The Arts Empowerment Project believes in the transformative power of art to heal and inspire children impacted by violence, neglect and abuse. Through their six flagship programs and collaborative partnerships, they are working to break the cycles of violence and trauma through arts opportunities that ignite change in vulnerable youth. Using the arts as a vehicle, The Arts Empowerment Project provides experiences that broaden horizons, foster resilience, and build essential life skills for the at-risk and court involved students they serve.

The Women’s Impact Fund’s investment and partnership will allow them to advance their work by scaling their programs to reach more of the 10,000 children in Charlotte who need support now more than ever. They will now be able to expand their infrastructure and support the transition to virtual formats whenever possible, which will increase the number of students served in grades K-12.

“On behalf of The Arts Empowerment Project, we are incredibly grateful for this generous award and so honored to be the Women’s Impact Fund’s Arts & Culture Grant recipient for 2021. The affirmation we received as the selected grantee represents the understanding that for so many children, art is a refuge. It is also a pathway to a new day and new opportunities. Vulnerable children in our community must do more than just survive, they deserve the opportunity to thrive,” said Natalie Frazier Allen, Founder and CEO of The Arts Empowerment Project.

“We are excited to award a grant to The Arts Empowerment Project for Arts & Culture Grant,” said Patricia Massey Hoke, Executive Director of Women’s Impact Fund. “Our members were compelled by The Arts Empowerment Project’s work to serve the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to our collaboration.”

About The Arts Empowerment Project:

The Arts Empowerment Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded by Natalie Frazier Allen, an attorney and child advocate in Charlotte, NC and former Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit in Washington, D.C. The organization’s mission is to break the cycles of violence and trauma through arts opportunities that ignite change in vulnerable youth. Their programs help youth develop coping mechanisms when faced with adverse childhood experiences, including domestic violence, community violence, police violence, and the myriad of traumas impacting children and families living in poverty in underserved communities. In 2020, they provided over 100 hours of art experiences to over 500 youth in Mecklenburg County. For more information, visit https://theartsempowermentproject.org/.

About Women’s Impact Fund:

Since 2003, Women’s Impact Fund has amplified the significant role women play in philanthropy. Its mission is to strengthen communities by maximizing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education, and member engagement. With approximately 500 members, the organization has emerged as one of the largest women’s collective giving groups in the country and continues to create powerful change within Mecklenburg County. To date, Women’s Impact Fund has made 89 grants totaling more than $6.4 million. For more information, visit https://womensimpactfund.org/.

_{News Source: The Arts Empowerment Project}

 A fairly new company, Progress Promoter has been working since late 2015 to “inspire, ignite, and inform women to be the bold and better versions of themselves through a sense of community!” This is achieved through a variety of ways including speaking engagements, workshops, and written works like books and webinars that participants can purchase. All of this works to empower women and enable them to recognize the potential they have as “difference makers”. In turn, this creates a community of women using their power and potential to help other women and build on that foundation. This helps to build a future where women are empowered to not only better their own lives but work to better the lives of all women in the country. 

This mission began when Phyllis Williams was a timid and unsure thirty-year-old woman. Looking to change that, she joined an organization (Toastmasters) that helped her to blossom and realize her great potential. It was a coach within the organization that encouraged Williams to realize that there was so much purpose and potential within her, waiting to be used for good in the world. Noticing that Williams enjoyed writing, her coach, Billie, suggested she write a book. While working towards this goal, Williams found herself being asked to engage in speaking events. This led to Williams finding a new path as an entrepreneur!

Soon, Williams was inspired to create Progress Promoter after realizing that there were countless women who have experienced the same hardships as her. From a feeling of not belonging to general heartaches, Williams knew she had to work to change this so that no women had to go through that! 

One of the ways that this is achieved is through Williams’ workshops. These workshops, known as “Authenticity and Authority”, are conducted in living rooms as well as larger community centers. These two-hour events address many of the issues that women face using written work, performances, and artistic activities. These workshops are ideal for coworkers, sorority sisters, former classmates, and church members. Basically, all women are encouraged to attend and unlock their full potential as “difference makers”. 

Something that Williams hopes to change through Progress Promoter is the role women are given in entertainment. Williams wants the world to know that women are “difference makers”, supporters, and the backbone for families and communities alike. It is time that society embraces women for all they are! 

Williams also offers her time as a volunteer and gives donations throughout the year to help bolster women in the community. Her Facebook group, The Progressive Tribe, encourages others to contribute to society, especially in helping fight social injustice for marginalized people. 

So, if you can see the change happening in our society and want to empower, not only yourself, but also the lives of the women around you, then contact Progress Promoter and take that first step towards a better you! Visit https://www.progresspromoter.com.

“We should excel, not just exist!”

-Phyllis Williams

Merchant Cash USA wanted to know what the best cities were for budding female entrepreneurs looking to operate a small business. The small business financial lender used data from the 2015 Census in some of the most highly populated cities, and ranked particular cities according to cost of rent for a home or office space, number of small businesses per 10,000 people, and the average unemployment rate per city.

