SWH Dinner Guide by New York Urban League

She Works Hard for the Money

This isn't just dinner; It's a power move.

October 27, 2026 | PB Brasserie | Harlem

THE TABLE IS SET. THE WORK BEGINS. EVENT GUIDE

A LETTER TO THE WOMEN AT THIS TABLE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN... Women from beauty and personal care, social services, consulting, education, and other industries-women who have built businesses, challenged conventions, and solved problems - sit down at one table? We find out on October 27, 2026. Welcome to She Works Hard for the Money. There are easier ways to spend a Tuesday evening. But we're interested in what happens when we bring the right women together, remove the usual networking rituals, and challenge them to tackle a problem worth solving. And by the right women, we mean you. You were intentionally selected for what you've built, how you think, the problems you've solved, and the distinctive perspective you bring. Some of you have been building for decades. Others are writing your first chapters. That diversity is precisely the point. What happens when expertise from entirely different industries collides? Could an approach that works brilliantly in one industry unlock an opportunity in another? That's where things get interesting. At the New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center, we see both the ingenuity of entrepreneurs and the obstacles that stand in their way, particularly for women-owned businesses. At the dinner, we're tackling a problem that reaches beyond this room. Not to recycle familiar talking points, but to challenge assumptions, explore possibilities, and consider solutions that could make a difference for entrepreneurs who aren't at this table. There will be no panel. No keynote. No parade of introductions. You have the biographies. Get acquainted with the women at the table before you arrive. We expect curiosity, candor, constructive disagreement, and a willingness to think bigger than our individual businesses. Fourteen women. Different industries. Different journeys. One problem worth solving. And perhaps, the beginning of something much bigger. Gina Blalock Ramcharan Founder & Chief Idea Curator, Idea Manufacturer Director, New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT Inspired by the Jeffersonian dinner method, the evening gathers people with distinct experiences around one question, one shared conversation, and the possibility of collective action. The method, not the historical figure, is our point of reference. 1. Arrive acquainted. Read the biographies in this guide before dinner. We are not spending the evening on formal introductions or elevator pitches. 2. One table. One conversation. No side conversations. When one woman speaks, the table listens. 3. Bring your experience, not a speech. Speak from what you have lived, learned, built, or witnessed. Be concise enough to leave space for others. 4. Titles stay outside the conversation. Every voice carries equal weight. No one owns the room. 5. Listen to understand. Be curious. Ask thoughtful questions before offering a counterpoint. 6. Disagree without diminishing. Challenge ideas respectfully. Difference is an asset, not a disruption. 7. Share the air. Make room for quieter voices; facilitators may redirect to protect balance and momentum. 8. Look for leverage. Notice connections, complementary capabilities, and opportunities to build something together. 9. Protect trust. Respect personal stories and sensitive information. Seek permission before attributing or sharing another woman’s remarks. 10. Move beyond the moment. Leave with a connection, a possibility, or an action you are willing to pursue.

THE OPENING QUESTION One question. Fourteen perspectives. No rehearsed answers. Before we tackle the bigger issues facing entrepreneurs, particularly women business owners, we'll begin with one question designed to reveal how we think, what we've learned, and what we see differently. This isn't an icebreaker. It's the first layer of a much deeper conversation. Come prepared to answer the opening question. Draw on your experience, challenge conventional wisdom, and offer a perspective that might prompt someone else to reconsider their own. Be thoughtful, candid, and concise. Everyone will have an opportunity to contribute, and the most interesting conversations often begin with an answer nobody expected.

60-90 seconds to answer.

What do you believe women entrepreneurs have at their disposal but aren't leveraging nearly enough?

THE SHE WORKS HARD FOR THE MONEY EVOLUTION This annual Women’s Business Month experience has evolved from a large gathering for business education and connection, to focused expert-led dinner discussions, to this deliberately curated single-table conversation. The room is smaller. The ambition is not.

THE WOMEN IN THE ROOM WHO Different industries. Different journeys. A shared commitment to solving problems beyond this table. EXPERTISE AT THE TABLE Beauty and Personal care • Professional • Consulting • Education • Media • Creative Enterprises BUSINESS EXPERIENCE From emerging ventures to established businesses with more than three years of operating experience. THE BIGGER QUESTION What becomes possible when these different experiences, networks, and capabilities meet around one question?

GINA BLALOCK RAMCHARAN

HOST

Chief Idea Curator Idea Manufacturer | Director New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center

Gina Blalock Ramcharan is the founder and Chief Idea Curator of Idea Manufacturer, a business consultancy that helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable ventures. Idea Manufacturer provides business education, strategy, and program curation services to the New York Urban League, where Gina serves as Director of the Small Business SOLUTIONS Center. Drawing on more than two decades of leadership in retail and wholesale, she develops experiences that challenge entrepreneurs to think more boldly, build stronger businesses, and turn connections into opportunity.

