Women’s History Month Spotlight: Alaia Williams Posted on March 28, 2012February 3, 2019 By Dangerous Lee Name and occupation: Alaia Williams, Business Organizer, Networking Group Founder, and Dot Connector What do you love most about being a woman? Though challenges still remain and improvements in our culture would be welcomed, I feel like this is the best time to be a woman. I didn’t grow up during a time when I was regularly told or treated like I was less than a man or had to be subservient to one. Also, as a woman in business, I feel like I have additional opportunities and resources that have definitely made a positive impact on my life. While the group I run is open to men and women, I have joined organizations for women business owners in the past, or attended events geared toward business women. Those of us who are active, at least here in Los Angeles, are rapidly building connections, and in many cases, strong friendships. Most of the female friends I have made after leaving college are other women business owners. Have you had to deal with much sexism in your industry? Fortunately, no. At least not that I have been aware of. When I started my first business back in 2006, I was a Professional Organizer specializing in residential projects. Most people in the industry were (and possibly still are) women. In terms of the networking group, I think most people are concerned about it being an active groups with interesting people to meet and less concerned with my sex. Do you belong to any organizations catered to women business owners? I’ve belonged to several women-only organizations in the past, but my preference is for organizations that are open to both men and women. I also run a networking group and it has been open to men and women since day one. I do, however, have a mastermind group that only has women in it, and I try at least once a month to have a dinner or social gathering with some of my closest female entrepreneur pals. Who or what inspires you most? People who have overcome great odds to achieve great things. Everyone has different capabilities and what not, but when I look at people who achieve amazing things because they worked really hard, stayed positive and didn’t back down, I can’t help but realize that I don’t have any excuses for not making my dreams come true. Something about you that would surprise us: If eating bacon three times a day wouldn’t kill me, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Advice for women entrepreneurs: Ask for what you want. You don’t know what you’ll get if you don’t. Ask for what you’re worth. You’ll be bitter and resentful if you settle for less. Website and social media links: twitter.com/alaiawilliams linkedin.com/in/alaiawilliams Like this:Like Loading... Related Women's History Month Alaia WilliamsCanadaNational Association of Women Business OwnersOne Organized BusinessOrganizationSmall BusinesswomenWomen's History Month
The Dangerous Lee Interview Meet Vangie Williams: Winner of Historic Democratic Primary in Virginia Posted on October 18, 2018January 12, 2022 Originally published March 2018. Update: Vangie Williams Wins Historic Democratic Primary in Virginia. Vangie Williams for Congress – 1st District Virginia I’m going to tell you what I’ve heard in the district. We don’t want any more White guys. We don’t want any more old guys. The good ol’ boy… Like this:Like Loading... Read More
Women's History Month Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Spotlight: Cindy Chu Posted on May 21, 2012March 7, 2018 Name and occupation: Cindy Chu—Actress What do you love most about being of Asian Heritage? I love that I come from such a deep culture and that my parents raised us to appreciate our roots while still allowing us to branch out into our birth country, the USA. Our family… Like this:Like Loading... Read More
Women's History Month Women’s History Month Spotlight: Erika Lyremark Posted on March 16, 2012March 3, 2018 Name and occupation: Erika Lyremark (“Lira-Mark”), Business coach and mastermind behind The Daily Whip, where I teach beautiful babes to be bad-ass business women. What do you love most about being a woman? That it affords me so much choice! (I would have answered differently if you’d asked me this,… Like this:Like Loading... Read More