Official BOND Career Fair RSVP

Be one of the first 75 women to officially RSVP for the annual BOND Women's Career Expo to reserve your seat and your swag bag filled with exclusive goodies and surprises from our select sponsors.

Note: Pre-registration is now closed. However walk-ins are welcomed

 Career Expo Schedule


 

Spotlight Feature- Nicole Turner: "My Aha Moment"

It’s a pleasure that we introduce to you BOND’s May’s Spotlight Feature, Ms. Nicole Turner of Maryland. Nicole Turner is an author, motivational speaker, life strategist, and corporate consultant who has a passion for helping others. Nicole delivers powerful and proven ideas in an enlightening and inspiring manner. Nicole inspires others to move.  She motivates others to step outside of their comfort zone and recognize that their environment does not dictate their future or determine their opportunities. Nicole encourages other to see beyond their current circumstances, to leave familiarity behind, and make a move. 

Nicole’s personal journey began years ago when she moved from Mississippi to the Washington, DC metro area with a $180 to her name, no job, no family, no friends, and no place to live (practically homeless). She didn’t have a plan, but she was determined and resilient. 

Nicole has worked in Education, Corporate America, and the Federal Government.  Although she had great jobs in those fields, she still felt unfulfilled, and determined to identify her life purpose and passion. With each job, she found herself spending a great deal of time inspiring, encouraging, and motivating others, and one day she had her Aha! Moment.  Motivating, inspiring, and encouraging others is her passion, her calling.

Nicole’s first book, Detox Your Life: Building a Healthy Relationship with Yourself and Others uses real-life examples to help readers identify those mental and emotional toxins that are preventing them from reaching their full potential and walking into their destiny.  Not only does Nicole encourage others to identify those mental and emotional toxins that are preventing them from reaching their full potential in life and walking into their destiny, but she also inspires them to do something about it. Nicole is a sought after motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, and life coach. She leaves audiences inspired, educated and seeking more.

My greatest accomplishment to date has been:

My greatest accomplishment to date was finally realizing my calling in life.   

My philosophy has always been, if you truly want to blessed, be a blessing to others.   

Although, I carried that philosophy within me every day for many years, it still took me quite some time to FINALLY get that my calling is to inspire, encourage, and motivate others to live the life they were destined to live. 

The most challenging thing I ever experienced has been:

The most challenging thing I have experienced is understanding how all the pieces to the puzzle fit together. When I moved to DC area in my early 20s without a job, a place to live, family, or friends, I worked as a temp in various organizations. One day someone suggested I apply to be a school teacher. I had no desire (at that time) to be a teacher, but it was a permanent job.  Had I not become a teacher, the careers I had following that would have never happened.  Yes, it was very challenging to move to a place full of unknowns, experience a lot of lows and setbacks, a lot of closed doors, a lot of doors that never opened, but it is a blessing to be able to reflect back on my life journey, up to this point, and see how the “building blocks” led me to where I am today. 

My most valuable lesson: 

My most valuable lesson is that God has equipped me with everything I need to succeed, I just need to believe.

Final Remarks: 

In order to receive it, you must believe it, even before you can see it. There is a direct correlation between our faith and positive thinking.

 

 

More Recent Spotlight Features

"All In His Plans"

"It Takes Two to Make a Thing Go Right" 
"Forgiving My Father to Move On"

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BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women who are doing extra-ordinary things. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send your requests for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.

Spotlight Feature- Stephanie Fleary " A Healer of Hearts"

Stephanie Fleary of New York, is an empowerment facilitator, author, and event

producer. She is a force to be reckoned with in the personal development industry. As an educator for almost 10 years, she counsels broken mothers, helpless children, and dwindling families; aiding in their repair and need for growth. Stephanie is the founder of Empowered Stilettos, LLC, which is a personal development company that produces events that help women find balance, and release their inner gifts and talents in order to be successful and more productive. She is the author of Dear Black Man-Letters From Your Strong Black Woman, the children’s book Chocolatey Brown, co-author of Moments in HerStory-From Pain to Purpose and The Art of Activation. Stephanie is the newest VP of the Metro Region for The Institute 4 Increased Performance Inc. In addition, she is one of four cast members of the new hit web series Brango a show where women can chit chat about topics that affect our generation of women. Her life's goal is to heal the hearts of many so they too can heal the hearts of many more.

