Celebrate Good Times

It's My Birthday!

Source: www.teamskelley.com

That is all.

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Make it Happen Monday: Consecutiveness Times Two

The goal for the week is have at least three consecutive blog posts and get to bed before midnight at least three nights this week. Remember, that time when I set a blog posting goal. It seems so long ago! Now that I have more of an idea of what I want to write and communicate, the ideas are coming. The actually posting... well, still working on that part, lol.

In order to truly accomplish this goal writing it down will help make it happen. Last week was really busy with a lot of positive developments. Ideally, I would have posted my thoughts and shared my experiences but time escaped me. I am going to do a better job at posting, just like the good 'ol days.

Here is how this week's posts will transpire (more or less)...

Tuesday: A collection of some of my favorite tweets over the past week or so. Look out for Tuesday Tweets!

Wednesday: I follow a couple of fashion blogs and I am impressed with the time and detail these bloggers put into their style and their blog posts. I love fashion but I could never maintain a personal fashion blog. The best I can do is have a weekly post of an article of clothing or an accessory that I admire. Look out for Wednesday Wear!

Thursday: Not sure yet about Thursday.

Friday: My favorite day to post! As I've mentioned so many times before, I like lists. I'm not sure what Friday's faves list will be just yet but I promise it will be good.

I was feeling a little under the weather, both literally and figuratively. I wish I had enough energy to write this post earlier, but better late than never. Midnight is approaching! Time to sleep.

Happy Monday!

Make IT Happen Monday: Application Time

A few months ago, I a met young woman interested in entrepreneurship and startups at a pitch competition at Georgetown University. In a serendipitous way, we met via Twitter while tweeting at this event. Score for hashtags.

What is great about our encounter is that she ended up being the first women of color running her own startup that I've met. I was impressed with her idea - layway plans for plane tickets. Since we've met she has been making it happen, including winning a hackathon in Atlanta at the end of 2012. Ama is the founder of Airfordable and is charging ahead. I'm really excited for her. Yay Ama!

Thanks to Ama, I learned one of her friends got accepted to a startup program in Boston. I was on Twitter and reading different tweets and came across their conversation. I was immediately intrigued about this intensive incubator-esque opportunity in a very techie city like Boston, Massachusetts. The program is now called StartupInstitute and has an additional site in New York City.

Every few months,  StartupInstitute reviews applications from college graduates and young professionals from all over the world. Their mission is to equip candidates with skills such as business development and product design to immediately impact a startup. I love the concept of the program and I have officially decided to apply. Lol, I haven't even told my family or friends so if I happen to get selected, then I will need to conjure up an epic story to weasel my way to Beantown.

I don't have a tech background but I won't let that deter me. My passion, imagination and work ethic are major bonus points. I really want to build the ideas I see in my head. Besides, if I want to meet like-minded folks, I have to go where they are, right? I know there are numerous startups and top-notch schools to surround myself. Moreover, if I want to see more diversity, I must choose to be part of the solution.

If I get accepted, that would be an amazing way to celebrate my upcoming birthday. It doesn't hurt to try, better yet, it doesn't hurt to try to make IT happen.

Happy Monday!

Friday Faves

Happy International Women's Day. Though in my last post, I mentioned that I would highlight a few of my favorite posts I think I'll save the vanity for another day. To celebrate International Women's Day (March 8th), here are a few of my favorite online resources for young women like yours truly.

1. The Everygirl - I discovered this site after Forbes.com listed it in not one, but two of their lists for 2012. It's a casual and carefree with topics ranging from jobs/internships, fashion and wellness. My favorite part of the site are the features. It's great to read about women who have really taken their professional lives into their own hands.

2. Learnvest - This financial-savvy site is targeted to women to ensure that women take control and understand their finances. Their motto, "where life gets richer" is clever and I'm finally going to sign up this year. There is a lot of great information as well as personal stories about women how have saved, invested and eliminated debt.

3. Levo League - I am a big fan of Caroline and Amanda for developing a professional site for young women. There is a ton of career advice, including office hours from women across a variety of industries. I really like the look-and-feel of the new design for 2013. The site continues to grow which is exciting to see.

