About a month ago, Mary Kate Naatus a Professor at St. Peter’s University and Director of the Ignite Institute, reached out and asked me if I would be interested in being part of a panel for Women Entrepreneurship Week “Making your mark in different career paths.” I was honored and of course obliged.

“The Ignite Institute is a Center of Excellence at Saint Peter’s University.  In partnership with Rising Tide Capital, Ignite provides thought leadership, academic research, and direct educational service (including workshops, panels, and training for local entrepreneurs). The Institute contributes to policy and thought leadership by working with the Local Living Economy Working Group (LLEWG) to discuss the Jersey City Local Economy, identify opportunities for student involvement, and to determine how institutions like Saint Peter’s can positively affect change”

The event took place this past Monday at St Peter’s University… I did not really know what to expect, and as soon as I walked in and saw the stage, all the people and vendors, I started getting nervous. This was the real deal.

The panel started with opening remarks from Mary Kate and Dr. Gerard O’Sullivan, Provost & VP of Academic affairs at St Peter’s. Afterwards Councilwoman, entrepreneur and all around “lady boss” Candice Osborne spoke along with Oksana Sokolovsky the CEO of Rokitt who just launched an amazing app in Jersey City called “GOLOKAL” (post coming soon). While I was listening to these powerful woman, I completely forgot that I was there to be part of the panel. I felt like I was one of the students, getting inspired by these amazing Jersey City women.

The panel was then called to go on stage, first was Emily Manz, the panel moderator wh0 is an economic development professional, a consultant with OCO Global and a leading authority on foreign investment. #badass

Briana Lawrence, a Chief Innovation Strategist of JC’s Innovation Team which is funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. #boss

Dr. Universe Konadu, who has long been recognized, nationally and internationally as a prolific writer, dynamic orator and phenomenal spoken-word artist who delivers powerful messages, sparking change in the lives of countless girls and women. #inspiration

Makeba Green, a 21 year old entrepreneur who owns her own photography business and is attending college to become a lawyer. #fierce

And little old me… Jersey City Blogger.

Emily asked the panel an array of questions, like how we make it work? what were the biggest misconceptions in starting a business and more. It was so great and I learned a lot from my peers.

Inspiring entrepreneur, Angela McKnight gave her closing remarks an told the crowd to “Follow their dreams, to do whatever it takes to pursue their passions…” It was the perfect ending. #iloveher

After the panel was over we were all able to mingle, network with the different vendors, and talk to some of the students! Girl boss, Maryanne from Sugar Supply was also one of the vendors!

Women rule.

http://www.saintpeters.edu/ignite-institute/