As an educator for many years, I had a turning point when I would come across mother’s who were at their wits end, unable to help their children because they themselves were broken. At that point there was nothing I could do and when my own life began to veer away from the fantasy world I created in my mind, I knew that it was time to start finding my purpose, to start figuring out how I could mend families, educate, write and provide for my son. I had to figure out a way to capitalize on my gifts, talents and hobbies.

As an empowerment facilitator I’ve been able to live my passion and follow my dreams on my terms. Because I opened myself up to possibility, the law of attraction granted me the opportunity to meet my mentor as well as connect with achievers willing to teach me and help me succeed. With their support I self published “Dear Black Man” which is a compilation of letters written by strong black women to the black men in their lives whom have impacted her both positively and negatively. I use this book and my education background to conduct affordable workshops and seminars in the NYC area for women to learn action steps to improve their lives. I’ve received so many unexpected testimonies of how my book and workshops have helped, mend marriages, end abusive relationships, and educate both men and women on strengthening their relationships that were once lost.

I use my website and blog to provide additional help in personal development for women. There, my readers can connect with my newest blog articles, find out my next event whether a mastermind picnic with renowned motivational speakers, celebrity fashion shows and network events or workshops and book signings. Many people offer you generic posts and information but I truly believe that because I am so passionate about helping others, Empowered Stilettos is able to offer authenticity. A genuine connection where my clients and viewers feel like they can give me a call or reach out and connect one on one with me which most often they can. If you are looking to change your life and connect with individuals who can help you because they have been through similar experiences, we are the ones to serve you. We offer something for everyone and take pride in sticking by you until you see results. Why not learn and grow by connecting with people who care? My workshops and seminars are affordable, informative and fun. This could definitely be the turning point you’ve been looking for. 

My greatest accomplishment to date has been:

My greatest accomplishment has been birthing my son. Because of him I was given the drive and motivation to wake up every day and pursue my purpose. Success has become a burning desire. I am also very proud of publishing Dear Black Man because that has opened doors for speaking engagements, connecting with women I can help as well as giving me the opportunity to build a legacy to leave for my son. 

The most challenging thing I have ever experienced is:

The most challenging thing I have experienced is raising my son as a single mother and finding the financial and physical balance to accomplish my goals without giving up. Many women reach a cross road and don’t believe they can have it all. Well, I believe we all can have a successful marriage, thriving home and a successful business. My mission is to teach these women how to have it all without falling apart. It is extremely difficult but absolutely possible. 

Most valuable lesson(s):

My most valuable lesson is that everyone won’t love you or even like you but you must love them anyway. Holding on to anger and resentment only hinders your own growth. I am a “tree-hugger” I want everyone to just get along and love each other but my journey has taught me that, which will not be a reality. I’ve experienced being hurt and disappointed and know firsthand that the worst thing is not being able to control the actions of others especially when they will ultimately affect you. But I’ve learned that if I love others no matter what they do to me and no matter how difficult it will be (not saying to be a stepping stool), I will sleep better at night. I will feel good about myself and my choices and thereby open myself up to receive more blessings. We have to experience the bad in order to appreciate the good so if you stay focused on giving love you will receive it by default. 

Final Remarks:

I would like readers to know that everything you need to achieve greatness is already inside you. All you need to do is believe that you are more than enough and you deserve to have it all. “Believing is Seeing.” Stay connected for upcoming workshops and book signings as well as our upcoming Chocolatey Brown movement, teaching young girls and women their brown is beautiful no matter the shade if they truly believe it to be so.

For more information on Stephanie Fleary of Empowered Stilettos, LLC   visit
www.empoweredstilettos.com or email her at   Sfleary@empowerstilettos.com
 

Recent Spotlight Features

“I Saw the Enemy and the Enemy Was Me

"A Life Change for the Better"- Tanya Baylor

"From Pain to Purpose"- Lakita Stewart-Thompson

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BOND Inc Spotlight features ordinary African American women who are doing extra-ordinary things. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, send your requests for more information to iambondinc@gmail.com.

