By Tina Fears
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. | After starting my business with $100 and a dream, over 13 years ago, I found myself in the middle of the major pivot after the COVID 19 pandemic impacted my ability to produce and manage in-person events.
Fears
I was born in Los Angeles, Calif., but raised in DeKalb County. I’ve lived in Gwinnett for 14 years. I am the founder of Stage Ready, a full-service project management and creative direction firm for the arts. Though this great pause was overwhelming, I decided to use this as an opportunity to refocus the direction of my business and sharpen my tools as a leader.
I applied for enrollment in The Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University. I was committed to using this down time to become better in all areas of entrepreneurship. The bonus was that Bank of America and Cornell offered this program at no charge. Enrollment is competitive because of limited space, so when I was informed that I was accepted into the program, I was ecstatic!
The program addressed the double bind for women in business, as we are often forced to choose between being game changers and simply staying in the game. As a double minority, I immediately identified with the challenges presented to a Black woman in business. I was challenged, encouraged, and empowered while enrolled in this program.
After receiving my certification in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell in 2021, I immediately implemented new business practices that reflect who I am as a leader, a woman, and an entrepreneur. The program also addresses the importance of negotiation, contracts, and critical legal issues women in business face.
Though this was an online program, it’s still Cornell University, so we had to bring our A game. The time commitment and amount of information presented in each course is significant but was worth it.
I am committed to continuing my journey as a business owner as well as empowering others along the way. That’s what the future of women’s entrepreneurship looks like for my company. I know the value I bring to the table, and I am confident in my ability to not just play the game but be a game-changer.
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