EmpowHER Mosaic: Celebrating Empowerment and Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
By: Tricina Cash, Executive Vice President of EMSDC
PITTSBURGH, Penn. — Greetings, EmpowHER community!
What an extraordinary evening it was at the EmpowHer Mosaic event earlier this summer! Under the vibrant lights and surrounded by an enthusiastic audience, we laughed, we connected, and we were inspired by our phenomenal moderator, Sabrina Saunders Mosby from Vibrant Pittsburgh, and the incredible panelists, AJ Drexler from Entrepreneurs Forever, Ardana “AJ” Jefferson from the Homeless Children’s Education Fund, and Stacey Weniger from Sentinel Construction, LLC. Together, they formed a powerhouse of wisdom and insight, leaving us in awe of their achievements.
With infectious energy and remarkable wit, our moderator, Sabrina Saunders Mosby, skillfully guided us through an unforgettable journey of empowerment. Her ability to steer conversations and create a dynamic atmosphere was truly exceptional, keeping us engaged and inspired throughout the evening.
And let’s not forget our extraordinary panelists! AJ Drexler from Entrepreneurs Forever brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise, sharing invaluable advice on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. Ardana “AJ” Jefferson from the Homeless Children’s Education Fund shared her unique experiences and emphasized the importance of making a difference through entrepreneurial endeavors. Stacey Weniger from Sentinel Construction, LLC wowed us with her achievements and shed light on the challenges she overcame as a female entrepreneur in the construction industry.
Throughout the event, we explored various themes that resonated deeply with the attendees. One key takeaway was the importance of “paying it forward,” said AJ Jefferson. Our panelists highlighted the significance of sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources to uplift others and create a powerful ripple effect of support and success.
Collaboration and connection were also emphasized as invaluable sources of insight and growth. Our panelists encouraged us to seek out collaborative experiences and cultivate strong connections, as they provide unique perspectives and inspire us to think innovatively.
We delved into the notion of embracing unexpected career transitions, as our panelists shared their personal stories of resilience and reinvention. They stressed the importance of authenticity in our entrepreneurial journeys, reminding us that staying true to ourselves is the key to attracting the right opportunities and building a fulfilling lifestyle that aligns with our passions and values.
No entrepreneurial journey would be complete without the willingness to take risks. Our panelists encouraged calculated risk-taking, highlighting that it often paves the way for innovation and remarkable achievements. By embracing the unknown and stepping outside of our comfort zones, we can unlock our full potential.
Work-life integration emerged as a significant topic of discussion, as our panelists shared insights on finding balance and harmony between personal and professional lives. They emphasized that it’s not about strict separation but rather the integration of work and life in a way that brings fulfillment and allows us to thrive holistically.
Self-reflection also took center stage, as our panelists stressed the importance of pausing, introspecting, and understanding our strengths and values. By gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves, we can make more informed decisions, align our actions with our purpose, and create a meaningful impact.
Lastly, our panelists highlighted the vital role of relationship management in our entrepreneurial journeys. They emphasized the importance of building and nurturing strong connections, as they can open doors to new opportunities, provide invaluable support, and serve as a source of inspiration during challenging times.
As we reflect on the empowering insights shared at the EmpowHer Mosaic event, let us carry these words with us. Let us embrace balance, pursue our callings, keep it real, and unleash our entrepreneurial spirit. Let us take risks, integrate work and life, know ourselves, and prioritize relationships. By doing so, we not only inspire our own success but also become beacons of inspiration for others on their own journeys to greatness.
Thank you to our remarkable moderator, Sabrina Saunders Mosby, and our exceptional panelists, AJ Drexler, Ardana “AJ” Jefferson, and Stacey Weniger. Your presence and contributions made the evening truly unforgettable. Your stories, wisdom, and expertise have ignited a fire within us, inspiring us to reach for the stars and pursue our entrepreneurial dreams.
We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to our event sponsors: Erie Insurance, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the University of Pittsburgh. Your generous support and commitment to the EmpowHer Mosaic event have played a vital role in its success. Your dedication to empowering trailblazing women and fostering diversity is deeply appreciated.
And of course, a heartfelt thank you to our strategic partners Catalyst Connection, Three Rivers Business Alliance, and Riverside Center for Innovation and everyone who joined us at the EmpowHer Mosaic event. Your enthusiasm, engagement, and support have made this community shine even brighter. Together, we celebrate the power of diversity, embrace unexpected career transitions, and cultivate resilience and authenticity in our entrepreneurial journeys.
As we continue our paths, let us keep these empowering words close to our hearts. Embrace balance, pursue your callings, keep it real, and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. Take risks, integrate work and life, know yourself, and prioritize relationships. Let us not only inspire our own success but also uplift and empower others along the way.
Stay connected with the EmpowHer community as we strive to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and make a difference. Together, we can break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and build a future that celebrates and supports trailblazing women in all their endeavors.
In case you missed it, check out the recap video from this summer’s event here.
Thank you for being part of the EmpowHer movement. We look forward to seeing you at our future events and witnessing the incredible impact we can make together.
Stay empowered and keep shining brightly!
The mission of the Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council (EMSDC) is to stimulate and support economic development with minority-owned businesses throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware, in an effort to initiate growth and opportunity through Supplier Diversity channels. As an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), we certify and connect MBEs with member corporations that are committed to supplier development and want to purchase their products, services, and solutions.