These are just a few of my favorites sites that target young women. Though I would like to see more diversity, I think these resources have helped me (and so many others) in different areas of my life. Kudos to their founders! 

I will leave you with a particularly appropriate quote from the one and only, Madeline Albright -

"There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women."

Belatedness

I thought today marked my six month blogging anniversary. Well, I was wrong, which is kind of funny because yesterday was a snow day. Some areas of the Washington metropolitan region got zilch while others got as much as a foot of snow. The mid-Atlantic is peculiar, fickle perhaps, in terms of climate.

The bright star was out shining so the white stuff melted away rather quickly. Speaking of quickly, six months sure has escaped me. The best of times, the worst of times. In honor of my six months, aka my blog's half birthday, tomorrow's faves list will be a collection of my favorite posts. That idea just came to me, so I need to spend tonight re-reading my posts. Fun times.

Oh, and for a little inspiration I will leave you with this poster that hangs in my friend's office. Look closely... at the bottom. The Swahili words translate to read "I am an entrepreneur".

 Here's to another six months! Let's hope I'm not a day late next time.

Make IT Happen Monday: Levo League Style

The first edition of Make IT Happen Mondays is coming a little late but better late than ever. Let's dive right in.

I attended a Local Levo event about two, maybe three weeks ago, on the campus of GWU. With February being such a quick, four weeks I am still adjusting to the beginnings of the month of March. At said event, there was a panel of women discussing their careers, business ventures, blogging, etc. It was very well attended and I felt really good afterwards; I even chatted with a few of the speakers, organizers and attendees for almost an hour.

As I walked back to the Metro station, I thought about the energy in the room. It was a comfortable, safe space for young women to ask questions about real-world situations. Crazy bosses. Entrepreneurship. Personal branding. Femininity in business. Networking. There were a lot of thought-provoking questions that created a healthy dialogue.

I wanted to create or perhaps re-create a similar scenario. The only place that came to mind was my alma mater, George Mason University, which has a very diverse student population. By the time I got home, I had panelists in mind, a theme, a location. The following day, I bounced the idea with a college friend. She gave me the feedback and support that I needed - thanks Amy!

Fast forward two weeks. I've been in contact with my alumni office to host a panel of female graduates to discuss life after college for female undergraduate students. There are many issues including the pay gap and family planning that are important for women to really consider prior to graduating. I am hoping that this panel is an opportunity for students to consider these issues and their circumstances in our post-recession world. I am waiting to hear back regarding some of the details and logistics for the event, which will tentatively take place in April. Fingers crossed!

And that's how I am making "IT" happen.

If you have a story to share, let me know so I can feature you in a future Make it Happen Monday post. 

--


Oh and Happy Women's History Month. Fun Important fact to share - On this day in 1917, Jeannette Rankin of Montana became the first female member of the U.S. House of Representatives. #progress. HuffPostWomen will be tweeting facts in honor of Women's History Month, so check them out for more information.

Refreshed

First and foremost, kudos to The Onion for apologizing.

Secondly, I am excited about getting back to writing. It is long overdue. The new blog design is not happening - at least not yet. I am not actively searching for another designer. In fact, I am taking steps to learn how to code. I got some inspiration and motivation from sites like Skillcrush and groups like Rails Girls (via meetup.com). For now, getting back to a regular, blogging schedule will have to do.

At the moment, I have bookend ideas for the week. Way back when, I started sharing lists of my favorite things that I find online. To help me keep track of everything and to offer great websites and information for everyone, "Friday Favorites" will be a regular feature. I already have a list for this week. Stay tuned!

I love a good theme; so, for Mondays I thought how best to begin the week on a positive and productive note. Therefore, Mondays will be "Make it Happen/Made it Happen Monday". This particular idea actually grew out of conversation from a Local Levo (#LocalLevo) in DC. A young woman in my small group needed some advice about asking for a raise. I was happy to help because I have been in that situtation. It can certainly feel like a gray area but with confidence, evidence and professionalism anyone, especially women, can ask for what they deserve. Thanks Alex for wanting to get assistance in taking an important step in your career.

