The Shesurgence in Dallas, TX

Hello, hello. Welcome to the winning season podcast. Today we are in for a treat. We have two phenomenal women coming to us from the most fantastic city in the world. Dallas, Texas.

And we're about to have just the most fun conversation. So, welcome to the podcast, Jessica hair and Tasha hair, bro. All right ladies, welcome to the podcast. Thank you. Thank you.

So, happy to be here. Here before we have into it we're going to do some rapid fire questions. Don't overthink this first thing that comes to mind. Now in the morning do you hit snooze or do you have about the bed? Oh snooze hundred percent hop up.

All right this we're gonna buy it. I'm with you. I'm Tina. Next question is in the morning. What's your go-to beverage?

Is it a coffee bean? T or C? Water. Tasha you burst water water water. Okay, I'm caffeinated.

I give you more later in the day. I'm proud of y'all with the water when it's time for snacks. Do you remember chips and popcorn Jessica, you first Chips popcorn. All right, I know. Tasha wants and more.

Y'all can't see us but we can see each other. And Tasha is definitely team popcorn. If only you can see the shoulder movement nation of girl, don't play with me. It is popcorn. All day.

I can live on popcorn. I mean, seriously, I can for dinner. I can't go to bed. Eat popcorn and go to bed me, to just bad, but I can do it. I did not eat potato chips.

Consistently. Until the pandemic started and now I can't stop. My never bought potato chips and something clicked when they said stay in your house for two weeks ever since then it's been an issue and my jeans don't like it. Oh wow. My preferred chip is anything with cheese.

We achieve that, it can be a Dorito, anything fake cheese and I'm on board. So maybe if we can add the cheese popcorn, which is a Saying I could switch the teen pop. There we go. It has cheese. Popcorn, is everything?

Okay I'm feeling it. Well today we're going to be talking about an event that is near and dear to my heart, but it's also near and dear to your heart and so Dallas Regional Chambers women's business conference which is taking place this year on March 8th. So and this event is sponsored by Jackson Walker which is just next level. Well, before we get into the event, I would love for each of you. And just to tell me a little bit about how you came to work at the Dallas Regional Chamber, and in that this is a two-part question.

And then tell me why you like this event. So we'll start with Jessica. Okay. Well I have benefited are see for a long time. This is my 18th year in the month of February which is things are ads.

Crazy to me. I started out thinking oh this will be fun for two or three years and I was 25 and you can do the maths there and I'm still here and it's been a joy. I worked in probably three or four different departments and always have opportunity to work on different things, throughout my career from marketing, the region to working on our leadership programs. But one of the things that I am so excited about It's here that I will be behind the scenes working on is our women's business conference, which is why we're here today and it's such a great event because it brings together all the women in the Dallas business community that want to up their game professionally, wasn't her an entrepreneur, a middle career manager or young professional that's looking to meet other women in the business world.

So I just love that. And this will be our first time together this group together in person we haven't pulled together this group since 2020. So two years we're so excited to bring together everyone together and our theme is Shane serjeants. Yes, we're going to dive into that in just a second. I won't dig into it too much but I'm just excited to see all the women coming together in person, sharing, just everything that is going to be all women all the time.

And y'all cannot, you know, listeners, y'all know, I'm from Louisiana and my, y'all does heavy today. I'm feeling the vibe. I want to emphasize that you can hear Jessica's Smile. As she's talking about this her passion from the times, I've talked to her about this event, just over the past few months, her passion, and energy is so high. And that's always an indicator that the event is going to be fantastic.

When the The team working behind the scenes is just buzzing with excitement, all of the months up to planning. So we're going to have more into the event in just a second but I just gotta I love. Every time we talk about this I love that you're always wanted Tasha. What about you? How did you get to DRC and What Makes You Most excited about this event?

