Entrepreneurs, leaders offer mentoring, advice to Raleigh high school girls

Dozens of high school girls filled the Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School media center Wednesday to hear from successful entrepreneurs and leaders in STEM.

The second annual Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum offered an opportunity for the students to connect with a possible mentor and learn about financial literacy and leadership.

Two students, Erica Allen and Kamryn Lawson, also walked away with a scholarship: an all-expenses paid trip to Orlando, Fla., for the prestigious Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration and Conference.

“It’s like a village, being around all these empowering women; it’s just an honor to be appreciated like this,” Allen said after her name was announced.

She said she plans to start a career in urban planning and architecture.

“I’m looking to focus on gentrification, as you can see gentrification in downtown Raleigh,” Allen explained.

Lawson said she plans to enlist in the Air Force.

“I am very excited for the quality of life the Air Force provides,” she said.

The forum was part of the Enterprising Women Foundation Mentoring Program in collaboration with the Institute of Consumer Money Management and sponsored by Grace Federal Solutions, LLC.

Foundation founder Monica Smiley said the event is a way to ‘bridge the gap’ and address underrepresentation of women in STEM fields.

Student Nhi Le said she’s noticed that a lot of her male classmates get more experience in STEM fields.

“I just want to able to get that experience. I want to prove to them that if a guy can do it, I can do it, too,” she said.

During a panel hosted by WRAL’s Lena Tillet, panelists including WRAL producer Miriam Melvin, discussed their inspirations, goals and successes and how they got to where they are now.

“You’re never too old to learn,” Melvin said. “That’s what I’m learning.”