2024 Women in Business Luncheons

Dr. Devona Williams founded Goeins-Williams Associates, Inc., (GWA) in 1986 to “help organizations achieve greater productivity in strategic work environments”. As President/CEO of GWA, Dr. Williams has contributed her talents to helping nearly 60000 individuals in hundreds of organizations increase their performance and effectiveness.

Dr. Williams is an expert in strategic planning, organizational performance assessment, development and improvement, meeting, and retreat facilitation. Williams speaks on business, diversity, leadership, and success and is often quoted in the media.

Prior to her entrepreneurial success Williams held appointments in public policy administration with the Federal government and Delaware legislature and executive roles with the DuPont corporation. Williams holds a doctorate in Urban Affairs & Public Policy, University of Delaware with specializations in social policy analysis and urban systems planning.

Dr. Williams is the immediate past Chair of the Board of Trustees for Delaware State University and revived and Chaired the Foundation 2017-2022. Williams served as the 2008-2009 President for the Delaware Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and former Director of the Denver Chapter. She has served actively on boards, commissions and councils of many community and civic organizations.

Ingrid Hopkins is half of the powerhouse duo overseeing the transformation of Hopkins Family Farm in Lewes, Delaware.  For the first time in the Hopkins tradition of passing the farm to a male successor, two women are running the family business, which has been in operation for more than 100 years.

Ingrid Hopkins earned her degrees in Equestrian Science, Animal Science, and Veterinary Technology from Delaware Valley University.  For 20 years she enjoyed a career in Veterinary Nursing. During this time she also managed a stable of racehorses, racing all over the country.

Approaching 40 years old, she got the undeniable urge to be in business for herself and in 2016 went on to create The Covered Bridge Inn, Bed & Breakfast. As Ingrid will tell you, this was much easier said than done. Renovating a 200-year-old farmhouse while simultaneously learning how to be a businesswoman.

Soon, weddings became part of her business model and the business has since transformed into Hopkins Heartland – Weddings and Events, with 2 venue spaces and accommodation for 16 guests.

Along with her sister, Amy Ingrid is working to position the family farm, for future success. These 5^th generation owners are redefining what it looks like to be a farmer and expanding the family business with an eye on the future.