Black Women and Business Ownership-A Dream Deferred: Rachel Dolcine Interview

I tell you our Gathering topics get better and better by the year. As you know our mission is to uplift, motivate and empower women of color to reach their highest potential. What better way to empower women than by providing her with the resources to start her own business. Sometimes all we need is just a leg up. We are excited to share with you the interview with Rachel Dolcine of Compass Consulting and Training Solutions.  I think her company’s name says it all. She has a wealth of knowledge that’s insane and to top it all off she’s so very passionate about helping others start and run successful business. If you haven't RSVP'd to attend BOND's Friday,  March 21st Gathering "Minding Your Own Business" you still have time.

BOND Girl: Thank you Rachel for joining us. Please tell us a little bit about you and why you are so passionate about this topic?

Photographer- Jazzy Studios of Baltimore

Rachel Dolcine: I started my business Compass Training Solutions in 2010. After a year or two of doing small consultation contracts, I realized that there was a need for affordable and comprehensive consulting services, especially for nonprofits and start up businesses. 

When I started my business, I searched around for help. The price quotes I got were discouraging. Don't get me wrong, there should certainly be a cost for providing services to anyone. However, startup businesses and nonprofits don't always have the initial capital to invest hundreds of dollars in getting help. Does this make them less deserving of the best?

Last year, I was listening to an interview given by a Google employee. He said that (paraphrase) "if your intent is to make money, you may or may not succeed. If your intent is to make a difference in the world, the money will find you". This sums up my business model. With a foundation of service and enacting change, I don't spend most of my time planning how I will make my next dollar.  I spend my time developing services that will make a difference in the businesses of my clients.

My passion for small business and nonprofit development stems from my belief that I am called to serve. This does not imply that I work for free or don't make sound financial decisions. What my calling means for my business is that I take my focus off how I can make the most money and focus on how I can make the greatest difference.

I am also passionate about women. A majority of my extensive volunteer history has been spent working with organizations that provided services and resources to women. So I decided to add on consulting to my business product list and name.

BOND Girl: At a time and day as we're living in now, how significant is it for women of color to start and run their own businesses or organizations?   Are there any drawbacks?

Rachel Dolcine: It is so important for women of color to start her own business. We are the biggest consumers across various industries yet own a minuscule percentage of the income earned from our own dollars.  Business ownership is not a new concept for our women. From past generations until now, many cultures include women in the marketplace selling items raised or created by their own hands.  History is full of accomplished women of color business owners.

Photographer- Jazzy Studios
of Baltimore

According to a 2008 report by the Center for Women's Business Research titled, Businesses Owned by Women of Color Growing Faster Than All U.S. Firms,  "[businesses] owned by women of color provide 1.7 million jobs and generate $235 billion in revenue in 2008" (www.womensbusinessresearch.org).  Center for American Progress further concludes that "businesses owned by women of color play a critical role in the current market place through job creation and added innovation in a way that they never have before.  Today women of color own more and earn more than any other time in history and the projections show that this will continue to grow" (americanprogress.org).

The setbacks are the usual suspects- inequality in the marketplace, sexism and racism.  According to American Progress, “[yet] while women, particularly women of color, have proven themselves to be successful businesswomen, barriers to their economic empowerment continue to exist. Although women of color started companies at three times the rate of other women, their revenue was less than 25% of white men." Additionally, women of color face other challenges such as single parenthood, many of us living below the poverty line and head of household stresses.  These are challenges that prove most discouraging and daunting for a woman who dreams if owning her own business.

BOND Girl: Who do you think should attend and who could really benefit from this type of Gathering?

Rachel Dolcine: Any woman who wants to or is ready to start her own business or nonprofit but is fearful, nervous, unsure, excited or determined. Any woman who may own a business but need a boost of confidence,  a support system or networking opportunity.

BOND Girl: We often hear that black owned businesses are suffering? What do you think maybe the cause and what advice would you give to improve it?

Rachel Dolcine: Based on the statistics noted above, I wouldn't say the black owned businesses are suffering as an overall statement. There are certain minority owned, not just black, businesses that are suffering because of unstable strategic planning, lack of commitment,  lack of ethics, poor customer service, weak product,  poor financial planning...just to name a few.  An improvement plan for these businesses must include a comprehensive strategic look at their business by an experienced consultant. A consultant can assist with developing a business improvement plan, which in reality may be plans to close shop.