The last three weeks have truly taught me to value yourself and listen to your intution. There is no point in putting yourself in a space that is not supportive, creative and dynamic. I expect and will work towards creating that space with this blog.

With that said, this blog will continue to be under construction but in a good way :)

--



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Rotten Onion

I cannot believe I am writing this post but blame The Onion. It's 1:00 in the morning (East coast time) and I should be sleeping.

Yes, I did stay up to watch the Oscars, just like so many others. And yes, I followed along on Twitter with the hashtags #oscars and #oscars2013.

As soon as Ben and company won for Argo (spoiler!), I shut down my laptop and headed for bed. After brushing my teeth, I decided to take turn my laptop back on one more time. I was curious to see if there was any more action on Twitter.

Lo and behold! I saw a ludicrous tweet about Quvenzhane Wallis, the nine year old girl who was nominated for an Oscar. She didn't win but apparently The Onion (@theonion) called her the "c-word".

YES, THAT C-WORD!!!

I wish I was telling a fib but am not, sadly. I don't want to repeat the actual quote because it was "vile" as one person mentioned on Twitter.

And now, everything and everyone is hitting the fan! A campaign to #unfollowtheonion has begun.

It took The Onion almost an hour to delete the ill-advised tweet. Seriously, almost sixty minutes and countless retweets later, someone removed the post. Fail.

Leave little, beautiful children alone. More importantly, why does The Onion feel the need to use the c-word when referring to a nine-year old girl??? Why?

This is only the beginning. It's going to be a long week for The Onion.

Do everyone a favor - apologize.

Now Writing

Hello world,

I meant to post at least once or twice last week but clearly neither post made it. It's a new week though and I have a little unveiling to do - finally. I will be hard at work tomorrow and Wednesday. If I cross my list and check it twice, I will reveal my new look on Valentine's Day.

Oh, how sweet that will be... if everything goes according to plan. Let the countdown begin. Hugs.

A Little More Conversation

Why hello there. Happy 2013!

I last published a blog post almost five weeks ago, which in the blogging world is probably equivalent to five months. Pheww. It has been awhile indeed. The quick and dirty is that I had a death in my extended family that made it awfully difficult to be creative, to write, to do the things I really wanted to do. The hiatus was necessary even though the timing was inopportune. Such is life.

About that new blog design. It is still in the works. The process is taking a little longer than I thought but I have seen a few mock-ups and I like what I see thus far. I figured I would post an update to anyone who cares and is anxiously waiting. ;-)

I will leave you with what else, another list. In no particular order, here are my top five events/successes since December. Cheers!

Top 5 Things That Made Me Happy Since Dec. 17th

1. I joined Pinterest - and I love it! Check out my boards.

2. I scored an amazing internship at an education startup in D.C.

3. I went to President Obama's public swearing-in on the mall on Martin Luther King Jr.'s holiday. I braved cold temperatures but it was worth it. I will probably post pictures and videos on Facebook.

4. My sister helped me buy some amazing heels over the holiday season. They are cute and affordable, always a win win. Pictures to follow when I wear them!

5. I've decided to organize my blog a bit more by creating an editorial calendar. I am going to let my ideas run wild and then figure out how to incorporate them into a simple, manageable schedule.

Hiatus

Hey you! Long time, no post. Sad face but only for the time being. My blog is in limbo for a couple of different reasons but the biggest one of them all is that I am moving to a different platform. Farewell Blogger. It's been fun but I have moved most of my content to Wordpress. A new layout design with all the fixins awaits 2013. Don't worry though, I'll be back and better than ever. :)

Till then, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

Roadblock?

I am a sitting on a semi-sofa chair at my local library. I must say that I feel at peace. Growing up, the library was like a second home for me. I am bookworm by trade and nothing screams WiFi, knowledge and the Dewey decimal system like a good ol' fashion library.

