For the Life of Your Business

Throughout my career, I would like to think I have made a difference as both a mentor and an agent of change. When I began my journey, few women were stepping forward. It was a time to grow and expand the boundaries, personally and professionally. Our legacy was to shape the path for the next generation of successful business women. Early on, I cultivated my role as a mentor. Empowering others to achieve success was my intention. Building relationships meant seeing the world from another person’s perspective and figuring out how you can help that person thrive. Two years ago I relocated to the great State of Maine and joined the Portland Chapter of SCORE as a volunteer. On behalf of SCORE, I am honored to be named a White House “Champion of Change.”

SCORE volunteers are a network of more than 13,000 trusted, knowledgeable mentors who help emerging and existing small businesses solve problems and improve competency as they create companies, jobs and revenue in their communities. Small business is the growth engine of our economy. SCORE has a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs create small businesses and jobs for America.

In Portland SCORE impacts the community by providing services, programs, and resources to small business owners. SCORE is the starting point for new entrepreneurs, as well as existing business clients, seeking guidance. We meet with our clients face to face, online, or on the phone, to create actionable business plans. SCORE provides expertise on financials that matter:  such as cash flow, achieving a healthy balance sheet, and improving the bottom line. Our services are free, and we are here “For the Life of Your Business.” Most of our mentoring relationships are measured in years, not months. Many clients have described us as, “a one person Board of Directors.” SCORE certified mentors have owned and operated their own small businesses, or served in management positions for both large and small companies. The key ingredient SCORE mentors bring is real-world business experience you can count on.

Launching Students into Entrepreneurship

Dr. William Scott Green and I co-founded The Launch Pad at the University of Miami with two clear goals: 1. To expose students to the option of entrepreneurship as a viable career path, and 2. If a student were to start businesses we want them to do it in our community. The Launch Pad is the first program in higher education to successfully replicate its program at other institutions, we are considered a pioneer and among the best-in-class for entrepreneurship education. We don’t offer classes or curriculum; we help start businesses.

University of Miami President Donna Shalala often says that The Launch Pad is the only place on campus where it is OK to fail. Our philosophy differs greatly from every other entrepreneurship center in that we focus on the development of the individual rather than the business. Based in the University’s Toppel Career Center, The Launch Pad believes in slow success rather than the typical fast failure model.

“Paying it forward” by mentoring others is natural to me because of the incredible support I have received since starting my first business at 15. But as I attained the personal goals I set for myself in my teens and 20s, newer and loftier goals emerged: a desire to impact the lives of many more people than I can through individual mentoring; a recognition that the lessons and advice I can offer others can help many more people if, by “training the trainers,” they are recorded systematically, freely shared, and updated as the environment changes to ensure that the best practices are STILL the best practices. We created that system within The Launch Pad, which made it possible to replicate our model as a plug and play solution for other colleges and universities.

Obama Administration Celebrates Black History Month

Throughout the past month the President joined Americans across the country in celebrating Black History Month and the many contributions and rich culture of African Americans. For centuries, African Americans have broken barriers and enriched the story of our nation - from classrooms to boardrooms and from industry to our legendary military. This year’s theme, "Black Women in American Culture and History," invited all to reflect on the role African American women have played in shaping the narrative of our nation’s history.

During Black History Month, visitors who toured the White House were welcomed by volunteers and viewed displays that showcased photos of prominent African American women with Presidents or at the White House. Photographs featured during the tour can be viewed here. The White House also highlighted black women throughout the government and their accomplishments through blog posts on the WhiteHouse.Gov/AfricanAmericans webpage, as well as with a video message from the First Lady.

Featured blog posts:

• First Lady Michele Obama: Celebrating Black Women in American Culture and History
• The Tuskegee Airmen visit the White House
• Inside the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• In Performance: White House event celebrating Blues music
• Honoring Unsung Heroes During Black History Month
• Vice President Biden and Dr. Biden host the Third Annual Black History Month Reception

In addition to honoring African American women –each week during Black History Month, the Obama Administration held events highlighting themes from the President’s Blueprint for an America Built to Last. These themed weeks gave Cabinet Members and Administration officials an opportunity to continue to discuss the President’s plan to build a stronger economy through American Manufacturing, American Energy, Skills for American Workers, and a commitment to a renewal of American Values, as well as how this plan will impact all Americans, including African Americans.

For a recent report on the President’s agenda and the African American Community, please click here. The President’s 2012 proclamation for National African American Heritage Month can also be found here.

Black History Month Activities

Sunday, January 29:

• The First Family visited the Corcoran Gallery of Art to view the "30 Americans" exhibit, a collection of thirty prominent African American artists of the last three decades.

Wednesday, February 1:

• Secretary of Education Arne Duncan hosted a conference call with African American Stakeholders to discuss the Administration’s commitment to making college more affordable for all Americans. Secretary Duncan also discussed the President’s Blueprint to provide skills for American workers.