Starting the Discussion

Jessica Van Soest, Learning Lab Projects Manager
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With so much happening in the world today, it is not always easy to focus in on a specific topic to analyze and open conversation around. A fantastic documentary, #GoAgainsttheFlow,  was brought to our attention by a start-up called Film Hero. The film features the wisdom of several women entrepreneurs in a mainly male-dominated industry. True strength, innovation, and determination were displayed by these powerful women leading companies brought to life through their hard work and intelligence. After the screening, we had an open Q&A panel discussion with local San Leandro women entrepreneurs and mothers. Taking on the dream of starting a business is not easy, doing it with a young child at home and balancing work and motherhood is a whole new world of multi-tasking and management. Talking with these mompreneurs (Xouhoa Bowen of Community Impact Lab, Neha Sampat of BelongLab, Sara Ubelhart of Zocalo Coffeehouse, and Sysamone Phaphon of Film Hero)  was an uplifting experience that left everyone in the audience leaving inspired. Focusing the discussion around how much women can achieve their goals at home and in the workplace is something Community Impact Lab is trying to bring to light and empower our members to do.

To continue the discussion of kick ass women, we will be hosting another screening but this time we will be joining millions of people across the US and in 27 countries for 50/50 Day on May 10th to screen the film 50/50 and talk about what it's going to take to get to a more gender balanced world! #Gettingto5050 . Let’s talk about it!

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