GALVESTON, TX – March 11, 2026 – The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), is launching EmpowerYOU: Mind + Body + Spirit, a new women’s health education luncheon series designed to inform, inspire, and empower women—and those who support them—at every stage of life.
“Women are often the caregivers, the organizers, and the advocates for everyone else in their lives—but their own health can easily fall to the bottom of the list,” said Gina Spagnola, President and CEO of the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce. “This series is about giving women the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to prioritize their well-being and feel empowered to take charge of their health.”
The three-part series leads into the 19th Annual Galveston Island Women’s Conference on Sept. 11 and focuses on practical, approachable conversations around physical, emotional, and mental wellness.
“Supporting the health and well-being of women in our community is essential to building a stronger future for Galveston,” said Dr. Angela Raimer, a family medicine physician at UTMB. “We are proud to partner with the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce on a series that offers practical, trusted guidance women can use throughout every stage of life.”
Each session will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Open Gates, 2419 Sealy, offering a welcoming space to learn from trusted medical experts, ask questions, and gain tools they can use immediately. Through expert insight and real-life strategies, EmpowerYOU encourages women to take an active role in their health journeys—mind, body, and spirit.
Upcoming Sessions
April 7 – Seasons of Care: Women’s Preventive Health
Presented by Dr. Angela Raimer
Your primary care provider is your partner in prevention. This session helps women feel confident and prepared when navigating the healthcare system and making the most of their medical visits.
Ideal for: Women who want to be proactive, informed, and empowered in their care.
Topics include:
- How to prepare for a primary care visit
- Preventive health priorities in your 20s–30s, 30s–40s, 40s–50s, and beyond
- When and how to ask for referrals
- Understanding specialists
- Navigating appointments, MyChart, and insurance basics
June 2 – EmpowerHIM: Caring for the Men in Our Lives
Presented by Dr. Jamaal Jackson
Women are often the health advocates for their families. This conversation offers practical insights into supporting the well‑being of the men in their lives, and is open to anyone seeking to better understand men’s health.
Ideal for: Wives, partners, mothers, sisters, and friends.
Topics include:
- Why men often delay seeking care
- Common men’s health risks
- Supporting emotional and mental well-being
- Encouraging care in effective, compassionate ways
August 4 – Weight Loss & Metabolic Health
Presented by Dr. Sarah Samreen
A realistic and compassionate conversation about hormones, metabolism, and sustainable health.
Ideal for: Women navigating midlife changes or feeling stuck despite doing “everything right.”
Topics include:
- Perimenopause and menopause: hormones and metabolism
- Stress, cortisol, and stubborn weight
- GLP‑1 medications: what to know
- Emotional eating and mindset shifts
Registration Information
The luncheon series is open to Chamber members for $25 per session and prospective members for $35 per session. Seating is limited. Tickets and additional details are available at www.GalvestonChamber.com (View Events Calendar).
ABOUT THE GALVESTON REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Founded in 1845, the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce is the oldest chamber of commerce in Texas and proudly holds a Five-Star Accreditation. The Chamber is dedicated to promoting and advocating for business and community development, strengthening the local economy, and fostering leadership to ensure a vibrant and thriving Galveston.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH
The first academic health center in Texas opened its doors in 1891 and today has four campuses, five health sciences schools, seven institutes for advanced study, a research enterprise that includes one of only two national laboratories dedicated to the safe study of infectious threats to human health, a Level 1 Trauma Center and a health system offering a full range of primary and specialized medical services throughout the Texas Gulf Coast region. UTMB is an institution in The University of Texas System and a member of the Texas Medical Center.
