By By Julianne Hernandez Pacific Daily News

Copyright guampdn

Guam’s largest gathering of women leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals returns this Friday, built around the idea of uplifting women in all aspects of life, from career development to personal wellness.

Fanachu Famalao’an, a signature event of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, will be held this year at Hyatt Regency Guam, with welcoming remarks starting at 8 a.m.

The Sept. 26 conference provides a platform for women to learn, connect, and grow, both personally and professionally.

This year’s event, themed “In Bloom,” has an expanded vendor marketplace, and a renewed focus on celebrating women across industries and life stages. All tickets to the event have already been sold.

Dena Rendon-Pangelinan, president of the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce, and Amber Dydasco, Fanachu Famalao’an chair, said this year’s conference will elevate participants’ overall experience with its larger capacity, thoughtful design, and signature hospitality.

Staff at the venue have been working closely with the planning team to deliver a well-curated and seamless event, they said.

What to expect

Livia Marati, founder and CEO of Ina Wellness Collective, will be one of the keynote speakers, sharing personal stories and powerful metaphors to hone in on the cycles of growth.

A wellness entrepreneur, Marati brings a local perspective to the event. Her story of returning home to Guam and launching a successful wellness brand represents a shift from past years, when keynote speakers primarily came from off-island.

Organizers said Marati’s journey aligns closely with this year’s theme and offers inspiration for what is possible within the island’s own entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The day will feature breakout masterclasses, panel discussions, and a female-owned local marketplace featuring over 19 vendors. The marketplace will be open to the public.

For the masterclasses, there’s something for everyone, from Melanie Mendiola’s masterclass on financial wellbeing to dietitian Lenora Matanane and Dr. Mariana Cook-Huynh’s masterclass on women’s midlife mastery of hormones, health and strength.

Doors open at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast and networking. There will be high-energy entertainment, speeches, and breakout sessions throughout the day.

Attendees will move between interactive workshops and regroup to share meals, connect, and continue learning.

Both Rendon-Pangelinan and Dydasco said the event is intentionally structured to promote both growth and restoration, a rare opportunity for women who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities.

Now in its fifth year, Fanachu Famalao’an continues to experience steady growth. The conference has sold out early every year, reflecting strong community interest and increasing demand. While it remains a one-day event, discussions are ongoing about the potential to expand the format in the future.

In addition to professional development, the event aspires to foster a sense of sisterhood and island community support.

The Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce said it hopes attendees will leave feeling inspired, connected, and encouraged to play an active role in shaping the future of women on Guam.

Although the event is officially sold out, organizers encourage anyone who supports gender equity in business and leadership to engage with the Guam Women’s Chamber of Commerce in other ways.

While the event is centered on women’s empowerment, it is open to all community members who believe in the full participation of women in every space, organizers added.