Award-Winning Founder & CEO, Lisa Mae Brunson produced the 10th annual “Wonder Tech Fest” in Long Beach celebrating culture and technology innovation.

Held November 4-7, the three-day, multi-site conference brought thousands of attendees and hundreds of speakers and exhibitors to celebrate a ‘decade of impact’ with Wonder Women Tech. Throughout Downtown Long Beach, a spotlight on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) was the order of the day. From the Long Beach Convention Center to venues on The Promenade and Pine Avenue, participants ventured along the walkable route to take part in the occasion. Attendees also joined a member-community online with access to live and on-demand presentations through a virtual platform.

Wonder Tech Fest was designed to ‘ignite’ and ‘amplify’ with a variety of programming to spark future innovators. Between the ballrooms at the convention center and the meeting halls nearby, the event offered educational panels, informative break-out sessions, inclusive mixers, and a host of networking opportunities. For creatives, college students, STEM educators, and business professionals, Wonder Tech Fest 2025 was indeed an empowering celebration.

Wonder Tech Fest 2025 Challenges

Yearly, Brunson (often referred to as Lisa Mae), produces Wonder Tech Fest with the support of corporate sponsors, dozens of volunteers, and her dedicated team. This year was no easy feat. Across social media, she shared her experience with significant roadblocks leading up to the event that resulted in financial challenges. From grant failures to theft, the non-profit founder endured “devastating blows” but prevailed with faith and tenacity.

I was fortunate enough to help bring together Wonder Tech Fest 2025 along with Lisa Mae’s exceptional team. I learned many lessons and walked away with meaningful takeaways. One of the most impactful of them all was the palpable presence of resilience. For this, I created a symbolic recipe inspired by Lisa Mae that I hope will inspire others.

Recipe for Resilience

Ingredients:

• Vision
• Unwavering Commitment
• Supportive Team
• Expanse

Preparation:

1. Remember who you are, what you want, what you’re capable of, and what you want the world
   to know.
2. Synchronize your thoughts and emotions to form actions that can’t be detached from your
   heart.
3. Surround yourself with those who believe, see, feel, hear, and respect you. Then identify who
   tells you hard truths and keep them close for comfort in the uncomfortable.
4. The word Expanse is defined as ‘the great extent of something spread out.’ With your vision,
   commitment, and team in tow, step forward into the wonder.

The Results:

A reflection of leadership when you face yourself in the mirror. A warrior with wisdom who can match fears with fortitude.

Pro Tip:
Be present in the midst of chaos and crisis. Collect yourself, your brilliance, and shine through!

Entrepreneurs, chime in!

What are some of your experiences with resilience in business or event-planning? What other ‘ingredients’ would you add to this symbolic recipe? Leave a comment below!

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