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| By Lori O'Brien Correspondent LONGMEADOW Business plans were created and friendships blossomed during a recent week at Bay Path College that introduced young women to entrepreneurship through a variety of workshops and one-on-one time with local CEO's. Nationwide, entrepreneurship is on the rise among women because it offers an exciting and viable alternative to more traditional careers, according to Lauren J. Way, a professor in the business department at Bay Path College, as well as director of the Entrepreneurial Program. "Women entrepreneurs are a force in the workplace, and the skills involved with starting a business are valuable for people of all ages," said Way during an interview with Reminder Publications. Bay Path launched "It's MY Business" this summer, with the goal of offering young women entering their junior or senior year of high school a creative, exciting, and unique opportunity to become acquainted with the theory and practice of entrepreneurship, and learn what it takes to launch their own business. "We wanted the girls to have a chance to meet and spend time with prominent entrepreneurs and CEO's, and be mentored by college faculty who would help them design a winning business plan," said Way. During the week of July 30, the girls met with more than 25 entrepreneurs, CEO's, innovators and faculty, all of whom promised to serve and advise the girls on a personal level, as part of the girls' future career network, added Way. "This summer, we had girls participating in the program whose career interests ran the gamut from journalism and nursing, to psychology and nonprofit work, yet they all made connections with the spirit and principles of entrepreneurship," said Way. Way noted that the girls all came to see how approaching their career choices with an "entrepreneurial mind-set" or entrepreneurial "philosophy" would help them throughout life, not only in their professional work, but at home, in their relationships, in their churches, and in their communities. "For this reason I feel our program was highly successful," said Way. One of the girls who relished the experience was Veronica Gomez, 16, of Holyoke, an alumna of Girls Inc. of Holyoke. Gomez received a scholarship through Girls Inc. to attend the Bay Path program. Girls Inc., based in Holyoke, has been mentoring girls for more than 26 years through academic enrichment, leadership and health education programs. For Gomez, the weeklong program was an opportunity to help her get closer to her dream of being an entrepreneur some day. "I had so much fun," said Gomez during an interview with Reminder Publications. "I made new friends from all over. We all came from really different places and backgrounds but we bonded all week and all plan to keep in touch." Gomez noted she learned a great deal from her mentors throughout the week, from the importance of marketing to the design of slogans and advertisements. "I learned how to be an entrepreneur," said Gomez, adding, "I learned the importance of thinking positively and doing something that you love." Gomez is currently investigating several four-year colleges (including Johnson and Wales) in her quest of becoming a chef and opening her own restaurant some day. "After graduating from the "It's MY Business!" program, I have decided to have a dual major in culinary arts and business," added Gomez. Way emphasized how impressed she was by the critical thinking skills and creative approach to problem-solving that all the participants exhibited throughout the week. "The program focused on leadership skills, creativity, opportunity recognition and risk taking, all topics critical to successful entrepreneurial work," said Way. "The girls also learned the nuts and bolts of planning and opening a new business, marketing, economics and finance, and the importance of philanthropy and community give-back." The final day included a celebration party open to the community, which allowed the girls to present their original business concept plans and make public speeches describing the businesses they hoped to create. "One young woman has already taken steps to launch her new venture and is actively recruiting a board of directors for it," added Way. With enthusiasm and drive from young women like Gomez, and with the professional backing of mentors from across the region, Way anticipates a fruitful future for "It's MY Business!" "The program is a resume-building opportunity for the young women, and participants come away with a stronger portfolio for college applications," said Way. "The high school girls also received college credit upon completing the program, enabling them to get a jump on their academic college plans." Gomez summed it up the best when looking back on her week of discovery. "Being in this program helped me feel like I have a lot of different choices for what I want to do with my life," she said. If Way has her way, countless other young women will also have the opportunity to be inspired to be their own boss some day. |