Merchant Cash USA also looked into what was available financially for female entrepreneurs looking for funding, and analyzed what grant and loan options existed for women-owned businesses in various states across the country. Raleigh listed #8 out of the top ten cities, while Oklahoma City ranked as #1.

How has that changed since then?

Magnify Money performed their own survey in August of 2018 and the results have changed.

They surveyed the fifty (50) largest U.S. cities to find the best places for women who want to be their own boss, launch a business, or do both. After looking at data about women entrepreneurs across four different categories (income, earnings, rate of self-employment, and parity of ownership), the data found that women who work for themselves are more likely to earn a decent living by doing so. These cities also tend to have higher rates of women who are self-employed. Those fifty (50) cities are ranked as follows:

1) San Francisco, 2) Austin, 3) San Jose, 4) Memphis, 5) Nashville, 6) Los Angeles, 7) San Diego, 8) Sacramento, 9) Seattle, 10) Cincinnati, 11) Raleigh, 12) Boston, 13) Las Vegas, 14) Washington, 15) Portland, OR, 16) Denver, 17) Houston, 18) Hartford, 19) Phoenix, 20) Providence, 21) New Orleans, 22) Dallas, 23) Kansas City, 24) New York, 24) Baltimore, 26) Riverside, 27) Miami, 28) Columbus, 29) Minneapolis, 30) Milwaukee, 31) San Antonio, 32) Atlanta, 33) Tampa, 34) Charlotte, 35) Orlando, 36) Richmond, 37) Salt Lake City, 38) Oklahoma City, 39) Virginia Beach, 40) Jacksonville, 41) Buffalo, 42) St. Louis, 43) Chicago, 44) Birmingham, 45) Detroit, 46) Indianapolis, 47) Louisville, 48) Philadelphia, 49) Pittsburgh, 50) Cleveland

According to Medium.com, women entrepreneurs make up approximately 1/3 of all entrepreneurs worldwide. Studies have also shown that successful women entrepreneurs usually start their businesses as either a second or third profession by fulfilling a dream. Many entrepreneurs have experienced a considerable amount of dissatisfaction with their previous careers and in working for others.

They found that by starting their own businesses, these unhappy individuals have now become satisfied with their personal and professional lives. In addition to starting their own businesses, women tend to offer more benefits to its employees like job training and health packages.

Are there challenges to become a woman entrepreneur? Absolutely! There are challenges in any role as an entrepreneur, but more so as a woman. 2017 data from the National Association of Women Business Owners found that more than 11 million U.S. firms are now owned by women, employing nearly 9 million people and generating $1.7 trillion in sales. However, this is still a minority number in a male-dominated environment. 

Challenges such as defying social expectations, dealing with limited access to funding, and struggling to be taken seriously can surely frustrate anyone trying to make themselves into a successful brand. At the same time, encouraging moments such as owning your accomplishments, and building up your support network can help create that balance between sanity and insanity.

Women entrepreneurs have more than proven that they provide a solid foundation to the business community and our own living communities. As they continue to grow, we must continue to give them our loyalty and support to continue to thrive and prosper. There is always enough room for a new business owner – let’s welcome these women into our towns with open arms and wish for nothing but success for them.

During a particular tiring in 2011, where she lost four consecutive job contracts, Darlena Swann found herself at a bit of a crossroads. She could pick herself up for the fifth time and begin the rather lengthy process of searching for another job. Or, another possibility came to mind, one that is seemingly more attainable than it was years ago: create her own job! From that spark of creation, Boss Lady Enterprises was born!

Boss Lady Enterprises is a start-up nonprofit organization based within the community that aims to provide personal and professional development for young girls and women. The organization focuses on leadership skills, health and wellness, and entrepreneurship to build confidence and character in the community’s women. Ultimately, Darlena hopes that Boss Lady Enterprises becomes a pioneer in personal and professional brand development through social change and awareness.

Darlena holds on to the notion that “greatness comes from serving others”. That is why she collaborates and partners with those like-minded individuals that will help her bring the community together and make a difference. She believes that people should use their talents to give back to the community and help build a better future for all. One such collaboration is with Shante Wright of Mindful Body. Together, Darlena and Shante are working towards a Health and Wellness Initiative that will motivate young girls to get moving and adopt a healthier lifestyle. As a health coach and fitness instructor, Shante provides a 2-part experience at the events. The first section is an educational experience where attendees will learn about how to get moving and what foods and activities will promote a healthy lifestyle. The second part is a physical fitness workout. So, if you plan to attend one of these annual meetings please be sure to wear something comfortable.

Another part of Boss Lady Enterprises are the Diamonds and Pearls Mentoring Program. These workshop sessions are offered to young girls aged 9 to 15 and generally revolve around a theme that is handpicked by Darlena. These fun and interactive learning experiences are meant to build the confidences of young girls and promote an ambitious atmosphere. Most recently, the workshops revolved around self-esteem and addressed the harmful impact that bullying and labels can have on a young girl.