Working from home has its perks but sometimes a little change in scenery is a good thing. I find myself in a completely different zone when I'm in a library. Lately, it's been hard to write. I still have ideas but the words are not coming to me whatsoever. I've had a slight change in mood, mostly because last week started so well and then came crashing down. Sometimes, life happens in unexpected, grave ways. Deep breaths!


I like the one-day-at-a-time approach. So, though I was looking forward to going to Boston, I decided to take things slow and see how the next few days progress. I especially want to get back to writing and blogging. I did attend a small handful of events in the past few days. I do not see the point of being totally isolated. Besides, I've met some cool people and visited a new coworking space that I've had on my list for a little while.

All in all, roadblocks are bound to happen but sometimes a detour could be a good thing. Right?

So much for spectacular 50th blog post.

Peachy Interview

Oh boy! That feeling I mentioned... well, I was right and wrong but I will save that for another post. I need to get my thoughts together. And I really need to work on a few stories before I get behind.

In the meantime, check out my interview with fellow blogger, Annie of Peach Prenni - http://www.peachprenni.com/2012/11/meet-ijeoma.html 

Not sure why I did not post the link earlier but never late then ever, right? 

P.S. I am one post away from #50!

For Mariana

I am so proud of my college friend, Mariana. She is currently a Peace Corps volunteer in Madagascar but has been home for the past few weeks to visit family and friends. Though we met as college students and resident advisors, we did not hang out very much. However, when she told me she was applying to the Peace Corps program two years ago, I was very supportive. As much as I would have liked to travel to a foreign land for a two-year commitment, I did not have a passport until this year! After graduation, I served with the "domestic Peace Corps" aka AmeriCorps, for ten months.

Mariana was kind enough to set aside time for us to catch up. Though she is many moons away, we have stayed in contact via Gmail and Facebook. I also send her care packages too. She has yet to receive the last care package I sent, which I might add was jam packed with Halloween candy. I hope it is waiting for her upon her arrival.

We met on Monday in D.C. and the weather was surprisingly warm as we walked near Farragut Square. We settled on a Starbucks not far from the Farragut West metro station. Our conversation was choke-full of inspiration, admiration and positivity. I am really happy to hear that Mariana does not feel alone while serving in a country so far from her family. It appears as though she has a great network of support. I got to learn more about her passion for journalism, international development and her experience as a Peace Corps volunteer. It seems as though she understands that having the right attitude and being persistent are the best qualities to have when tackling very difficult issues like nutrition for pregnant mothers. I am truly impressed and blessed to know her.

This post is dedicated to my friend, Mariana. Safe travels back to Madagascar!

That Feeling

I scour thee (that's not a typo) Internet likes it's my job. If it were my job, I would be commanding a hefty price. For the most part, it's to be expected. I've always loved reading. The Internet is simply a faster medium to devour more information. Between blogs, online publications and Tweets, I am a sucker for a good read. I need to make another faves list pronto of what I am reading, so everyone can join in.

I think this week is going to be weird. I am not sure why, just yet, but I suppose I have a feeling. Not a Will.i.am-Black-Eyed-Peas-type-of-feeling. Just a feeling.

I will say that I am looking forward to seeing a friend who is in town visiting from Madagascar. She is serving a two-year Peace Corps term but has been home on break. I love seeing old friends. After we meet, I am heading out of town for a quick overnight trip. My sister-in-law has a Mac that I want to play with for a little bit. A little change in scenery is nice. I am hoping the scenic ride will bring out about some inspiration.

Speaking of inspiration, now that I have a few opportunities to write I have a bunch of stories to pitch. I think they are really good. So good in fact that they make me nervous. Lol! Sometimes, I take an idea and literally run with it. If everything works out, by the end of the week I might have approval of some awesome stories.

Till then...

Between You & Me

In spirit of Thanksgiving, I have to express my gratitude and share a confession.


First and foremost, I am very surprised that people are reading my blog. Somewhere on this thing called "the web" people are reading my blog. And for that I am grateful. About three months ago, I set out to start a blog but I officially launched my blog about ten weeks ago, give or take. In that time, I have had a few thousand views. I seriously do not have time to read and then re-read my blog. So, for each person who has ever skimmed, browsed or intently digested my blog, I say, THANK YOU!

