ARLINGTON, Texas—The Arlington Women’s Alliance was formed 13 years ago when co-founders Beth Owens and Letatia Teykl noticed that they were part of the underrepresented group of women in the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

In response, they formed the Women’s Alliance to empower women in business and create opportunities for networking, friendship and mentorship within the community.

With more than 500 members, the organization has become a resource for women-owned businesses, helping them gain recognition in Arlington. The chamber provides annual programs and grants that support its members to further their achievements and reach their goals.

Owens said the Women’s Alliance has given her the opportunity to be surrounded by extraordinary women in different aspects of business and professions, both those who preceded her and those who have come up behind her.

Although Owens and Teykl are both Arlington natives, they met only during the forming of the Women’s Alliance. Now they have become an example of the long-lasting friendships that the organization fosters.

“Friendships are still developed even to this day through our networking events,” Teykl said.  “You are able to make long-lasting relationships from a personal level and from a business or professional level too.”

Through the organization, the two have helped grow each other’s businesses and have provided the same opportunity for others.

Owens co-founded BrandEra, a marketing firm located in Fort Worth. As the company’s marketing specialist, she is responsible for recruiting clients and helping them with their advertising needs.

Before BrandEra, Owens found herself marketing in the motorcycle industry. In 2008, she and her coworker, Reecanne Joeckel, were let go. This encouraged them to start their own business.

Since then, BrandEra has reached several businesses, non-profits and public entities in Texas including well-known brands in Arlington such as the Levitt Pavilion.

Owens attended Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona, where she obtained her Master of International Management. Later she returned to Arlington, the place her family calls home.

“I’m passionate about Arlington,” Owens said. “I enjoy serving Arlington.”

Her fondness for the community is also seen in other ventures including her participation in the Arlington Independent School District Education Foundation and the Texas Health Resources Community Impact Leadership Council.

Teykl has served as the executive director for the Levitt Pavilion for the last five years. In this role, she is in charge of all operations within the company.

Originally, she worked as a banker for 16 years, but when approached with the opportunity to work in music, she said she could not turn it down.

“It’s a people business,” Teykl said. “I love music already, and now I get to produce something that brings such joy to people.”

Growing up in Arlington, she attended Sam Houston High School and the University of Texas at Arlington. Afterward, Teykl graduated from Texas Wesleyan with a degree in business management and marketing.

Her favorite part about running a nonprofit music venue is being able to help musicians get exposure, as well as supporting the arts and community with powerful and creative events, she said.

Owens and Teykl started the Women’s Alliance to unite women through business and community endeavors. Since it first began, the organization has not only grown in numbers but it has become a valued branch in the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

With more excitement surrounding it, there has been an increase in the amount of resources they give to the community.

“It’s not always about business, that’s what’s cool about the Women’s Alliance,” Teykl said. “We all have things that we go through in our lives, so when you’re a part of something large like this, you might be supporting someone during a time in their life when they need it.”