Women entrepreneurs to discuss ‘Power of the Room’ Friday

Mary Gooden, eWomenNetwork Tampa/St. Petersburg chapter managing director, is embracing her new role. She is currently transitioning from a leadership position in the New Orleans chapter. 

Founded in 2000 by entrepreneur Sandra Yancey, the Dallas-based eWomenNetwork connects entrepreneurs and holds more than 2,000 in-person and online networking events annually. 

The Tampa/St. Petersburg chapter is hosting the “The Power of the Room: Where Relationships Become Opportunities” Accelerated Networking Experience Friday at COhatch St. Pete, at 15 8th Street N., from 2 to 4 p.m.

Gooden explained that attendees will be able to meet other leaders from the Tampa Bay region. As a result, they can establish rapport and explore potential collaborations. 

For the managing director, the event is a way to kick off her tenure. It is also an effort to revitalize eWomenNetwork’s presence in the bay area. The timing is fitting. October is National Women’s Small Business Month. 

The effort is personal for Gooden. She is an entrepreneur herself, as well as a professional speaker and publisher. 

“What made me say yes to bringing this network to the Tampa/St. Petersburg area is the relationships I’ve built,” Gooden explained. “We had a Tampa/Sarasota chapter for eWomen about a year ago and that kind of fell by the wayside.” 

She initially joined the New Orleans chapter last year after hearing Yancey speak at an event. The experience had a profound impact on Gooden and ultimately led her to pursue leadership roles within the organization. 

Attendees will hear Gooden speak about the eWomenNetwork at the Friday event. She will also discuss the “power of the room” concept. 

“It means heart-to-heart, knee-to-knee,” Gooden explained. “It means really taking time to get present with other women and business owners locally in our community and finding ways to share and create opportunities.” 

Additionally, participants will attend two networking breakout sessions. Individuals will get to share more about themselves, what they’re excited about and what type of business growth they’re looking for. 

“My vision is really about bringing women entrepreneurs and a few good men who are a part of the eWomen Network to a place that feels safe and supported,” she added. “We’re not here to do this alone. We never have been.” 

“I built my six figure business basically on referrals and relationships alone,” Gooden continued. “All around, when we work together and lift each other as we climb, we just find a more harmonious outcome for ourselves, our community and humanity.” 

Entrepreneurship is a way for people to pursue their passions, she added. More so, by starting a business, men and women can focus on their gifts and talents. These ventures can create change and have an invaluable impact on the region. 

Gooden explained that Yancey’s mission is to help one million women entrepreneurs from around the world each achieve $1 million in annual revenue. The organization also supports individuals through the eWomenFoundation. According to the nonprofit’s website, 177 cash grants have been awarded to small nonprofits and 240 scholarships have been given to “emerging female leaders of tomorrow.” 

Gooden hopes to host two in-person events for the Tampa/St. Petersburg chapter per month. Additionally, the organization will oversee virtual gatherings. 

To register for the Friday event, visit this link. 

eWomenNetwork Tampa/St. Petersburg chapter website