PA R T I E S
Katie Shields, Ellie Sargent
Sydney Dozier, Deanna Meador
Tonya Brown, Jamie Rose Plum
Mona Lisa Smile
Heather Wiggins, Maddie Miller, Ashley McDuffie
The Renaissance Women’s Summit VIP Reception lifts women entrepreneurs
H Anne Elizabeth McIntosh, Shawn Huffman, Wendi Boyden
Abigail Breslin, Emily Bache
osted by Renaissance Marketing Group, the VIP reception at this year’s Renaissance Women’s Summit was an evening of women supporting and celebrating women. The room in Collective615 — adorned with various hues of pink — was a warm, welcoming space for female entrepreneurs to network before the next day’s event. Guests mixed and mingled with presenters as cocktails were expertly crafted by Tipsy, and the beautiful display of delicious cheeses, charcuterie, fruits and other snacks were artistically arranged by Jamie Rose Plum of Rose & Plum Living. Excitement was in the air as the Summit’s creators announced the launch of The Mona Lisa Foundation, created to “award scholarships, mentorships, and complimentary business and marketing services to female entrepreneurs.” The inaugural scholarship was awarded to Jessica Baladad of Feel For Your Life, an app-based tutorial to help women advocate for their health and teach them how to self-screen for breast cancer. Jessica was diagnosed with Stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma, and after undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and much more, she started Feel for Your Life to encourage women who might not have access to screenings or other medical options. Her inspiring story went viral; through her work, not only has she been able to assist women with screening, she has also worked tirelessly on legislation supporting women’s health. Through The Mona Lisa Foundation’s scholarship, Jessica will be paired with 12 mentors throughout the year to help her achieve her business goals. After the announcement, the energy in the room was clear: The next day’s Renaissance Women’s Summit would be exciting and uplifting. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND
40 >> APRIL 2023 | nfocusmagazine.com
