Ten 10th and 11th grade girls sat around a science classroom while eating their pizza lunch in the West Philadelphia High School Academy for Automotive and Mechanical Engineering.
These girls were selected to be apart of the We-Inspire program hosted by the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children. Every week in March, these girls are introduced to professional women in numerous industries. This week was “Women in Business Week.” Program director, Ekeoma Washington, invited several women in various business industries.
Sara Canuso—A Suitable Solution, Kya Mason—Wachovia Bank, Branch Manager, Ashley Rosenthal, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Nicole Newman—Newman Networks, and Renee Amoore—the Amoore Group were the panelists.
Although Washington provided background information for the students to do their own research about these business women, some girls were shy, but eventually opened up and asked many engaging questions.
“Always project a confident image,” Canuso says.
She is the president of A Suitable Solution. She is an image and body language specialist. Canuso helps individuals create great first impressions. To keep positive thoughts in her mind, she writes 15 daily affirmations.
“Time, dress and communication are important for an interview,” Mason says.
She also expresses that when people are hired at her branch, some look uninterested in the job. With this attitude, Mason says she will not hire these individuals.
“You have to start somewhere,” Newman says.
Her various personal struggles and revelations left many girls speechless. She told the girls that grades and attitudes were important, as well.
Vice principal, Ms. Cox asks the girls if they know the person who owns the local corner store or hair salon. A few girls shoot their arms up and realize that they know several community entrepreneurs.
Not only does she know entrepreneurs, but 10th grader, Ashai, dreams of starting her own laptop animation business.
Amoore is an entrepreneur, but started her path differently. She began her career as a registered nurse working in Harlem and South Bronx hospitals. After years of working for various companies and helping the local communities, Amoore wanted to work for herself. Thus, she opened her own healthcare company. The Amoore Group serves various international, national and local communities in Baltimore, Washington DC, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Norristown, and Philadelphia.
“If you are not educated, you cannot make money,” Amoore says.
On March 25, the We-Inspire Program hosts an awards night at the Vesper Boat Club recognizing several hard working women from West Philadelphia who bring positivity and encouragement in their communities.
Trenae McDuffie
No comments:
Post a Comment