WBENC Sets the Stage in Las Vegas for the 2017 Student Entrepreneur Program and Pitch Competition

Article extract from www.prnewswire.com

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is proud to announce the 20 student entrepreneurs selected for the prestigious 2017 WBENC Student Entrepreneur Program (SEP) at WBENC's National Conference & Business Fair in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 18 - 23

The SEP program fosters growth for the next generation of women-owned businesses through a tailored entrepreneurial curriculum and mentoring from certified women-owned businesses and Fortune 500 Corporate Members including Bristol-Meyers Squibb Company, Dell Technologies, Ericsson North America, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Merck, Macy's Inc, Pfizer Inc., Office Depot, Inc, U.S. Postal Service, and Walmart Stores, Inc. The Title Sponsors for the 2017 program are Allstate Insurance Company and FedEx.

Cheryl Harris, Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer of Allstate Insurance Company, reflects on her experience as a mentor with SEP: "WBENC's Student Entrepreneur Program (SEP) emboldens that entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation of women business owners. As a past mentor, I feel it is my duty to continually be a part of this developmental program. SEP fosters the brilliance of these women; empowering them to exercise their ingenuity and influence in advancing the business and local community landscapes – unleashing innovative WBEs into the economy.

"FedEx is proud to support the WBENC Student Entrepreneur Program (SEP)," says Sue Spence, Vice President, Sourcing and Procurement at FedEx. "This program has a proven track record of providing essential resources to help encourage the next generation of women business owners. Playing a role in the growth of small businesses is a major focus area for FedEx, and it's even more exciting to play a role in the development of young women through the SEP program."

Since inception in 2008, more than 150 students from 50 colleges and universities across the country have graduated from SEP. To celebrate WBENC's 20th anniversary, SEP is welcoming ten alumnae from prior years as mentors to the current participants throughout the week and beyond. This exciting addition is made possible by our 20th Anniversary Alumni Champion Sponsor, Shell Oil Company.

As part of the program, the students compete in a pitch competition. In 2016, WBENC awarded $5,000 in seed capital to Ya-El Mandel-Portnoy, founder and CEO of Cardea Sciences; the 2nd and 3rd place participants won $3,000 and $2,000 in seed capital, respectively. This year, the cohort will compete again for $10,000 in seed capital during the EY WBENC SEP Pitch Competition on Thursday, June 22 from 3-5 p.m. at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. Conference attendees are encouraged to attend. 

This year's cohort includes students from 17 universities majoring in biomedical, engineering, computer science, business and the arts. All student participants are passionate about their future and have incredible entrepreneurial spirits. Whether they are still in the early stages of launching their startup or looking to advance their business, SEP will give this year's cohort the tools and resources to become proactive women entrepreneurs. Here are this years' participants.

{in alphabetical order}

• Carrisa Anderson, Hofstra University

• Isis Ashford, Prairie View A&M University

• Jordan Banks, Wake Forest University

• Emilee Burroughs, Berry College

• Alex Coren, University of Miami

• Ashia Davis, Pepperdine University

• Rebecca Duberman, University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Queneesha Gregory, Georgia Southern University

• Nakia Guy, Columbus State University

• Allison Ingle, Wright State University

• Sharlena Luyen, Oregon State University

• Lauren Miller, Wake Forest University

• Alexa Pete, Prairie View A&M University

• Sadie Pierce, Mississippi State University

• Kareman Rawy, Oregon State University

• Rikki Rummel, University of South Florida

• Ana Sanchez, Florida State University

• Parisa Soraya, University of Michigan

• Mary Taylor Jr, University of Cincinnati

• Rose Wong, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Sadie Lee
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Always, 

MSU Fashion Design, Merchandising Senior Participating in Summer Entrepreneurship Program

Article extracted from www.msstate.edu.