Secondly, I have to confess that I am still not sure how this blog will progress. One of my closest friends suggested that I, "trust the process". I am learning to do just that and then some. Thanks for being a part of my journey.

I will soon be transferring my blog to another platform and will have a new design. I am excited about what's ahead for Color Her Lucky.

Thanks for your support!

They Meant Business

Last Thursday evening was awesome! I was very fortunate to be a volunteer at the Washington Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business event. The reception and ceremony were held at the ultra luxe Four Seasons Hotel in Georgetown. I first learned about this event when I attended an MBA Seminar sponsored by WBJ this past spring. I pretty much decided that I HAD to be at this event. After many weeks and email exchanges, I got the a-ok from their events manager, Whitney. My role was to work the registration table and be on hand to help out in other capacities. Between school, work and volunteering I have a lot of experience when it comes to events - logistics, management, vendor relations, set-up, clean-up, etc etc. Let's just say Whitney was impressed with my help, which is good because I had a great time and made a few contacts.

The event was a celebration of really amazing women who are leaders in their respective fields and occupation within the Washington D.C. metropolitan. Over 150 nominations were received. From the legal world to public relations to finance, each woman is well regarded and managing a healthy, robust company, department or firm. Part of the ceremony included short video segments of each honoree discussing the trajectory of their careers, tidbits about their childhoods including adorable photos, as well as words of wisdom for other women (ahem, like me).

It was really great to see the honorees with their yellow ribbons affixed to their name badges along with a yellow flower pinned to their dress or blouse. They all seemed so elated, a few even appeared surprised by all of the attention. Many brought their family members and each of them had a several coworkers who cheered for them as their video appeared on the jumbo screens. Actually, it was as if the event was a corporate pep rally! A big hootin-and-hollerin-photo-takin'-business-card-swappin' extravaganza. I loved every minute of it.

I was too lazy to take my jacket off, lol.
I wore a black and white dress w/ a geometric pattern and red pumps.

Love my vintage jacket and H&M scarf. It was freezing!

There are a few who I want to follow up with because their stories really resonated with me. Hmm.. I smell a couple of profiles for my blog. Congratulations to the 2012 Women Who Mean Business honorees!!!  

Joan Bialek

Lynne Breaux

Lisa Brown

Cathy Delcoco

Kimberley Fritts

Deborah Gandy

Barbara Harman

Bahija Jallal

Beth Johnson

Grace Keenan

Jatrice Martel Gaiter

Barbara Martin

Lisa Martin

Diana Mayhew

Kymm McCabe

Susan Peterson

DeRionne Pollard

Robin Portman

Deborah Ratner Salzberg

Karen Riordan

Julie Rosenthal

Jayne Sandman

Lidia Soto-Harmon

Grace Speights

Carolyn Walker 

 P.S. Shout out to Julie, another volunteer, who was another amazing woman I met! 

Pitch Week

Surprise! I cannot believe I am writing a post before sunset. I have yet to hit that sweet spot of uploading my posts the same time every day. Eventually it will happen. No rush.

Hmm.. what's new. Actually, I got a quick glimpse of the office of Affinity Lab, an accelerator for businesses and entrepreneurs based in the U street area of D.C. I was on my way to an event for mentors with the DC College Success Foundation last night and stumbled upon their office a few blocks from the U Street metro. I know they offer different types of membership but I wonder if they have day/visitor passes. I would love to visit and see what their coworking space is like along with the various nonprofits and businesses. 

I also went to Capital Cause's second annual Changemakers event, which honors young philanthropists for their commitment to service. I was an honoree last year. I continue to support the organization philanthropically and with my time by working with the events committee. Our event space, Capitale, was really nice. I didn't take any pictures unfortunately. I am really looking forward to buying either a Nikon or Canon. I am almost certain that I will take more and share more photos (Tumblr anyone?).