So interesting, because I've been it was a year in October of 2021. I made a year at the DRC, congrats Thank you, and it was very non-traditional way, I came to the DFC, I knew that they had a job opening and I applied for the job, and but they called me and said, hey, we saw your resume and we are really thinking about you in a different way and I'm thinking, okay? And just prior to coming to the DRC I work for our douser either. 'But at for Humanity for about ten and a half years, Randa homeownership program. And then the last two years I worked in public policy and advocacy, but really a lot of foundation and a lot of experience in community work, really working on behalf of residents of Dallas and in particularly marginalized communities.

And so the DRC, they were standing up there deai efforts and they said, we would love to Someone that can focus on community engagement and how do we carry out those Dia initiatives into the broader community? So they offered me this amazing position as their senior vice president of community engagement and I'm here and I tell you it's amazing work to get up and do this work every day. But then to also work with a nominal people like Jessica. So it's been amazing. And the women's business conference will be my first First.

And what I'm most excited about is that it lands on International women's day. Yes. Yes. We have an opportunity to celebrate the richness of women and the diversity of women and the just the strength of women in the accomplishments that have been made. So to me, it's exciting that we're going to have this amazing event.

Women-led celebrating women altogether. Sharing a moment together. I think it's going to be quite special. It isn't eyes are. Welcome to.

Yeah, guys, can come to this. Oh yeah. We we love men who support so yes, y'all can come through and support and it's so phenomenal. I know the vibe is already going to be lit at the event. It's going to be one of those professional events that you're like, I am so happy.

I came to this this year it's going to reaching my soul connecting with phenomenal women in my Variants with the DRC. I've attended a couple of events for women that you've hosted and love is the diversity of the group. When I went to Dallas the first time that I was really in community with so many different women, God, they're different richness of their cultures together, it was through the Dallas Regional Chamber so that's why I love this event is on the map. I'm even told friends who were on the fence about moving today. It's like, hey, did I can embed?

That was pre-pandemic. So now I get to invite them back to join this conference to Jessica few minutes ago, you mentioned the theme for this year and I want to dig in because it's so rich. She surgeons focusing on the research ends reanimation and resiliency of women, resilience is my main love language. Tell me about this topic. Well, it's The combination of two words so she insurgents.

And so I'm going to take it to Webster's Dictionary. Also, she she is a noun. It's a female and some woman and Resurgence is the combination word. It's a noun and it's an increase or Revival after a period of little activity popularity or occurrence. Go watch out when these women is in town and we really get this covid behind This is the time for the woman and that's that.

That's what this theme is in. The the speakers and the spirit of the day are going to bring that to the event and everyone is going to be able to experience what we're talking about right now. Yeah, I couldn't agree more. I think when I think about the worst she surgeons I think about what women have accomplished in particular over the last two years we've been dealing with covid, right? Social unrest on Justice.

You know the great resignation there been. So all these things that women have really, not just endured, but a lot of women have thrived and reinvented themselves and started businesses and you know, starting jobs and all these great things and have been on the front line of politics and racial Justice, and all of these fantastic things. And here's an opportunity to Celebrate all of that. So I think she surgeons couldn't have been a better name. It's such a great name.

When I think about the last two years and we think of 2020. We had the cheese session here. The recession really hit women hard, so what an appropriate theme, two years later, as we are trying to figure out what the next phase of life will look like it is definitely a Sheen sir. Surgeons and you all have picked some phenomenal speakers for this event. All right, I had to jump in real quick because I am personally inviting you the winning season Community to join me on March 8 at the DRC women's business conference.

Not only is it International women's day, it is the she surgeons. We're going to have a phenomenal time, neck Ting being inspired and planning our steps forward. The link in the show notes today, type in the code waiting to get a discount on your ticket before they sell out. See you soon. Can you tell me more about the speakers and what flavor they're going to bring to this conference?

We have Jess Wang and she's with Mackenzie. And if you have heard of Mackenzie, you know, Mackenzie they are great for their women in the workplace study. Yeah. And Jess is going to be talking about How the data shows, how insight into the progress of women in Corporate America. And how covid-19 has really taken a toll on women, just kind of what we were referring to earlier is just how women are faring in Corporate America in the workplace.

