I found out from a little "tweety" pie that Rolling Out Magazine was hosting "Female Success Factor" at the Atlanta History Center. And I wasn't going to miss it for the world.
As I sat in the auditorium waiting for the guests to arrive,I began to blush. And the funny thing about it is that no one said anything to me. Was it because I was about to be in the presence of successful, well-known black women that were once, or still is, in a position that I desire to be in one day?
While waiting for the panel of guest speakers, I met a few people, networked and found myself sitting amongst the brightest and most talented African American women in the area.
Soon, the first set of guests -- Shanti Das (CEO, Press Reset Entertainment), Nicole Garner (President and CEO, The Garner Circle), Sheri Riley (President and Founder, Glue Inc.) and Kaira Akita (Actress)-- came to the stage. My pen was ready, my eyes were focused and my ears were attentive.
A couple of hours later, the second group took the center stage. Ebony Steele (Co-host, Rickey Smiley Morning Show), Charlene Baistien (National Marketing Director, Strength of Nature), Marcia Page (Corporate Advertising Director, Moroch) and Terrinee Briggs (CEO, Collective Renaissance Guild) continued the discussion with their stories, dreams and pursuits.
Was I impressed? "Impressed" is by far an understatement. To hear how these dynamic ladies persevered through it all seemed to ignite a fire in my bones; it gave me the confirmation in my spirit to continuously aim high.
A few key notes that really stuck with me were some of the advice the ladies left behind. Ms. Riley stressed the fact that "God has a plan" for us all, and we must pray and seek Him at all times. Ms. Das stressed the importance of making key relationships and to take your own destiny into your own hands. Ms. Akita said to make sure that we define our own life brand; Ms. Paige left us with an acronym, I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D. (image, network, spirit, priorities, innovation, respect, envision).
And believe me, I was definately I.N.S.P.I.R.E.D. How about you?
