Building Communities Through Entrepreneurship Women Entrepreneurs Starting off the last day of Entrepreneurship Week, the Women Entrepreneurs Panel highlighted successful women who conquered adversity to strive in their fields. Mandy Siess, Virginia Ellen, Katie Kupstas, and Becca Spahr each used their experiences running their own operations to speak with audience members about the various strategies they’ve found useful in continuing to succeed. Mandy shared insight working in the food and beverage industry with her business, Let’s Go Coffee & Bakery. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and creating and cementing a foundation in the community, which was a common theme among the panelists. Virginia, Katie, and Becca all communicated that customers, communication, and building and maintaining impactful relationships will allow an entrepreneur to cultivate a successful brand. As for the other panelists, Virginia co-founded Hangout for Art with her mother, a former KU graduate. Katie assists fellow entrepreneurs with her Innovators Club for Women. Finally, Becca is a Marine Corps veteran and social wellness coach with Spahr Impact Group, aiding business owners with forming connections for their working relationships. Societal Impact Rounding out the week, the Societal Impacts Panel showcased individuals taking a bootson-the-ground approach to improving their community and the members inside of it. Panelists included Larry Berringer, Kryn McClain, Selda Simmons, and Violet Emory, all of whom highlighted helping the individual and the inequalities affecting their lives, including access to housing and education. As a local leader in Reading and Berks County, Selda focused on getting individuals the mental health access they need. This support includes providing marginalized youth with resources in the justice system, if necessary. Over the course of the panel, she encouraged audience members to use their own power and take action to help the people around them. “It’s never too late to follow your dreams, especially if it means being able to help others.” 28
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