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Karen Kistler

karen.kistler@salisburypost.com

CHINA GROVE — Trailblazers in Action was the theme for the fourth annual SHE-EO conference highlighting women in business. 

This empowering women’s networking event, organized by Monifa Angle, a brand strategist and web designer, was held Oct. 4 at 320 North Main in China Grove.

Angle said that it was a sold out event with 80 people in attendance.

Desiree Wright served as the emcee for the evening during which time attendees heard from multiple speakers and had the opportunity to visit and speak with vendors and enjoy refreshments.

There were 15 vendors set up throughout the room showcasing their various businesses ranging from authors, boutiques, treat makers, sea moss, healthy pressed juice, custom creations, life insurance and skincare. 

Television personality/celebrity Kellie S. Williams, known for her role as Laura Winslow on “Family Matters,” which ran from 1989-1998, was at the event and participated in a panel discussion with Angle said she asked her about her life beyond that timeframe now that she is married and has children.

Angle said that Williams mentioned how the “community put money together to make sure she made it to the big screen to pursue her career,” and how “God is pretty much paving the way with every opportunity” noting that she continues to do movies from time to time.

Serving as guest speakers for the event included:

  • Financial guru Tomeka Purcell, who assists with a variety of financial matters such as business credit, business funding and personal credit.
  • Minister Christina Febles, who has a ministry called the Prayer Box, said Angle, and she “came and left a prophetic release for the last quarter of the year. She has a ministry called the Prayer Box and is creative;” 
  • Jeema Bey-Mickel is an educator helping bridge the gaps for children, helping them see improvement in their education in a rapid amount of time, shared Angle. As noted online, Bey-Mickel serves as the program manager for the Rowan County Crosby Scholars Community Partnership and is an ELA/Reading Educator.
  • Joshua Proby, founder of Peace4Poverty nonprofit organization. Angle noted that Proby is the first male to speak at one of the SHE-EO events, and he “came and poured into the ladies.”

In an email, it said that Peace4Poverty is an organization that educates and uplifts adults, young adults, and youth in underserved communities. This is achieved by career training in various business fields that lead to successful entrepreneurship.

​The organization focuses on the inner poverty that exists with those who are in underserved communities, so that each individual has the peace within to apply all tools needed to help change their internal and external reality of poverty.

Each of the speakers, said Angle, “mentioned how God was at the center of what they do and how they have overcome with God’s help and to stand on business and keep blazing trails.”

The special event was captured through photos by Mickel Photography and video by NH Music and Photography.

When asked how the SHE-EO event originally came to be, Angle said she was in a very low place battling anxiety and depression, and “God told me I was placed here to be an encourager to others and help them elevate and help them walk boldly in their purpose so they will never fall in the dark places I did, so I’ll always be there to help bring my sisters up and elevate.” 

She continues to be very passionate about bringing awareness to the town and supporting the women as they thrive in their businesses and highlighting them. 

“The event was amazing,” said Angle, “and filled with so many entrepreneurs wanting to elevate.”