It was such an experience to hear women entrepreneurs talk about their financial struggles and physical and emotional
stresses for several years before they finally started earning something from their ventures. The event was the "Make Mine a
Million $ Business" 2007 Awards by Count Me In, held May 21 at the Concourse Hotel.
I identified myself with many women participants in that conference who haven't gotten over the hurdles yet. We were there
to get pointers on how to grow our businesses from the "experts" (on legal, tech, financial, and insurance matters) and those
who have made it. Although the topics discussed were not new to me (the Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative
Corporation's StartSmart workshop which I attended in 2004 essentially provided the same information), I was able to make
connections, meet new acquaintances and learn from other's experiences. We were there to watch a few women
entrepreneurs get an awards package that includes business mentorship, financing and technology. The event aimed to
celebrate women's strength in spirit: our ability to withstand challenges and face them squarely. I must admit, it was inspiring
to watch several women business owners, almost all White, who have reached the million-dollar mark in yearly revenues!
At the precise moment I was cheering for these women, I remembered another event held a month prior in Milwaukee,
attended by women of color (and a few White folks) tackling poverty. Hosted by the Wisconsin Women of Color Network Inc
(WWOCN) and the Milwaukee Area Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (thank you, Maria Flores!),
the discussion there was (and still is) my reality. We women of color have much more challenges than those in the majority
population. The panelists talked of the seriousness of our problems in employment, health, and housing. When we couldn't
even get our foot inside the door of these basic opportunities to keep us alive, who's thinking of a million-dollar business?
We talked of domestic abuse in our communities and ways to get help. When we couldn't even protect ourselves from our
loved ones in our own homes, who's thinking of a million-dollar business?
Daphne Brown, author of "Spiritual Healing for a Woman's Soul" spoke of getting out of poverty through faith in God and
determination to help herself. She challenged us, "How can we inspire (other women of color) to rise up in a way that they
won't allow ... poverty to infiltrate ... their souls?"
Keynote speaker Deborah Blanks (CEO, Milwaukee Social Development Commission) encapsulated the challenges of
women of color when she said, "For me, the first floor of the movies in the '60s also became synonymous with the first floor of
life, and ... you rushed to that first floor of opportunity and you think you gonna have everything that opportunity means, and
then you have a rude awakening: that power of privilege doesn't necessarily welcome you openly."
The statement pierced my heart like never before. As an immigrant and a woman of color, it was hurting to be treated
differently by some people in the majority population; but I expected that somehow. It was doubly hurting, however, to be
treated much worse by some people of color who probably felt they were more privileged than me. They did not even want me
to be on my own -- to start this magazine! What's your take when someone tells you, "There is only a small pie for all minority
publications; there is no need for an additional one." Talking about equality and opened doors of opportunity!
I'm glad I have a strong faith in a Supreme Being and self-confidence that I can do this. I credit my late mother for the values
she instilled in me, particularly the belief that though "we're poor, we're rich in spirit," and that our dream will carry us through,
as far as we try our very best to realize it.
Asian Wisconzine may not be a million-dollar business enterprise (although I would welcome it with open arms if it
happens!) but it is a dream come true. When no one seems interested in opening a door for you despite your credentials, you
just have to create other opportunities for yourself!
Well, my faith opened a special door, only for me, it seemed. I guess Yahweh saw that my primary goal for this "business"
isn't measured by any dollar amount.
Editor's corner
Over a cup of tea
|
Heidi M. Pascual*
Publisher & Editor
Asian Wisconzine
* 2006 Journalist of the Year for the State of Wisconsin
(U.S.SBA)