On Wednesday, March 24th during #StartupChats, we celebrated and learned from Women Leaders.
We were joined by a trio of wonderful women;
Nilufer Erdebil, CEO, Spring 2 Innovation
Morgan Browne, Partner, Oakwyn Realty
Kara Morgan, Process & Efficiency Advisor, PlanIt! Efficiency
We started by understanding the world of entrepreneurship for women;
A3 Some yes, but in many ways – no. Although we share a common history of oppression and marginalization and inequity when compared to men, BIPOC women face racial and systemic barriers in addition to that resulting in lower wages and fewer opportunities @IEF_FIE #StartupChats
— PlanIt! Efficiency Solutions (@planitefficienc) March 24, 2021
A3 Confidence; there is a lot of imposter syndrome that goes with being a women entrepreneur – struggling to be taken seriously. Owning your accomplishment, women tend to shy away from their accolades. Lastly, balancing biz & family life, devoting their time to both is expected.
— Morgan Browne (@MorganBrowne) March 24, 2021
Q3 Challenges I experience are common to most entrepreneurs. It is about finding supporting peers & designing our lives the way that fits our own needs. @IEF_FIE #StartupChats
— Nilufer Erdebil (@digitalNil) March 24, 2021
What we can do today, for women tomorrow;
A5 I see a lot of activity in this area, and I think there is a real drive amongst women entrepreneurs to make it better for the next generation not to have to face the struggles that they and their predecessors have done.#StartupChats
— Matt Elton (@fintech_matt) March 24, 2021
A5 Having more women and diversity increases the number of role models for youth. I don’t feel like I fit in any particular mold. Seeing others who are creative being innovative & don’t fit a mold helps me think differently and realize new opportunities. ?@IEF_FIE #StartupChats
— Nilufer Erdebil (@digitalNil) March 24, 2021
A5 More women are starting many of the #soicalenterprise organizations and #innovativebusinesses out there. They’re finding new ways to solve old problem without causing harm to the environment, other people and themselves, while making a profit @IEF_FIE #StartupChats
— PlanIt! Efficiency Solutions (@planitefficienc) March 24, 2021
We ended the chat by talking about representation and why it matters;
A6 Diversity helps business. The challenge is that ultimately you give money to people you know. I’m talking funding and sales. If you don’t have diversity to begin with, diverse women entrepreneurs have to work harder. Their infrastructure is missing upfront.#startupchats
— Suzanne Brown/Biz + Marketing Strategy (@OKsuziStrategy) March 24, 2021
A6 It’s important the women’s voices are heard and as a #BlackBusinessWoman, representation is very important because our voices often lost; we’re valuable and need to be heard. Marginalized voices bring a whole new perspective and energy to any challenge @IEF_FIE #StartupChats pic.twitter.com/x2c01b4wJl
— PlanIt! Efficiency Solutions (@planitefficienc) March 24, 2021
If you want to see all of the topics we covered during this chat, you can see the whole transcript here.