Contact: Sasha Steinberg

STARKVILLE, Miss.— A senior fashion design and merchandising student at Mississippi State will explore her entrepreneurial career aspirations this summer during a prestigious national program in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sadie L. Pierce of Hockley, Texas, has been selected to participate June 18-23 in the 2017 Student Entrepreneur Program sponsored by the Washington, D.C.-based Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Founded in 1997, WBENC is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled and operated by women in the U.S. The national nonprofit seeks to “foster diversity in the world of commerce” and “fuel economic growth globally through access to opportunities by identifying, certifying and facilitating development of women-owned businesses.” For more, visit www.wbenc.org.

“WBENC SEP is an amazing opportunity to learn, network and engage with the WBENC’s 14 Regional Partner Organizations, more than 14,000 certified women business enterprises and 300-plus Corporate and Government Members,” said Andrew Gaeckle, WBENC strategic planning director.

“Through the robust curriculum, mentoring, off-site visits, programming and pitch competition, we look forward to helping students along their entrepreneurial journey,” Gaeckle added.

Pierce has been collaborating with graduating MSU business administration major Allison A. “Allie” Seale of Vicksburg on a startup project at the university’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

According to E-Center Director Eric Hill, Pierce and Seale have been working together to devise FormIT, a system that would enable apparel retailers’ patrons to try on clothes and check out faster.

Hill said the system would include radio-frequency identification (RFID) readers that automatically detect the style and size of an article of clothing that is brought into the dressing room. Customers also would be able to check out upon exit using a tablet in the dressing room, Hill added.

Pierce and Seale conceptualized the FormIT idea while attending the National Retail Federation Big Show in New York as part of a trip sponsored by MSU’s School of Human Sciences and its fashion design and merchandising program. The startup has been awarded a $500 Spark Grant through the E-Center, and Pierce and Seale are seeking additional funding.

For more on MSU’s School of Human Sciences and its academic programs, visit www.humansci.msstate.edu; the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at www.ecenter.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.

Daring in a Red Skirt

Hi Friends!

This cloudy weather makes me miss our days in New York City. I had the opportunity to attend The National Retail Federation's annual Big Show. I heard from wonderful keynotes speakers such as Rebecca Minkoff and Simon Sinek. Getting to experience New York was great, but I could never trade my experience at the Big Show for anything. It allowed me to open my mind and find new ideas for the retail industry. It just made me love this major that much more!

We were strolling through Central Park during our two-hour evening break and it was simply beautiful. I felt like in this outfit and in this place, I can do anything. This was the perfect look for a quick trip to The Met and then on to the Big Show Gala Reception. 

Don't be afraid to take chances. You never know what that daring decision could lead you to. On this day, I walked up to a man I had never met before. I introduced myself and we exchanged business cards. Now, I get to learn all about how his technology is going to change the face of retail. Life is good outside of your comfort zone. It good for your soul. Be confident and take the world by storm. 

Always, 

Sadie Lee

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Remember to always love the life you live!

Living With Dyslexia

Hey y'all!

I have mentioned a few times about my battle with dyslexia. I have come to terms with the issue, but I still get upset by the things people would say to me.  Nothing I do is easy. This blog isn't easy because of it. I work hard and I am proud of my accomplishments. Here I have listed 40 things I've learned (or been told) through having dyslexia as an adult.

1. It is a disability and you have it. 
2. Words are hard. 
3. Textbooks are not your friend but they are on your team.
4. Things are going to look different to you then others. 
5. It will take you longer to get to the thought everyone else is at. 
6. You will learn to control your anger (sorta).
7. Your brain doesn't work the same as others. 
8. Challenge your creative side because most of the time this side is stronger. 
9. Accept help.   
10. You are going to learn differently. 
11. You are a 1 in 10 statistic and people will remind you of this in hopes that it boost your self esteem. (Most likely doesn't work) 
12. You feel different and set apart from the group. 
13. You will forever be dyslexic. 
14. Albert Einstein and Walt Disney were dyslexic (Still doesn't help your self esteem).
15. You will have to work harder than others. 
16. Alone. You will feel alone. 
17. It's not going to be easy. 
18. Prepare to bring your computer everywhere. 
19. Prepare to explain why you bring your computer everywhere. 
20. Take advantage of the help around you, including the disabilities services. 
21. Get comfy in the front row of your classes. 
22. If you don't have time management skills, your gonna learn them. 
23. You can never be "cured" from this disability. 
24. People will tell you that you will grow out of it. 
25. It's not your parents fault. 
26. Most likely you have ADD or ADHD. 
27. You will confuse your left from your right. DAILY. 
28. Fight the daydreaming. It's part of the disease. 
29. I promise, the letters aren't moving on the page. It just looks that way. 
30. Studies show you are either extremely organized or extremely disorganized.
31. You will be told that you have a gifted mind (still not helping that self esteem issue). 
32. There are imbalances in your brain chemistry.  
33. Procrastination seems like the answer, its not. 
34. There is nothing wrong with your eye sight. 
35. People will tell you "Oh I think I have that too..." Don't get mad at them
36. Think in pictures, not words - it helps. 
37. Don't push yourself too hard. Take a break every once in awhile. 
38. People are going to make fun of you. Just brush it off. 
39. Don't let what people say get to you. (Refer to numbers 11, 24, and 35) 
40. Love yourself. (cue Justin Bieber music) This is only one part that makes up YOU! 

