Women Build is a community of strong, dedicated women, coming together to be a force for good in ourselves and in our communities. Last week, more than 150 Women Builders gathered together to network and support each other. The second annual event celebrated successful female entrepreneurs.
The event, held at Convene in Midtown Manhattan, kicked off with an intimate shopping experience with some women-owned, women–run and women-supporting businesses, representing the fields of publishing, fashion, hair and beauty and more. Three of the Women Build panelists’ businesses were represented, including:
Habitat Homeowner Jen Threat’s Double Dutch Magazine, Barbara Kavovit’s novel Heels of Steel and Sam Sisca’s Social Sunday, who donated 50 percent of their t-shirt sales to Women Build.
Lorraine Massey, from Curly World Hair Products, and Julio Sandino of Oiluj Hair-Face-Body oil also connected with the attendees. Both Lorraine and Julio are hosting upcoming Women Build networking events.
Women Builders had the chance to shop select vendors before the Luncheon began.
After guests filled their plates and took their seats, Habitat NYC Vice President of Resource Development, Sabrina Lippman, welcomed the crowd. Sabrina reminded the Women Builders what it is they build for – to support women. More than 80 percent of Habitat NYC homeowners are single female heads of household, which means our work directly impacts the lives of New York City women.
Then, Habitat NYC CEO Karen Haycox was joined onstage by our 2019 Women Build Luncheon panel of successful businesswomen:
- Jen Threat, Editor & Founder, Double Dutch Magazine and Habitat Homeowner
- Barbara Kavovit, CEO & Founder, Evergreen Construction
- Allison Eden, Founder, Allison Eden Studios
- Sam Sisca, CEO & Founder, Social Sunday
The Women Build Luncheon Panelists. From left to right: Karen Haycox, Jen Threat, Barbara Kavovit, Alison Eden, Sam Sisca
The panel discussed how their diverse backgrounds inspired them to start their own businesses, how a stable home can be a springboard for taking risks and the next steps in their careers. Then Karen asked each panelist what they would tell their 22 year-old self, and each panelist offered inspirational and often humorous advice.
Thank you to all the panelists, vendors and guests of our second-annual Women Build Luncheon! This event is always one of Habitat NYC’s most favorite of the year. We look forward to another fantastic season of Women Build events, and of course, of women building a better city!
See photos on Facebook here.
