As Hofstra University students walked through the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center during common hour on Monday, March 23, they were greeted with tables promoting a variety of businesses during the Women’s Business Expo.
The expo, which centered around identity and purpose, allowed for aspiring businesswomen to market themselves and their brands. Eye catching signs and banners that featured great designs were placed around the tables in the student center.
There were a variety of career paths featured at the table including hairstylists, bakers and women’s health advocates, displaying the diversity of businesses that women have built on and off Hofstra’s campus.
Being hosted in the student center atrium, the location allowed for visibility from students, staff and other members of the Hofstra community.
Those curious about what these businesses had to offer could stop at any table to discuss the services or products each one provided.
Each business represented a deeply personal aspect of the entrepreneur’s life and craft. Aydan Smith, a senior international business major, runs her business, OurBloom, a women’s health company run by women of color.
Smith explained how events like the expo help to achieve her business’ goals.
“Getting to interact with the people … helps us do our mission of educating the public and providing more information regarding common menstrual diseases and disorders,” Smith said.
In addition to promoting her own brand, Smith applauded Hofstra for sponsoring events similar to the Women’s Business Expo throughout the academic year.
“Hofstra does a great job of platforming marginalized communities and their projects,” Smith said.
Most of the businesses operate on or around Hofstra’s campus, providing a very local atmosphere for the expo. While most entrepreneurs are students, it shows that creating a business is achievable for anyone determined to do so.
The expo provided a platform for like-minded individuals to consult with and support one another. Each table promoted themselves and also encouraged those who stopped at their table to go to someone else’s business down the line.
Amy Grover, a junior business analytics major, is a part of SheEOs, the women in business focused club at Hofstra. The organization has a strong network of future business leaders and brings them together on campus.
Grover spoke about the benefits of participating in an organization and how rewarding it is to see others succeed.
“Being able to see people grow their work experience because of our help is really amazing,” Grover said.
Sponsored by both Zarb Women in Business and Intercultural Engagement & Inclusion (IEI), the expo incorporated a combination of promotional opportunities and highlighted the important work being done by women.
Hugo Morales, the associate director of IEI, spoke about the importance of providing a space for aspiring businesswomen.
“The expo enforced the idea that [entrepreneur’s] contributions matter and should be celebrated because they are carving their own path by simply having an idea and believing in it,” Morales said.
Morales continued by speaking about the event’s timing during Women’s History Month and the weight that it carries.
Entrepreneurs hoping to participate in the expo filled out a submission form, which was available on social media. This gave entrepreneurs the opportunity to talk about their businesses and for IEI to highlight their products and services authentically.
Participating in an expo provided an abundance of opportunities for not just those featured, but also those who are consumers. Although this event is for one day, it will continue to stay in the minds of those who stopped to support.
The IEI’s website and their Instagram profile advertise more events centered around inclusion and promotion of groups throughout the semester.