This week I've been working on pitching, aka selling myself. I got inspired after reading a post from Susannah Breslin, a Forbes contributor. I read her blog, Pink Slipped, regularly because she has a very direct voice and offers good insight as a freelancer. I've been trying to get leads with online magazines as a contributor. One in particular, Ms. Career Girl, has some potential and I am exploring my options with that website.

Using social media has been helpful in finding opportunities. Twitter has been especially helpful but I've made some connections through LinkedIn as well. The LinkedIn Premium package is great. Being active on social media allows others to learn more about me. Big plus!

Speaking of learn more about me, I referenced someone I met at BlogHer several weeks ago. Annie, of Peach Prenni, has been so kind to not only read my blog but provide comments to my posts. Thanks Annie!

Co-working

I like co-working. I like it a lot. Thanks to Foster.ly for hosting today's "Women Focused Study Hall". I wish K-12 education and college was more like a co-working lab. Ideas exchange. Networking. Problems. Solutions. Free WiFi! When women get together, there is truly a sense of camaraderie and a real desire to offer support.

Foster.ly gear. Be jealous.

Traveling to the uber nice neighborhood of Chevy Chase was a bit of trek but as always, the time I spent mingling and brainstorming with other budding and established entrepreneurs was inspiring. Who knew coworking could be so much fun?! I have some follow up to do, obviously. I will need to take some time to think of my next move. After selling a few accessories and pieces of clothes at the Buffalo Exchange in Georgetown, I realize that I need less. The more options I have, the more distractions to be had.

It's about that time. If I pitch to the right contacts, the right companies, then I could catch a lucky break. I have a mini challenge for the week and that is to pitch. Nothing more, nothing less. Pitch to marketing and PR firms/agencies every day this week. Pitch to websites and magazines that match my interests. Rejection is expected but it certainly does not hurt to try. Yoda was right - "Do or do not. There is no try".

Happy pitching!

P.S. A special thank you to all of our veterans, past, present and future.

Voted

My single, most important goal today was to vote. I did just that and from start to finish, it was about a forty minute process. I went to the polls in the afternoon time to avoid the lines. Now the rest of the country and the world awaits the final results.

Civic duty, done and done.

Enough about this very long and expensive election, here are my goals for November.

• Further elaborate on the purpose of blog and/or personal website, which includes the "About" section and transferring content to Wordpress. I'm upgrading!
• Buy a "real" aka professional camera with a price range of $150-$250. Word on the street is that you cannot go wrong with a Nikon or Canon. I am banking on a few, good holiday deals this season. 
• Create and maintain monthly budget for work related expenses. I need to work on my non-existent accounting skills. 
• Explore another social media account, either Tumblr (hence the camera purchase) or Pinterest. 
• Utilize LinkedIn Premium account and enhance summary and experience, with specialties and computer software applications, etc.  

I have four as of right now, even though I thought I would have three. I probably will add one or two more. Once December rolls around, my motivation may well be weather dependent. It's a rather biting cold temperature today and it does not help that my niece and nephew got my sick. I saw it coming. I didn't even venture out last night but the rest of my week looks busy. I might as well rest up and stay healthy. 

Let's review the progress I made on my October goals:

• Purchased my own domain name to make enhance my credibility and casually tell people to "visit my website".   Completed but I haven't told anyone. 1 point. 
• Updated my LinkedIn profile with action verbs, a jazzy introduction and new recommendations. Semi-completed. Half point. I received a recommendation and several endorsements. I still have yet to settle on a fabulous introduction. See November goals.
• Finished at least one business school application. Half point. I actually decided to remove a school from my list because I realize it does entirely fit me. Basically, I found better schools which helps me generate a more targeted list. 
• Completed 40 blog posts (long term goal is celebrate #100 by year's end!) Completed. 1 point. I am going to stress quality over quantity. 100 entries is definitely not happening. 
• Joined a professional organization. Hmm.. I went back and forth on this one. I think I need more time to determine which organization is best but I have considered joining a Meetup group. I won't count this one, for now. 

And there you have it. Three points out of four is not too bad, especially since I was traveling for most of October. Here's to more goals and more opportunities!