Always, 

Sadie Lee

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Hello 2017!

Hey y'all!

In 2016 I...
moved 601 miles from my forever best friends (AKA my parents) and starting attending my dream school. I have been able to walk the same halls as my father, my grandfather, and many family members in between. I became a doggy momma - see Instagram HERE. I was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. New family members joined us into this world and some left us for a better place above. I started working at a golf course. No, I still don't know how to play golf. I got to rejoin my sorority here at my new school. This brought me amazing new friends. I found a major I love studying. I experienced a real football season - HAIL STATE! I turned 22. I'm half way to 23 now and this really isn't as exciting as Taylor Swift made it sound. I reconnected with old friends and made some new ones. I worked with some amazing companies on projects that will help change the world. I have been battling a stomach condition and made the decision to cut gluten from my diet. I was elected into Dance Marathon marketing team. You can read all about my project goals HERE. I turned in a submission to the NRF Big Show and I get to go to New York to meet with the retail companies. I was elected as Chi Omega's newest Director of Marketing. For the first semester ever, I made the Dean's List. Most importantly, I (attempted) to complete my #HSLGamePlan.

In 2016 I learned...
things are not always going to turn out the way you planned in your pretty planner. Life brings heartache. Of course, we look back on the positive things and the accomplishments we completed. But it isn't always rainbows. I cried, ALOT. I contemplated moving home. I knew God brought me here for a reason and that I needed to stick it out. I learned that people are taken from this world and there may never be an explanation for it. I learned that you can't always be the strong one. Sometimes that job should be left for someone else. I learned that you have to stand up for yourself. My personality is very outgoing but, I have a hard time believing in myself. I learned you can do it. You can do anything. It will take hard work, dedication, perseverance, and maybe some accountability from those around you but, you can do it.

In 2017 I hope to... 

become more in love with my blog, (almost) finish my degree, complete another half marathon, and find happiness in everything I do. The goals I have set are intended to make me a happier, healthier, more thankful, and fulfilled me. Sometimes it's hard to make a goal that last 365 days. I am focusing on the things that fill me with joy, the things that make me laugh so hard my belly hurts and my one dimple shows. This year is about being delighted and overjoyed. It is about finding your happiness.

B L O G
- Develop a schedule -
- Try really hard to get two posts up a week (Y'all know I'm not good at this) -
- Dedicate time to communication -

S C H O O L
- Define my career goals -
- Add two more amazing semesters to my GPA -
- Find a route for organization -

F I T N E S S
- Stick to my diet plans and try to cut bread / pasta as best I can -
- Try something new -
- Complete another half marathon (that would make number 9 since I was 14) -

L I F E S T Y L E
- Take a new adventure each month (#HSLTravels, anyone?) -
- Take a 30 min me time each day -
- Become a morning person (NOT EASY) -

I have posted these goals on my white board so I can continue to refer to them. I hope by the end of 2017 I can come back and tell you all about the way I took 2017 and filled it with happy memories, good people, and exciting adventures. What are your goals / resolutions for this year?

Always, 

Sadie Lee

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