THE LAST NYC WOMEN IN BUSINESS BUSTING BARRIERS PANEL WAS LIT!
September 2024
The second NYC Women In Business Busting Barriers was a blast! Thanks to everyone who braved the muggy bad hair day weather and got to watch the four fabulous, articulate and passionate panelists share their stories of struggles and success in their road to entrepreneurship. I always take away so much from each of their experiences and I’m sure the enthusiastic audience would agree!
Thanks to the panelists:
Katie Osborn for sharing her wisdom, conviction and disciplined work ethic and determination when faced with opportunity and responsibility.
Gracelyn Woods for being so open about pulling herself out of a fun, fast-paced industry because she realized the lifestyle didn’t serve her— only to find the perfect opportunity and confidence to step into it!
Ayat Masoud demonstrated that the ‘perfect NYC woman’ can be anyone who stays true to her foundation while pursuing her heart’s desire (all of them!) and sharing food during turbulent times builds community.
Erin Williams shared her story of wanting to use her gifts to highlight everyone’s unique beauty, not stick to a standard, and sharing her own vulnerabilities shaped her mission and brand.
One thousand thank yous to these inspiring women and to Morningstar Funds for co-sponsoring,
March 20, 2024 in Beacon, NY
It was another evening of energy, inspiration, wit and wisdom! I was thrilled to host another Women in Business Busting Barriers panel highlighting four Hudson Valley-based women who graciously shared their stories and adventures in business. For the third year in a row, the Howland Cultural Center in the heart of Beacon, NY was packed with an enthusiastic audience eager to hear about the career sharp turns, U-turns and zig-zags many of the panelists experienced that lead them to be poineers as entrepreneurs and leaders in their unique businesses. Thanks to my guests for generously sharing your stories, strategies and advice in business:
Filomena Fanelli, CEO, Impact PR and Communications
Barb Fisher, Owner, Barb’s Butchery
Lauren Zilahy, General Manager, Barb’s Butchery
Cecille Castillon-Weinstein, Pepper Executive Concierge
Lena's events are always so inspiring. She has a unique way of bringing people together to talk about the real stuff...entrepreneurial and financial stories we don't see on social media or read in the news. I always leave feeling seen, heard and surrounded by new friends who really get it." - Eli
A "must" event for women entrepreneurs! I've thoroughly enjoyed the discussion each year and always learn something from the panelists. It's inspiring to see so many women charting new territory and making their dreams a reality. Lena is a fantastic facilitator and host that draws real depth out of the participants with great questions and a side of laughs.- Susan
“I left the event energized and empowered. These women took control of their careers, found ways to combine their learned skills and natural strengths, without sacrificing who they are. I shall challenge myself to do the same.”- Abby
Wonderful event. Fascinating Stores. Inspirational Women. – Beth
“It felt like an unplugged session where these ladies were able to come together in support of one another, share what success means to them, discuss their challenges and obstacles, and what makes them stand out in their community. Each of these ladies shared something unique with the audience.-Joey
September 2023-NYC
Our first NYC event was a smashing success! On Wednesday, September 27, 60 NYC-based women (and a few men!) gathered near the WTC to listen to four powerhouse women talk about the joys and challenges of being a woman in business.
This event was about showcasing self-made, enterprising women from NYC with incredible businesses and careers sharing their stories of overcoming formidable challenges along the way.
Each panelist described instances of facing their own obstacles, doubt, personal hardships and unexpected bumps in the road while growing their businesses with passion, tenacity and perseverance!
This powerhouse panel featured four self-made, enterprising women with incredible businesses and careers, who graciously shared their stories, strategies, and secrets of success!
Tamar Vezirian, CEO Gotham Glow
Allison Cimino, Owner/Designer RockLove Jewelry
Sharon Mussalli, CEO Xtracrisp
Leila Sbitani, TV Host and Media Traine
Leila Sbitani, TV host and media trainer, discussed the importance of mentorship at the Women in Business Busting Barriers panel in NYC September 2023.
Photos: Purple Critter; Alycia Paulus
Videos: Magaly Sosa @sosasocials
Allison Cimino, CEO and designer at RockLove Jewelry talks about how to manage creativity in business..
