On May 4, 2017, FIU alumna Luly Balepogi ‘00 will be creating magic on campus in the Graham Center ballrooms. Spark with Luly B. is an interactive and inspiring one-day workshop, conference and party designed for extraordinary women! The event promotes and encourages self-discovery, confidence, connection and most of all, fun. Twenty years ago, Luly began her FIU career as a peer counselor in the Graham Center – now she is back on campus to inspire other women and support FIU’s Fostering Panther Pride program.

“I am a mom, wife, speaker, consultant and author,” says Luly B. “After working in corporate America for over a decade, I became an entrepreneur in search of work/life balance. In 2006, I founded Chispa Marketing and in just a few years, my boutique firm was on its way to surpassing a million dollars in revenue and working with an impressive list of clients, including the country’s largest college and one of the world’s largest wine festivals.”

Although Chispa continues to be successful venture, Luly was still searching for that illusive work/life balance. Where was it? Does it even exist?

In 2012, Luly decided to put her family and passion first. She restructured her marketing firm to make room for her most important priorities and embarked on yet another exciting adventure. Drawing from her experience in the nonprofit, academic and corporate sectors as well as her own entrepreneurial journey, Luly now helps strong, independent women overcome their self-doubt and fear in order to live their happiest lives through powerful workshops, training events, one-on-one coaching and more.

“I help women create the lives they want by teaching them to accept their gifts and step into their greatness,” Luly says. “My message of empowerment, leadership and confidence has reached thousands of women, including clients and partners like Macy’s, Procter & Gamble and Dell.”

We can’t wait to SPARK with Luly B. on May 4, and we hope you’ll join us! Imagine a day dedicated to fun, perspective, kindness and connection. Imagine having the tools and meeting the people who will allow you to make that a permanent part of your life. Imagine the most fun you can have on a weekday. Learn to celebrate yourself and leave the event with improved leadership and networking skills, a renewed sense of purpose, time management hacks and powerful connections – so you can do more of what lights you up! Buy your ticket here.

Best of all, the event will support FIU’s Fostering Panther Pride program, which empowers former foster care and homeless students to succeed and graduate from FIU. Launched in 2013, the program offers the one-on-one guidance of a dedicated success coach and provides assistance with financial aid, tuition, and the transition to college life, securing the basic needs we often take for granted, like housing and meals. Thirty seats have been sponsored for women from the Fostering Panther Pride program, making it possible for them to join us for this powerful event.