning a corner of a busy mall into a space for reflection, creativity and connection as they focused on what comes next.
The event was held at Chicago Ridge Mall, 444 Ridgeland Ave, Chicago Ridge, where participants came together in Center Court near H&M and Pandora for an evening focused on personal and professional growth.
Organizers described VisionHER as a hands-on experience centered on intentional reflection. Attendees took part in guided vision board creation, using magazines, art supplies and written affirmations to map out goals and aspirations for the year ahead.
“VisionHER is a hands-on, interactive experience designed to help women reflect, connect, and envision what’s next, personally and professionally,” said Yahayra Argueta. “This is the first year of The VisionHER Event, and we hope it becomes an annual gathering that blends creativity, connection and community.”
Argueta said the idea for the event grew from a desire to encourage women to slow down and focus on their goals in a meaningful way. She noted that vision boards serve as a simple but powerful tool to pause, reflect and visualize the future.
By combining that process with a supportive environment and the presence of women-owned businesses, she said the event aimed to create a space where attendees felt encouraged to dream big while also feeling supported.
Rather than functioning as a traditional vendor market, the event emphasized experience and connection. Participants spent the evening creating their boards, engaging in conversation and meeting others with similar aspirations.
“What makes VisionHER special is that it’s both creative and intentional,” Argueta said. “It’s not just about attending an event. It’s about actively participating, whether that’s creating a vision board, talking with local business owners, or connecting with other women who are in a similar stage of life or career.”
Light refreshments were served as attendees mingled and worked through the guided activities. Conversations carried across the space as many participants met for the first time and quickly found common ground.
Argueta said the goal was for attendees to leave with more than just a finished project.
“We hope attendees leave with a clearer sense of direction, meaningful connections, and something tangible to take home, both their vision board and the inspiration behind it,” she said.
Many participants exchanged contact information and shared their completed boards, leaving with renewed energy and motivation.
Argueta said the first-year event was intended to set the tone for something lasting.
“As a first-year event, VisionHER is about creating something meaningful from the start, a space where women feel welcomed, inspired and encouraged to envision what’s next for themselves,” she said.