Carver Bank and Diversity focused non-profit 1WorldFestGlobal partnered to present “Commanding Your Resources as a Woman Entrepreneur” panel discussion and symposium.
The collaboration of the two establishments provided aspiring entrepreneurs with ideas and information on how to get maximum value out of all of the resources that they have at their disposal. 1WorldFest Global selected millennial women entrepreneurs who have connected to their purpose and now function as change agents in their communities and with their peers to share and empower all who attended the event held Thursday October 18th at Carver Bank located at 833 Flatbush Avenue.
The panel was moderated by 1WorldFestGlobal’s Vice President of Communications Lisa Ray and featured Natalie Bellanton-C.E.O of Kids Who Bank, Simone Goss- Executive director of Don’t forget Me- The Frances Canty Foundation, Jessica Janniere- Executive Director of Jessica and Sabrina Abraham- C.E.O of Financially Lit.
Ms. Ray, herself a Wall Street veteran with over 30 years in the financial industry, kicked the panel off by asking the women what inspired them to found their organizations. Ms. Bellanton, who was born and educated in the U.K. pointed out how inadequate she found the U.S. educational system was when it came to preparing children to handle their finances as adults. She expounded on how in most schools in England kids are taught how to balance checkbooks at the Middle School level. Whereas in the U.S., finance and financial literacy is not something that is emphasized until the college years and even then has to be selected as a major or minor course of study. Her personal inspiration came from her own experience with what she learned, and she was motivated to be able to deliver information to children in this country at an earlier age than what traditional education offers. Simone Goss also pulled from a personal experience having been a teen mom while in foster care. As a result, she was determined to teach and empower young women to be their best selves; moreover great mothers with morals and values, more than capable of taking care of themselves and their children independent of social services. Jessica Janniere reflects on life in a community where she stuck out like a sore thumb, feeling inadequate, suffering with insecurities and seeking identity. She pushed past her pain and through prayer and love of self decided to share her story of overcoming obstacles which now encourage young women to loves themselves and know their value. Finally, Sabrina Abraham a financial consultant spoke about having multiple streams of income and the importance of investing. Even if you start with a little before you know it, you investment is growing. Sabrina states it’s not about how much money you earn, it’s about how much of it you keep!
Carver Bank Branch Manager Onica Phillip spoke passionately about the banks long commitment to the community. She also reinforced the idea that opening an account with Carver helps to strengthen the business base in local communities of color.
Carver Bank chose 1WorldFestGlobal to partner with for this important in-branch initiative because Carver recognized 1WorldFestGlobals unique position as an organization which has been effective in embracing the millennial voice and viewpoint. Furthermore, Carver Bank and 1WorldFestGlobal have shared themes of cultural awareness, diversity, and support of our community and families!