BOND Girl: What do you think are the main reasons women haven't taken that big leap of faith?

Rachel Dolcine: One reason-FEAR. Fear maims, cripples and kills dreams and potential.

BOND Girl: Rachel, if you could set the stage for the "Minding Your Own Business". 

What should our guest expect for that evening? What kind of topics do you expect that our guests will hear March 21st?

Rachel Dolcine: The evening will be spent exploring fears women have about starting a business, pitfalls to avoid, stories and lots and lots of answering of questions! I'm attending to have a conversation with my sisters and be a resource.

BOND Girl: Are there any other thought's you'd like to share with our readers?

Rachel Dolcine: Your next step may be a leap of faith.  Are you ready to take it? I will meet you on the other side. You will survive the leap.

 

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To read Rachel Dolcine’s full bio, CLICK HERE. Come see Rachel in action March 21st 2014. For more information and to RSVP for the March Gathering, “Minding Your Own Business” CLICK HERE. Please grab your seat now as the price will increase at the door.

Mama Knows Best- The Lost Art of Wise Counsel- Open Panel Discussion & Speed Mentoring Event

Want to be added to the exclusive guest list for this upcoming Open Forum Discussion and  

Speed Mentoring Gathering

                                      

 Free of Charge with Standing Room Only

Strictly on a 1st come, 1st served basis

" Mama Knows Best- The Lost Art of Wise Counsel"

 

Click Here to RSVP in Advance
 

 

 

Click Here to RSVP in Advance

 

March 2014 Gathering Guest Speaker- Rachel Barrett-Dolcine, MPA

Rachel Barrett-Dolcine, MPA

Chief Executive Office, Compass Consulting and Training Solutions, LLC

www.compasscts.com

 

Rachel J. Barrett-Dolcine launched Compass Consulting and Training Solutions in 2010 and has continued to implement innovative strategies to grow the company’s training classes, consulting services and other offerings.  Compass Consulting and Training Solutions, LLC is a community based business that prides itself on being an asset to the communities throughout Central Maryland.  Through its Community Giving Back Program, Compass facilitates free training classes and workshops for nonprofit and community organizations that are on a limited budget.

Rachel has been a Trainer and Professional Development Facilitator for over 10 years.  Rachel is an Adjunct Faculty staff member at two local community colleges; a GED Instructor; a Certified Health & Safety Institute (HSI) CPR and First Aid Instructor; a Certified Health & Safety Institute Instructor for CPR and First Aid Trainer Certification Course; and an approved Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Childcare (OCC) Core of Knowledge Trainer. 

 

Rachel previously served as the Outreach, Partnership and Training Director at Baltimore Reads, Inc., a local nonprofit that provides adult literacy and training services.  In her role at Baltimore Reads, Rachel developed and oversaw the company’s Training and Consulting Services, the second social enterprise venture to be undertaken in Baltimore Reads’ 25 year history.  BRI’s Training and Consulting Services offered services to nonprofits and government agencies and included: designing custom training curriculum, facilitating trainings and workshops, working with organizations and businesses to create a professional development plan for employees.

Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Deviant Behavior and Social Control from John Jay College of Criminal Justice; a Master of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore; is a graduate of the Associated Black Charities (ABC) Board Pipeline Leadership Program; and is currently enrolled in the prestigious Maryland Certified Public Manager Program- Nonprofit Track at the University of Baltimore.

Rachel is an avid volunteer and currently serves as the Founder of the Joseph and Vera Douglas Family Foundation; on the Board of Directors for Bringing On New Direction (BOND), Inc.; is the current President of the Imagine Discovery Public Charter School PTA Executive Board; and is the Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee at Jericho House of Praise.

Rachel lives in Randallstown, Maryland with her husband and son.

 

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To see Ms. Dolcine  in action, join us for BOND's upcoming Gathering- Minding Your Own Business, Friday, March 21st 2014 in Baltimore, MD. Click here  for more details and to RSVP.

 

 

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