Sisters That Pray Together Slay Together : CEW Women's Empowerment Brunch 08.19.18

August 26, 2018

Desiree D.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE WOMEN

COLLABORATION > COMPETITON

Grateful, by Liberian Pop Artist, Deng is on replay in my head. Yes, "Some kind of way I can get it!" Why should I spoil your name ...? Only God knows the struggle we as black women face daily. Society puts so much pressure on us to beat the stereotypes and somehow unhealthy competitions form. That's why I believe before we even think of competing let's join forces to collaborate...

It's been a long while since I've sat down and had the confidence to write a blog post on my own site. However, God's time is the best time and I would say the time is now for me to make a "comeback." While I've been focusing on my personal goals and endeavors, I've been connecting and building relationships behind the scenes. A few months ago a dear friend of mine reached out to me to help her put together an event that would impact the lives of many young women. I wholeheartedly believe that two minds are better than one, yet three minds can really change the narrative.

Chief Executive Women

Who are we : Nile Pamphile, Chantal Kwade and myself. We are three women from various industries with different strengths. Throughout organizing this event, I felt a little out of place. However when God calls you to be apart of something that will serve others, your feelings of discouragement and unworthiness can be sent back to sender. A Chemist, A Lawyer, and A Stylist (I'm still working on a title for myself). What do all of us have in common, one may ask. It is the innate ability to work hard and help other women in need on their career journey. Collaborating outside of your comfort zone is the key to success. I would say each of our traits and characteristics aided in the amazing turnout of an event that we had.

What we do/did : The purpose of this event was to create a safe space for women to share common dialogue and gain wisdom from our guest speakers. Networking with strangers can be difficult for many. We served as the bridge between those seeking guidance and those who are knowledgeable about specific industry topics. Your network is your net worth and if you surround yourself around with individuals who want to help you become your highest self, then you are on the right team. Society often times places walls and barriers around women of color, in which competition is present. We aimed to knock down those barriers and work collectively to have a successful end goal. We want all young women to feel like a boss and be a boss. Being a Chief Executive Woman is a lifestyle.

The day of the event, Sunday August 19, 2018 started off a bit rough. In the end, we sold out and had an extraordinary event. The attendees were pleased with the enlightening panel discussion and I know everyone including myself left feeling empowered. The consistent planning began in late May early June. We prayed and communicated through the course of preparation. It was my first time actually working in a group and being satisfied with the results. Many times I've tried to collaborate with friends to start a business or plan an event and they all were failed executions. Working in a team setting can be difficult, yet God was the most important piece to the puzzle and I am excited to say, "We did It!" Yes, I will do it over again and I cannot wait until the next event. Below are some key points that I took away from the panel discussion. See you all next year at the Chief Executive Women's Empowerment Brunch & Networking Mixer.

"When you are multi-talented always have an end goal and know what is the purpose you are trying to accomplish. " -Panelist Dominique Galbraith

"Speak up and be bold, have confidence even when you're in a room full of men who do not look like you. You are the Star in the room. " "Don't speak bad about others, being kind goes along way, because you never know when the tables will turn." Always remember, "This too shall pass." - Panelist Dr. Sim

"Know what you exactly what you want, be consistent" - Panelist Ashley Akunna

Always have an elevator pitch, you never know when it could start the next chapter in your life. Your portfolio is your resume. "Don't take anything personal, not even a compliment." "Hard work beats talent, when talent does not work hard." - Panelist Tiffany Bender

"Talk less, have a filter, know what to say and when to say it...but let your work be a reflection of who you are." - Panelist Florence Ngala

Overall after this event I kept singing to myself,

Scared money don't make no money...-Meek Mill

I've love this verse because he is saying have faith and and believe you will make it. Fear robs you of prime opportunities.

Read Today, The Defining Decade

Event Recap All Images Taken

By: Sarah Casserly