Sara Inge Experienced CPA and business advisor, dedicated to simplifying finances and helping businesses thrive Kattina V. Barsik, Esq., LLM Intellectual property attorney specializing in patents, trademarks, and copyrights, protecting innovation with expertise and dedication Yudelkys Rodriguez De Vargas Immigration attorney, law firm owner, and advocate for justice and empowerment Valerie Deneen Marketing strategist, content creator, and former software engineer helping brands enhance their presence through powerful storytelling WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP PANEL The middle of Entrepreneurship Week featured a women’s panel, which included Sara Inge, Kattina Barsik, Yudelkys de Vargas, and Valerie Deneen. Sara is the owner of A.I. Legacy, Inc., an accounting firm. Kattina is the founder and attorney with The Law Office of Kattina V. Barsik. Yudelkys is an attorney with the Law Office of Yudelkys Rodriguez De Vargas. Valerie is the founder of Inner Child Fun Media. WHAT INSPIRED THEIR BUSINESSES? Kattina wanted a flexible schedule and to pivot her career. “I took a risk by leaving a stable career and started law school, and I have never looked back.” Valerie was inspired to start her business by the idea of bringing families together with her craft tutorials. “I wanted to solve problems creatively.” In 2006, Sara was looking for a stable and sole source of income, so she started her own accounting firm. “I was scared I wouldn’t have any clients, but I found a community and people who were willing to take a chance on me.” Yudelkys was looking for a new opportunity when she started her own law firm. “I trusted myself and took a chance.” VULNERABILITY AND ADVICE All the women shared some of their struggles being female entrepreneurs in business. Kattina’s advice for new entrepreneurs is to trust your gut and intuition. “Everything is going to be fine and it’ll all work out. You may not feel confident in your abilities now, but it’s all happening for a reason.” Valerie knew that pivoting her career would be an investment in her future, but that risk was still hard. “Risk is the price you pay for innovation.” Yudelkys began her career in nonprofit work and took a chance on herself by starting her own business. “Trust yourself and you’ll find your own way.” Sara is a firm believer in building relationships and that people come first before money. “It took time to build client relationships, but it pays off in dividends. It’s scary to start a business, but it’s so worth it.” 28 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
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