Saturday- Annual Think Pink Lunch and Musical Concert
Think Think
My STEP Signature Project involved attending and participating in the 2024 Think Pink Women’s Conference in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. This self-designed, experiential learning opportunity focused on leadership development, spiritual growth, and personal exploration through various seminars, discussions, and networking sessions. The week-long conference featured professional mentorship, career exploration, and wellness seminars.
Transformation Through Experience
Before attending the conference, I believed I was confident, open, and capable of engaging with others in professional and social settings. However, being in a new environment with different people helped me recognize some of my implicit biases and assumptions about myself. I realized I was more reserved and hesitant to connect with others than I had initially thought. This realization came as a surprise and encouraged me to break out and open up to the diverse women I met.
Through this experience, I gained a new understanding of my own identity and communication style. I learned that I am still growing in areas like self-confidence and adaptability. This personal transformation has broadened my perspective on my strengths and areas for improvement, and it’s something I will continue to work on in future professional and personal endeavors.
Moments of Transformation at Think Pink
One of the most impactful experiences was attending the health seminar led by women who were professionals in medicine. Their discussions on health, diet, traditional and alternative medicine, and mental health not only provided valuable information but also inspired me to consider how I approach my own health and well-being. Their stories and advice reminded me of the importance of holistic health in my personal and professional life. They edified us and this placed a burden on me to consider being more disciplined about my health habits; physical activity, eating, and rest.
During the health seminar, we had the privilege of hearing from Jessica Nosike, a representative from Black Girl Vitamins. She discussed the significance of proper supplementation, debunked common myths, and shared insights on the correct applications of vitamins and supplements. After the seminar, I approached her to discuss the company’s potential need for chemical engineers and shared my own experiences in the field. This led to a wonderful conversation and an unexpected opportunity to network, which resulted in us exchanging contact information. Connecting with her was a valuable professional moment and highlighted the importance of leveraging such events for career growth and building meaningful relationships.
Another significant moment occurred during the beauty segment of the conference, where I served as a makeup artist for the Think Pink Fashion Show. Initially, I was scheduled to work on six models, but due to unexpected changes, I ended up working on ten models. I had to quickly adjust and collaborate with another stylist to ensure all the models were ready in time. This experience taught me the value of teamwork, adaptability, and remaining calm under pressure. Despite the challenges, the positive words of encouragement exchanged among the service providers kept our spirits high, and witnessing the final showcase was incredibly rewarding.
The session on financial success led by business mogul Grace Ofure from Nigeria also had a positive effect on me. Her seminar on integrity in entrepreneurship as Christian women resonated deeply with my own aspirations. Hearing her story and insights reinforced the importance of ethical business practices and perseverance as a young business owner myself. I was encouraged to integrate these principles into my own careers now and the future- I have plenty of notes. As attendees, we also received an opportunity to join Ms. Grace Ofure’s financial mentorship program for free.
Significance of Transformation and Values
The personal growth I experienced at Think Pink is significant because it has expanded my understanding of who I am and how I engage with the world. It has given me the confidence to embrace my imperfections and work actively on becoming a better version of myself. I wish I could share all the memories but there are too many! This transformation aligns with my academic and professional goals by enhancing my leadership abilities and interpersonal skills, which are crucial for success in my field. The lessons I learned and connections I made will serve as a foundation for my continued personal and professional development.