And I think this is something and all of our speakers for that matter, will resonate with all the women in the world, you know. Jessica and I were talking about You know, we both our mothers in Corporate America. We both going and pandemic, and, and still having to work and having to teach kids at home. And all of that, we're going to dive into all of that during the time at she surgeons. And what I love about just with Mackenzie is that it's not just a woe, is me in conversation.

Yeah, it's key messaging for us like, key talking points, It's on how to. Come out of the pandemic but do something. I always like to say most action because we like so what women had a hard time but during covid-19 that mean and what it means is here are things that women are going to do moving forward. There have been changes in the office in the workplace, right? We've gotten some of the things that I do.

Yeah. Women in general need across the board more flexibility at work. That's place for working. Parents is an initiative of the dire That we launched during covid. So there's a lot of good that has come out of covid for women and so she'll be speaking about those things as well.

I love that because you don't have to tell us the problems we have lived in for all people for the past couple years. So let's talk about the way forward right on thing with Chief surgeons, she's going to Justice going, to be bringing those amazing points for us. A lot of The listeners of this podcast, their fans of lean in. So they know that Mackenzie report all too well, because we conjunction with lean in McKinsey, puts out this women in the workplace report. So you all know when you dig into that report, how rich and how it encouraging it is, and how they always focus on the next step.

So, from a perspective of hearing her speak in person, you know that it's going to be a lot of positivity. You're not going to be woe, is me in the mud. Because everything you want to be motivated, you talk about, you know, role is needs someone who has defied the odds and really just showing the strength of women is Diana Trujillo and she's going to really talk about her journey and her story from Colombia to Mars and how she led this Mission into space. So, I mean, a woman sitting at our event. It is going to be inspired and that and that's really what we want to do is we want women to walk out of their inspired now.

Be able to do whatever it is that they want to do. And we're going to have fantastic speakers that are going to really show us how to get that done. And so when it comes to showing up at the event and participating live and in person after not gathering for so long, just set the Sage for me, what can people expect to be in this highly energetic world, where it's an interactive conference. Yeah. m.

with registration. So when you walk in, you're going to be greeted by all of this energy for me and Tasha in the others on the DRC team and your day will begin with networking. Once you get registered and settled in and then that keynote speaker will Art, if I'm giving anybody tips, it would be bring business cards. But way more than you think, you're always. If you're at the end of your box, order that new box because you're going to need it, you're going to make so many good connections with people and bring that notepad to take those notes and key takeaways.

Or if you're on a device, get ready to take notes on your notepad or whatever. Is your option to take notes. We also have a Marketplace. So you want Every with the marketplace because it's super elements. This Marketplace is everything while I was going to say, come ready to shop.

Yeah. And not just shop, but also support these women LED businesses. One of the things I've talked a little bit about the drc's working diversity, equity and inclusion, and we want to have a deal ends on everything that we do, including this event. We wanted to bring together some diverse women-led businesses from around the region to share their service or product. So we're going to have a Marketplace that is going to be open for women and men to come in and shop and learn more about these businesses that you might not have heard before.

But we are really excited about that. I think you got the pool. Just get, I both out of the marketplace based on who we have. Yeah, yeah. We should try to get out of shopping.

Like y'all have weren't are putting the event together. Yeah. She's some VIP shopping time. We should what I love about the women-owned businesses that are participating in the marketplace is that is really high quality product but things that you really want, right? So in this environment where we're hearing, how to navigate our careers, we're thinking about moving past the pandemic and we're getting inspired from women who are leading.

Eating like out of this world experience has, literally you also get to connect with the women who are starting these Brands and businesses that are growing. And one thing that we know for research is that women really shift economic power because we don't just get money and keep it to ourselves. We like to go out into the community and spread it. So this event really does capture the full ask Of the theme. The she surgeons now.

