As part of Women’s History Month, the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce recently held their second annual Women of Power business conference. The event is aimed at stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit of local women of color.
The keynote speaker for the event was actress Wendy Raquel Robinson. A writer, director and producer, Robinson, is a “woman of power” in her own right.
“Wow, you know I don’t feel like a woman of power. I am here to get fed and to be empowered,” Robinson said.
With over 30 years in the entertainment industry, including film and Broadway roles, Robinson has attained a level of success. However, she feels that where much is given, much is required.
“I love what I do. I love meeting people touching lives and giving back more importantly,” says Robinson, “So I feel like I’m more of a Woman of Purpose, than of Power.”
Robinson’s message reflects the goal of the annual Women of Power Conference, presented by the Gulf Coast African American Chamber of Commerce.
Nicole Dixon, is the organization’s Executive Director.
“The mission of the Chamber is to be a voice for minority owned business and business professionals,” said Dixon.
While the chamber’s main focus is on minority businesses, Dixon says it’s a resource that’s open to all.
One of the newest members of the chamber to join the conversation is Robin Sulaiman, who started her own new enterprise and joined the chamber, after last year’s women of power.
Sulaiman said, “I saw all these women and these doctors and lawyers and entrepreneurs.”
Sulaiman, founded Mommies-In-Action a non-profit organization that offers assistance to impoverished families.
In her experience, Sulaiman says, being a “woman of power” is having the ability to multi-task, with grace.
“You know it’s balancing. So being a woman of power to me is balancing it all,” according to Sulaiman.
Balance is something keynote speaker, Wendy Raquel Robinson, understands. In 1997, Robinson, co-founded Amazing Grace Conservatory or AGC, a school of performing arts in Los Angeles.
During her address, she highlighted the importance of carrying on the legacy of the school, when her business partner Tracy unexpectedly passed in 2001.
“At the end of the day AGC is my purpose and it’s my passion and it usurps everything out there in the world. Because those are the tangibles,” said Robinson.
Robinson credits a solid family upbringing, “I just came from a very strong family of work ethic,” said Robinson. with giving her a sense of power and purpose and keeping her grounded…from her dad, who was a janitor and her mom, who was a nurse.
“There is nothing that if you don’t feel it and believe it that you cannot make your reality. So there is nothing you can’t do.”