Last week was S.H.E. Week in Frederick County. “S.H.E.” stands for Strength, Heart, and Equality.
S.H.E. Week is a week-long event that was curated by women for women that includes inspiring and educational talks from CEOs, founders, and community leaders who share their wisdom and expertise on personal and professional development. This year, S.H.E. Week was hybrid with both in-person events and online sessions.
S.H.E. Week provides the opportunity to build relationships with other women entrepreneurs and professionals in Frederick and to learn from a variety of local and regional speakers.
I had the great experience of being a judge in the 1st annual S.H.E. Pitch Competition, which gave female CEOs in Frederick County the chance to win cash prizes and get publicity to support their business growth. Entrepreneurs both in the “idea stage” and the “growth stage” were invited to pitch.
It was very rewarding to listen to the pitches from six amazing entrepreneurs (three in the idea stage and three in the growth stage). One business from each category was recognized and awarded with prizes. Everyone involved got to be seen by a wider audience and build new relationships, which is a win for businesses at every stage!
Attending this event reminded me of how amazing it is to be in a community where we all support each other. One way that support shows up is through mentorship, which was one of the recurring themes of the week. In whatever stage of business growth you’re in, getting priceless guidance and ideas from a mentor (as well as from your peers) can help you strategically move forward.
PPR Strategies is proud to support The Frederick County Office of Economic Development with the launch of the EmPOWER Mentorship Program, a facilitated group mentorship program designed to help underrepresented businesses generate ideas, identify blind spots, troubleshoot problems, and grow their networks in Frederick County. Open to businesses in the idea stage or growth stage, the EmPOWER Mentorship Program is now accepting applications until September 17th!
Learn more and apply by visiting: http://www.discoverfrederickmd.com/mentorship
Regardless of the industry you work in, opportunities like S.H.E. Week and Frederick OED’s Mentorship Program can support individuals to grow professionally alongside one another in a spirit of collaboration rather than competition. As a company that helps places reimagine their potential, I’m grateful to be based in a community that’s committed to supporting one another to reimagine their own potential both personally and with one another.
‘Til next time,
Sandy
