Eight professional women came together at the Female Success Factor (FSF) seminar held at the Atlanta History Center on Saturday, March 26, 2011. The theme of the event, which was held in celebration of National Women’s History month, was “Celebrating Successful Women Living Their Dreams.”
Saturday’s event showcased leaders in the music, marketing, legal and entertainment sectors. The eight panelists were Charlene Bastien, national marketing director, Strength of Nature Global, LLC; Ebony Steele, co-host, “Rickey Smiley Morning Show;” Kaira Akita, comedic actress (Tyler Perry films, BET), style + brand strategist and community leader; Marcia Paige, corporate advertising director, Moroch; Nicole Garner, founder and president, The Garner Circle PR and The Garner Brand; Shanti Das, CEO, Press Reset Entertainment, former EVP of Urban Marketing at Universal Motown Records and author, The Hip-Hop Professional: A Woman’s Guide to Climbing the Ladder of Success in the Entertainment Business; Sheri Riley, founder and chief partnership strategist, GLUE Inc.; and Terrinee Briggs, attorney at law and CEO, Collective Renaissance Guild.
The goal of the FSF seminar is to support the professional development of women in the urban community.The speakers shared their best business practices and served as role models for the more than 150 attendees who braved the stormy weather. Here’s what we learned:
- “No” really means next. If someone tells you “no,” it simply means that this opportunity doesn’t work for them but it doesn’t mean that the next person you approach will offer the same response.
- It’s important to fully understand and know your self-worth.
- Patience, professionalism and preparation are the keys to operate in excellence.
- Pursue your passion in spite of limited finances and the lack of a cheerleading squad.
- Have a good attorney to negotiate for you.
- Balance is not what you achieve, it’s what you believe.
- Recommended reading: Play Like a Man, Win like a Woman: What Men Know About Success that Women Need to Learn by Gail Evans.
A special thanks to our vendors and sponsors: The Steed Society Inc., OneDayVoyage.com, GlamBar, Sam’s Club, Sephora, Taste-T Cafe, African Pride, Floral Couture Atlanta, Wedding Soiree, author Brandi Star (Are You Looking for Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now?). –yvette caslin
