Oct 01
We would like to thank all of the Summit sponsors, speakers and presenters and attendees. Based on all feedback received to date - Austin’s first Sister Power Summit accomplished its mission to empower, uplift, educate and motivate African American women entrepreneurs. Check back soon to view our photo gallery and see pictures from the Summit.
If you attended the summit - please use this post to provide us with your general comments and thoughts about your experience. Additionally - you may provide us with more detailed feedback by taking our online survey.
Be sure to join our eList to be the first to find out about our 2009 plans for the Sister Power Summit!
What a privilege to not only attend, but to speak and meet dynamic women who are dedicated to making an impact in the world with various entrepreneurial endeavors. I was blown away by the attention to detail and quality of this event. From room moderators, facilitators, and speakers, the Sister Power Summit team did not leave a stone unturned. It was a professional event from beginning to end. You all should be proud. I will definitely attend future events.
I attended the Summit in hopes to gain new information in my quest to become a small business owner. I was reluctant because I am shy, but still trying to become more social and not so closed off. I knew there would be many seasoned businesswomen and I didn’t want to seem so green. This was my new entry into the business world. I can’t afford to attend the Women Summits of Black Enterprise and Essence yet, so this was my entry into their world of conferences and networking on an affordable scale. Let’s just say I walked away from this Summit feeling like I was on top of the world. I didn’t feel so timid or lost. I was embraced from the time I checked in until the hug I received as I left the mixer.
The facilitator for the day was Rachel Johnston. This was a funny, engaging, smart sista! She even got me to dance during the closing ceremony. Lord knows I didn’t want to, but she drew the joy out of me. My first session was “Do You have What it Takes to become a Successful Entrepeneur?” and was lead by Alicia Terry. I liked her presentation because she was down to earth and very warm. Just a true Southern woman who did not want to intimidate, but wanted to welcome and draw most of us newbies out of our shells. My second session was “How to Find Startup Funds.” Lord knows I needed this! One of my ideas is all set to go but I just need the funds. So, this helped a ton.
At lunchtime I sat with a wonderful group of ladies at my table. The Sista love was just flowin’. The person who introduced our keynote speaker was Dr. Chiquita Watt Eugene who is currently the President and CEO of the Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce in Austin, Texas. She was another sista that had me in awe. She wasn’t a speaker but I have read up on her on my own today and she’s the ish!
Our keynote speaker during lunch was Coach Beverly Kearney, who is the head coach at University of Texas-Austin women’s track and field. She is Black y’all. Initially I thought that hers would be a story of sports and winning. I wondered what she could share with me. Let me tell you that this woman made me want to cry. Her story is profound. I don’t want to give it away. You need to read about her, but I will make no more excuses. No more I’m tired! No more I can’t do it! No more being sad! She has overcome all odds and is a HEAD coach at a major university, coached many Olympic athletes, received numerous awards, and so much more. She is a Sista! We can do anything! She has so much self-love despite her current health status. She smiled and was so confident. If I can live a life half as wonderful as hers then I’m a bad mamma jamma!
The decor was top notch. The producers really outdid themselves. I have spread the word here in California. SPS 2009 here we come!
Thank you for inviting the Texas Department of Transportation to be a part of the first annual Sister Power Summit. We gleamed much important information that is surely to shared and practiced within our respective positions.
I particularly enjoyed the presentation given by Beverly Kearny. She was powerful and she made you think!
Again, many kudos on a successful event and I look forward to next year.
Alta Y. Motén, TxDOT Business Outreach Programs
The inaugural summit was wonderful! I left inspired and empowered. The keynote speaker, Coach Kearney, was among the best I’ve heard EVER and I’m a professional speaker. The sessions were informative and practical. The panels were diverse and comprehensive. Everything from the location to the lunch menu was five-star. It was my privilege to sit on one of the panels, but the greatest privilege was being around supportive, success-oriented women! I look forward to attending next year!
I do not have enough adjectives in my vocabulary to describe how I have already benefited from the Summit on Saturday. The synergy that overflowed from all the speakers and all whom where involved in this event was positive. The abundance of knowledge that was shared was up lifting. But most of all the out pouring of creating an atmosphere of aiding one another in accomplishing our individual goals but as a team not only spoke volumes but continues to echo in my ears. I am excited and pressing forward towards the prize as a team player.
Enjoy,
“I Can Do That!” Personal Concierge Consultant
It was a pleasure to meet and be inspired by so many women at the Sister Power Summit at Carver. I thank each and every person who attended. As promised during my presentation, here is a summary plus some additional resources to help you reach for success.
[Ed: Click on Kay's name to be taken to her website post with the Sister Power Summit follow up information.]
I am really and truly thankful that I was able to attend the Summit. I was in awe of the presenters/speakers and it felt great to be around other sistah’s who were trying to go into business for themselves and/or, like me, looking for some inspiration to take their lives to the next level. When I first read about the summit I was kind of reluctant to sign up because, like another poster mentioned, I am basically a shy person, but something kept telling me I should go. I want to thank everyone who was involved in putting this summit together. Please do this again next year!! It was well worth it for me!!!
Cynthia Gail Manor, B.A.
Austin Poet