There is also the Entrepreneurial component of Boss Lady Enterprise. For this, Darlena will partner with other entrepreneurs in the area to develop a motivational speech. In this speech, attendees will be given tips on how to start their own business and what types of educational experience will be most beneficial. Most recently, the speakers for these events have included Edward Jones Investing and Triangle Solutions Alliance.

A fairly new organization, Boss Lady Enterprise is always looking to build new partnerships and collaborations that will result in a better community. If you have an idea or a great workshop or would simply love the opportunity to work with Darlena Swann on her initiative to build leadership skills and confidence in women then you can find more information at the Boss Lady Enterprise website: http://www.bossladyenterprise.org. You can also read more about Darlena Swann and her story by visiting her on Facebook or LinkedIn.

In conjunction with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Merchant Cash USA releases its survey results on the best cities for female entrepreneurs to live and work in. Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the business world and to become aware of the daily challenges these women face.

According to American Express OPEN’s State of Women Owned Business Report, it is estimated that over 9.4 million women own businesses in the United States – which is roughly 30 percent of all businesses in the country. This brings in over $1.5 trillion in revenue and employees nearly 8 million U.S. individuals.

Merchant Cash USA wanted to know what the best cities were for budding female entrepreneurs looking to operate a small business. The small business financial lender used 2015 census data from some of the most highly populated cities, and ranked particular cities according to cost of rent for a home or office space, number of small businesses per 10,000 people, and the average unemployment rate per city.  The organization also looked into what was available financially for female entrepreneurs looking for funding. Merchant Cash USA analyzed what grant and loan options existed for women-owned businesses in various states across the country.

The financial lender also asked various female small business owners, through a third-party email campaign, to rate the city in which they lived on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest) based on numerous factors such as: cost of living, small business climate, opportunities available to females business owners, and friendliness of individual consumers to small businesses.

The results of the survey are listed below.

Top Cities for Female Entrepreneurs

1. Oklahoma City, OK
2. San Antonio, TX
3. Portland, OR
4. Des Moines, IA
5. Houston, TX
6. Atlanta, GA
7. Columbus, Ohio
8. Raleigh, NC
9. Fresno, CA
10. Rochester, NY

Oklahoma City came in the top spot on this list due to its great cost of living, low unemployment rate, and the revitalization currently happening in the city. The cost of living for someone self-employed is more than 10 percent below the U.S. average. OKC is home to over 19,000 small businesses, and the cost of living is 5 percent lower than the U.S. average. Oklahoma City appeals to the budget conscious business owner who is looking to cut costs on things like rent and supplies.

“Oklahoma City is a mecca for young professionals and entrepreneurs who can excel at various industries in an area which is extremely friendly to the small business owner,” says the CCO of Merchant Cash USA Darrin Landau. “The cities on this list are great places to start a small business due to the cost of living and plethora of opportunities available.”

About Merchant Cash USA

Merchant Cash USA was founded in 2015 to help businesses grow by obtaining the cash flow they need. The organization’s mission is to offer small to medium size business owners cash advances without the hassle of big bank requirements. Visit merchcash.com to find out more of follow us on social media. Facebook and Google Plus: Merchant Cash USA and Twitter: @merchcash.

If you’re like the many of us who don’t have a date this Sunday, don’t stay at home alone binge watching Bridget Jones and perusing the chocolate sale section at CVS. For I have the perfect date idea just for you, without the excess drama and the extra sweets.

Seriously girls do any of us need that extra candy? Who needs flowers or gifts when you can get them for yourself? It’s too cold to go out anyways, stay in where is warm and you can dress anyway you want too.

This Valentine’s Day I’m cracking open a bottle of wine, and spending the day reading my favorite book. Who needs a man when I can hang out with Emma Craven, the star of author Nancy DeRosa’s new book “Food For Thought.”

FOOD FOR THOUGHT; First Course by Nancy DeRosa. Is the story about five single ladies that find themselves alone every Saturday night. They decide to team up and dine in every food establishment in the tri-state area. Food becomes the prop as social interactions take place and the drama unfolds. The main character, Emma, meets a chef in her favorite restaurant, but soon loses him when his ex girlfriend comes back on the scene.

Emma has to learn to love herself and she tries to help her friends recognize their worth along the way. This story is about Love, Friendship and Family.

Follow Emma, Dana, Jenny, Leah, and Nora, as they find themselves in hilarious situations that will make you laugh and bond with them as they reveal their vulnerabilities, and insecurities, all while sampling delicious food and cocktails. You will connect with their experiences and struggles as they look for love, fulfillment, and adventure.

So if you’re not going out with your girlfriends for dinner on Valentines Day, come and join EMMA CRAVEN and her friends at the table for a funny, real life situations and above all great food!

This book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, Googleplay, Smashwords, Kobe, and all booksellers near you.

By Jordan Elizabeth Gelber