YASMEEN N HAYES CO-FACILITATOR

Urban Stream Media

Yasmeen is an experienced live stream producer who helps students and clients reach wider audiences through live video and podcasting. Her clients include government agencies, schools, nonprofits, and small businesses. She grew Urban Stream Media into a leader in educational live streaming and podcasting. Focused on community impact, she partnered with schools and nonprofits to promote digital literacy. She created programs for grades 2–12 in NYC public schools and trained leaders and teachers to use media and digital tools effectively.

ADRIENNE VALENCIA GARCIA Coach with Adrienne

Adrienne Valencia Garcia is a first-generation Colombian American, practicing attorney, and executive coach for highachievers. She is also a certified personal and executive coach and has built “Coach with Adrienne” alongside her legal career. Today, she is the head of Corporate & Legal Affairs at Somos, Inc., while coaching high achievers to renegotiate the contracts they’ve written with themselves about who they’re allowed to be. In October, she launches “The Collective,” an intimate coaching experience for Latina lawyers asking, “Am I willing to claim what I already know I want?” Connect with Adrienne on LinkedIn and Instagram @coachwithadrienne.

ASHLEY CLOUD

The Cloud Law Firm PLLC

Ashley N. Cloud, Esq., MBA, is the founder and managing attorney of The Cloud Law Firm, a boutique firm that partners with consumer-facing brands to build, protect, and scale. She is also the creator of The Legal Lookbook, a legal education platform for emerging entrepreneurs. A former senior attorney advisor with the U.S. Small Business Administration and assistant attorney general for the District of Columbia, Ashley brings a holistic, business-minded perspective to risk, growth, and opportunity. She is an adjunct professor at LIM College and a 2026 participant in Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women: Black in Business program.

BRITTANY ASHLEY JEFFERSON Pursuit By Brittany Ashley LLC

Brittany Ashley Jefferson is the founder of Pursuit by Brittany Ashley, an organic skincare brand born from her personal experience seeking gentle solutions for sensitive skin. A former science educator, she brings curiosity and care to product development and has grown Pursuit through live commerce and a close connection with her customers. Brittany has shared her entrepreneurial experience on TikTok and UPS panels, and is passionate about building a business that creates lasting opportunities for her family and community. Get excited about getting clean!

BRITTANY FULLER

BTF Creative Group

Brittany Fuller is a creative and brand strategist, communications professional, and entrepreneur who blends strategy, storytelling, and creativity to build brands that connect. With a background spanning digital media, content creation, marketing, social strategy, and AI, she brings both creative vision and strategic thinking to every project. As the founder of BTF Creative Group, Brittany helps businesses and organizations clarify their brand, elevate their presence, and turn ideas into meaningful, engaging experiences. At the heart of her work is a belief that great branding is more than looking good; it’s about telling the right story, creating connection, and making an impact.

CAMILLE MCINTOSH

Find Community Connection Project

Camille McIntosh is the Founder and Executive Director of Find Community Connection Project (FCCP), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth and young adults through professional development, mentorship, workforce readiness, and community engagement. A Brooklyn native, Camille holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College and brings more than 20 years of leadership and community-focused experience. Since founding FCCP in 2022, she has built partnerships with schools, businesses, community organizations, and elected officials to expand opportunities for young people and strengthen underserved communities.

CHRISTINA WESTLEY

Real Social

Christina Westley is a professional speaker, influencer diversity advocate, and the Founder and CEO of Real Social, a consultancy and creative studio connecting brands with culture and community. Christina created Social Setting, an IRL series bringing together Black creators and top brands, and publishes Social Feed, a newsletter focused on diverse voices in the creator economy. She has been recognized as a Creator Economy Live Top 50 Innovator to Watch with features in Forbes, eMarketer, and The Washington Post.

CINDY WEATHERSSMITH Koko's Louve

Cindy Weathers-Smith is the founder of Koko’s Louve, an allnatural skincare and self-care brand rooted in “Emotional Glow.” We believe skincare should support how you feel, not just how you look. We create thoughtfully curated skincare products designed to turn everyday routines into intentional moments of self-care. If you're looking for a daily routine that feels restorative with a meaningful experience, we are here for it.

ESTHER LELIEVRE

Queen Mixxy Media

Esther (Queen Mixxy) Lelievre is the Founder and CEO of Queen Mixxy Media, a New York City-based, MWBE-certified creative media consulting firm specializing in media production, marketing strategy, and small business development. With over a decade of experience working at the intersection of media, community engagement, and economic empowerment, she has partnered with institutions including NYC Small Business Services, the Freelancers Union, and the Brooklyn Public Library to connect entrepreneurs across the five boroughs to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

KALIEHA NEKAIL STAPLETON KNS Consulting and Design, INC.

