IN PERSON: Why Mentorship Matters - Strategies for Growth C1000 NYWIB 02F

Make Time for Growth, Not Guesswork

As a woman entrepreneur, you already wear every hat. But the fastest way to grow isn’t doing more on your own—it’s learning from those who’ve been there before. Sponsored by WEALF, this LIVE “Why Mentorship Matters – Strategies for Accelerating Growth” event will provide proven insights from a keynote speaker, practical strategies from a panel of successful women, and one-on-one guidance from SCORE mentors. One evening could save you months of trial and error.

Thursday, October 23, 2025

4:30 -8:00pm

Canva 3.0 @Oculus Main Level C2 South Concourse

185 Greenwich Street, New York

Westfield World Trade Center Complex

Admission is free, but you must register to attend.

Doors open at 3:00 for speed mentoring – sign up if interested

Main event begins at 4:30pm

Reception, Networking and Silent Auction starts at 6:00pm

We would appreciate a donation of at least $1 to help cover our costs.

CLICK here if you care to make a donation to support our free programming . Your support is more important then ever at this time as SCORE/NYWIB has lost its federal funding.

What you will experience :

· Exclusive Photography Exhibit by Claire Holt, a renowned photographer – A celebration of women entrepreneurs and their mentors.

· Mini Mentoring Sessions – Talk 1:1 with certified SCORE mentors about your next steps. Discover how a mentor can help and learn practical strategies to grow your business.

· Keynote + Panel –Hear real stories from women who’ve worked with mentors and built successful businesses

· Silent Auction – Bid on unique experiences, consulting services, handcrafted fine jewelry, personal chef services, restaurant dinners, wine-tasting at a winery, photography sessions, and more.

· Reception + Networking – Drinks, light bites; meet mentors, future collaborators, and business allies in a supportive setting. Make connections that could change your path

Why Attend?

In one evening, you’ll gain practical guidance from mentors, fresh inspiration from real success stories, meaningful connections with peers, and the confidence to take your next steps—while giving back to support other women entrepreneurs.

A Note To Our Supporters

For nearly a decade, NYWIB has supported thousands of women entrepreneurs with mentoring, education, and community. Although federal funding was recently cut, we are determined to continue this vital mission—with your help.

But after recent federal funding cuts, we need your support more than ever.

You can support in three ways:

1. Attend – your ticket directly sustains our programming.

2. Bid – participate in the silent auction to win exciting items and experiences.

3. Donate an item for the auction (Click HERE for donation form and instructions)

Together, we can ensure women entrepreneurs continue to access the resources, networks, and mentorship they need to thrive.

SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE

Kara O’Connor Miller, Associate Director of Innovative Learner Programs & Director of Babson College WIN Lab

Kara Miller is an experienced professional in entrepreneurship and community development, currently serving as the Associate Director of Innovative Learner Programs and Director of the Babson WIN Lab at Babson College since March 2018. Kara has held multiple leadership roles, including Director of WIN Lab Global and WIN Lab Boston, focusing on empowering women entrepreneurs. Previously, Kara launched the Women Entrepreneurs Boston program while working for the City of Boston, fostering a supportive ecosystem for women in business. In addition, Kara has contributed to the Boston Women's Workforce Council, aimed at addressing the gender wage gap, and has held various leadership positions within community organizations, including West Roxbury Main Streets and the Boston Main Streets Foundation. Kara holds an MBA from the UNH Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire.

PANELISTS

Stacy Cole & Missy Koo, Co-Founders Brooklyn PiggiesStacy Cole and Missy Koo Co-Founded Brooklyn Piggies, the company responsible for elevating America’s favorite hot d’oeuvre. With a philosophy of using simple ingredients and made well, they offer sausages are hand crafted utilizing traditional European techniques. They have a natural casing, ensuring a satisfying snap, and are smoked using natural hardwood without the addition of artificial seasonings, additives, fillers, or MSG.Brooklyn Piggies are wrapped by hand in a light and flaky puff pastry.Shortly after launching Brooklyn Piggies at a popular outdoor food market, they gained immediate recognition and landed on Oprah’s Favorites List. The exposure grew their business exponentially. They scaled immediately and have become a national demand.

Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi, DPT, OCS, CFMT, CIDN D | Dance Medicine Physical Therapist | Researcher | Workplace Wellness Consultant | CEO | Founder

Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi, a licensed physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, is a leader in dance medicine, injury prevention, and health and wellness. As Director of Therapy Services and Health & Safety Advisor at the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, she oversees physical and mental health services for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ailey II, and The Ailey School. Her efforts have reduced overuse injuries by 37% and time-loss injuries by 33%, developed protocols that prevented COVID-19 outbreaks, and supported dancers’ safe return to performances—saving the organization millions in health-related costs.

Dr. Ojofeitimi is the Founder and Director of Synthesis Physical Therapy and Co-founder of the Dance Ready Project, which improves dancer care through assessments, conditioning programs, and wellness education. She is the author of 17 peer-reviewed journal articles. Dr. Sheyi received a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University, Master of Physical Therapy from West Virginia University, and Doctor Physical Therapy from Alabama State University.

Rhianna Young, CEO |Founder Happy Hounds

Rianna Young is the founder and CEO of Happy Hounds, a business focused on selling CBD products to help dogs through pain. Rianna started Happy Hounds to create natural, effective calming solutions for pets, inspired by her first dog, Angel. After a traumatic accident, Angel struggled with anxiety, and traditional meds left her dull and disengaged. Determined to find a better way, Rianna set out to create a solution to help pets thrive!

Happy Hounds’ calming treats and tinctures offer relief from stress, anxiety, joint pain, and digestive issues—without harsh side effects. They are made with human-grade superfoods like Green Lipped Mussel, Turmeric, Salmon Oil, and Valerian Root, our formulas help pets live happier, healthier lives.

Join Us!

Your presence makes a difference. It reflects your commitment to your business and the future of women entrepreneurs.

Your donation would be an expression of your support for NYWIB’s free programs, ensuring thousands of women continue to access the mentorship, networks, and education they need to thrive.

We have limited seating! Reserve your spot today and be part of a night of inspiration, connection, and community.

This event is sponsored by SCORE, WEALF , and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready in partnership with NYWIB. By registering you’ll be subscribed to their email list. We don’t sell our lists. Ever.

You may register HERE in advance to access Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s free digital resources and take two courses to be eligible for the Verizon Grant program.

SCORE is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

#womenentrepreneurs #smallbusiness #newyorkcity #startups #WomenInBusiness #NYWIB #self-improvement #tipsforsuccess #impostersyndrome #leadership #SCOREnyc #newyorkcity #WomenInBusiness #NYWIB @NYWIB @WEALF@WomenNYC @AccompanyCapital @WomensConnection @Stage2Startups @FWA