It was an evening to connect, share and be inspired not only by the panelists but the other women in the audience who had their own stories to tell. There was a wealth of experience and wisdom in the room that led to major takeaways for all!
March 2023- Beacon, NY
What a night!
It was so much fun and such an honor to host and the 2nd WOMEN IN BUSINESS BUSTING BARRIERS at the Howland Cultural Center in the heart of Beacon, NY back in March.
It was such a fantastic opportunity to talk to four inspiring, grounded, wise women who generously shared their stories, strategies and success in their businesses—and the obstacles along the way!
Thanks to our panelists:
Kathleen Bennett, CEO, Floor 13 Textiles
Kelly Lyndgaard, Founder, Unshattered
Lena Rizkallah, Kathleen Bennett, Allison Cimino, Grace Angela Henry, Kelly Lyndgaard
“Another inspiring Women in Business Busting Barriers Event. Once again, exceeding expectations and filling the room with a contagious energy! Lena and her crew of incredibly creative and enterprising Hudson Valley women are a force and I am just amazed that we have this network right here in our backyard. Thank you Lena Rizkallah for making networking fun and presenting some tasty “bread crumbs” as Allison Cimino coined. Let the trail of collaborations, connections and ideas unfold.”
“A fantastic event that kept it real for those of us to choose to be entrepreneurs. Thanks to the panelists for sharing their experiences and to you, Lena, for bringing us together.”
“An evening to connect, share and be inspired not only by the panelists but the other women in the audience who have their own stories to tell. Between us all, there is a wealth of experience and wisdom that we can all learn from."‘
“Had a great time and learned so much at Lena’s event Tuesday night in Beacon! Thank you Lena Rizkallah for hosting such a great event showcasing dynamic women, business owners who shared their challenges and successes!”
April 2022- Beacon, NY
Thanks to everyone who came out to April’s Women in Business Busting Barriers panel discussion at the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, NY! It was a full house and lively discussion thanks to our guest panelists who shared their personal stories, entrepreneurial insights and recipes for success (hint: hard work and discipline will get you places!).
Special thanks to our fabulous panel of entrepreneurial women in business. Thank you for sharing your personal struggles, stories and how you overcame obstacles to make your businesses successful. Queens— all ya’ll!
Randy Patterson, CEO, ProDoula
Tamar Vezirian, Owner, Gotham Glow
Sam and Laura Abby, Owners, The Studio@Beacon
Susan Johnson, Owner, Dennings Point Distillery
Chatting with Tamar Vezirian, owner of Gotham Glow and Sam and Laura Abby, owners of The Studio@Beacon.
Susan Johnson, owner of Dennings Point Distillery, shares her experience of opening the business with her then-husband and being a woman in the distillery/spirits world.
Kicking off the evening! We had over 65 attendees from all over the Hudson Valley!
Randy Patterson, CEO of ProDoula, Tamar Vezirian, owner of Gotham Glow and Sam Abby, co-owner of The Studio@Beacon..
Laughing along with the audience! Audience participation was key: there were many professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners who attended and shared their own ideas and experiences.
Tamar Vezirian, owner of Gotham Glow, got some good advice and perspective from her parents who had lost their business twice during the war in Lebanon.
The CEO of Pro Doula explains her relief and pride when realizing her daughters have grown to be independent-minded women and entrepreneurs, like their mother.
The Abbys explain how they opened their boxing and cycling studio to create an inclusive environment for the community, that is, unless you’re a mansplainer…
One of the greatest pieces of wisdom espoused by Randy in her business and in her book, The Matriarch Rules, is the importance of owning and standing in your own power. The tough part may be figuring it out or even holding on to it.
How did Susan Johnson, co-owner of Dennings Point Distillery, feel about getting into the distillery business with her husband? “Excited to take the plunge!”
Tamar Vezirian, owner of Gotham Glow, describes herself as an 'accidental entrepreneur' and explains how her business came to be.
Sam and Laura Abby, owners of the Studio@Beacon discuss how Covid was their biggest challenge thus far.
Susan Johnson, owner of Dennings Point Distillery, explains how one of the toughest truths a business owner must face is her own demons and limiting beliefs. What story do you tell yourself on those days when you are your biggest obstacle?
The panel of business owners provide some last tidbits of advice.