Kalieha' Stapleton is the founder of KNS Consulting & Design, where she helps organizations turn big ideas into clear systems, stronger processes, and executable plans. Based in New York, she is an operator, strategist, and creative with a background spanning business operations, apparel production, branding, and organizational strategy. With experience working across leadership, operations, production, partnerships, and design, Kalieha brings a unique ability to connect creative thinking with practical execution. Outside of consulting, she is also a designer, writer, singer, and content creator.

KIARA CORNISH

Sisterly Strands

Kiara is a Brooklyn native and co-founder of Sisterly Strands, an herbal hair care brand she built alongside her sister, Kiana. Rooted in sisterhood and a passion for healthier hair, Sisterly Strands creates plant-based products that prioritize natural ingredients and intentional hair care. Their products are sold at Remedies Herb Shop in Brooklyn, bringing their vision for healthier hair care directly to their community. Beyond products, the sisters teach classes that educate people on caring for their natural hair, understanding their hair needs, and making healthier choices with confidence.

LATRESSA FULTON

Move and Groove Yoga

Latressa Fulton serves as Budget Director for IT at CUNY, bringing public executive experience from NYCHA and DoITT. She serves on the NYS CSBG Advisory Council, holds leadership roles at UPenn- including the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women & the James Brister Society and sits on civic boards including AmplifyHer & Studio Museum in Harlem. As the founder of move & groove yoga, Latressa creates immersive experiences merging music, movement, and mindfulness. Her premier program has partnered with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem since 2016 alongside collaborations with the Guggenheim and Louis Armstrong House. She holds a B.S. from UPenn and an MPH from Columbia.

NKASI AKPAKA

Black Girls Link

Nkasi Akpaka, Esq., is an attorney and the Founder of Black Girls Link, a community dedicated to fostering meaningful connections, professional development, and opportunities for Black women. Through Black Girls Link, she is building a technology-enabled professional ecosystem powered by impactful programming, strategic relationships, and a scalable digital platform. Nkasi is passionate about helping women expand their networks, access resources, discover opportunities, and build meaningful relationships that support their professional and entrepreneurial growth.

SHALIMA LILA MCCANTS

New York Urban League

Shalima is a transformational nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of experience advancing equity, expanding opportunity, and developing emerging leaders. As Chief Program Officer of the New York Urban League, she leads initiatives in education, employment, and advocacy while strengthening partnerships and community engagement. A Licensed Social Worker, she holds an MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work and completed postgraduate training at Columbia University. Recognized for visionary and impactful leadership, Shalima serves as President of the Zeta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, and Advisor to the New York Urban League Young Professionals.

WILLENA WASHINGTON

Hope Ignites New York

Lena Washington is a nonprofit executive and strategic leader dedicated to advancing educational equity, economic mobility, and opportunities for underserved communities. As Executive Director of Hope Ignites New York, she leads initiatives that empower young people through education, mentorship, workforce development, and career readiness. With extensive experience in organizational leadership, fundraising, and strategic partnerships, Lena brings a solutions-driven approach to building sustainable organizations and creating meaningful social impact. She is passionate about empowering women, cultivating the next generation of leaders, and transforming opportunity into lasting economic independence.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK URBAN LEAGUE For over 100 years, the New York Urban League has worked hard to help New Yorkers live the lives they deserve to lead. From putting our youth on the path to a fruitful educational career to landing living wage jobs with good benefits or business sustainability, it’s the New York Urban League’s role to strengthen underserved communities, ensuring everybody has a seat at the table.

NYUL SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS CENTER Twenty-twenty-six marks a significant milestone for the New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center (SBSC): five years of building entrepreneurs, ecosystems, and real opportunity. SBSC is where ideas turn into action. We champion entrepreneurship across Greater New York City and beyond, rooted in community, powered by a global mindset. We don’t just connect entrepreneurs to resources; we help build the networks and infrastructure that allow businesses to launch, scale, and last. Through one-to-one consulting, incubators, technical assistance, hands-on workshops, and signature events, NYUL SBSC meets entrepreneurs at every stage of the journey. If you’re building a business or ready to bet on yourself, stay connected and plug into our dynamic programming.

WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Sincere appreciation to The UP Foundation, TD Bank, and UPS for their continued investment in entrepreneurship and their commitment to helping small businesses thrive. Their support extends across the New York Urban League Small Business SOLUTIONS Center's programs and initiatives, including this special gathering in recognition of Women's Small Business Month. She Works Hard for the Money reflects a shared belief in the power of bringing extraordinary women together to challenge conventional thinking, explore solutions, and create opportunities that extend far beyond the table. Because when women build together, the impact reaches further.

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