And I'm in that if I could say, one more thing I can remember, I didn't say that Frost Bank is sponsoring this Marketplace and the reason why I'm Frost Bank is sponsoring it because they have a huge goal and push to support funding more minority, women LED businesses so they are all in. So they wanted to put their name on this Marketplace. I want to thank our friends at Frost for being such an incredible partner. And supporters of this work, that's great. I did not realize that a wager haole, know, just as a side note, a lot of women struggle with access to Capital and ringing so far.

As to say, hey we're going to support this Marketplace but also come talk to us about your money needs as a relates to your business. That's so important because we hear all the time access to funding for women-led businesses. It's nowhere near access to what a man has access to Capital. So for those women who are also looking to take their small businesses, to a medium and large sized, business will, the pristine Beyond sight? Yes, they will have Frost representatives there to do.

Just what you're talking about to talk about what products and services that they can offer to be able to support those minority. Med business is not Women. But they are really about how we bring more opportunities that access to capital for more minority businesses, fantastic. So I think it's just a good segue for us. This wasn't in our notes but I want to hit on this.

Tell us why Jackson Walker has been so invested in this event for so long. I want to know the back story behind that. Well that story might be a little before my time. However, We're an inaugural sponsor for the women's business conference and they are a huge proponent for having women in the workplace as well as up the ranks and in leadership roles. And so that's why they continue to sponsor plus.

It's just a great event and the DRC and Jackson Walker have been partnering together on our membership. So they've been a member for the chamber for some time as well. And so Jackson, wow. Walker, saw this commitment to women in business before it was trendy before. It wasn't that.

So that lets, you know, in terms of their commitment to supporting women in business and in their careers, that this is just the core value that they have is not a fan of, they're hopping onto and longevity of the relationship between Jackson Walker. And the DRC, those are the things that we really look for when we mentioned very briefly the Grade resignation right. There are happened shit. But what people are looking for is some companies where they can say, hey, this is a proven track record some values and that they have always valued women, which park has is really geared towards women and male-dominated Industry.

I know we have some men. Listening, your event is open to men as well. Everybody is welcome to the woman's conference. Is that right? Yes, absolutely.

And We do have a fair handful of men that do attend might be quite intimidating 511 but we do have a good showing from several of our members. We certainly welcome those men but that is your tickets. So I was just about to go there joke, that is on it. So there is a promo code for the listeners of the winning season podcast. In, in the show notes for the episode, you can click on the link button.

You go to DRC events dot o-r-g backslash WBC. You can enter the code winning wi n ni NG y'all know. It's one is season. You can pop in that code and you will get a special discount so you need to grab your tickets before they sell out the DRC and ends typically sell out. So if you are even remotely considering it if You know, that date is something you need to block off your calendar.

So you could be there, go ahead and do that, and make sure you're in the place. Use the code winning again. So you can get your discount for this event. And I'm really appreciative that y'all gave a discount because this is some kind of event where it sells out. So I want to just thank you all for doing this for the winning season community and in supporting them to be able to attend this year's event time is flying.

Sighing, but before we go, I want to touch on a few more things. Are y'all am going to do another out of Rapid Fire. Let's go, let's go. Yes, but they both looked at each other, like this is Maddie. She's going first.

All right, Tasha. So the first question of rapid-fire is what is your favorite favorite? Favorite fragrance. I want you to like, like answer, favorite, what's your favorite restaurant near your office? Oh, that's easy.

Flower child. Yes, yes. I'm okay. What about you Jessica? Oh man, within walking distance.

I'm going to the Discovery District, AT&T Discovery district. There are so many options there, especially at the exchange. If you haven't tried the waffles there, man. Yeah, I need to go get the waffles of baby. I got to be good.

Is when and Community time and team-building time in your organization, once your go to activity, will start with you on this one. Jessica my go-to what we go to as an organization or what? I like to go to what you like to go to. Oh, we're going to Mavs game. Next Tuesday, High.

Anything that is a game or bowling or get out. The office. I'm going to be first in line for that everybody. And then plus 1. Yeah, I'm the same.

I think anything that gets us out of the office, we spent a lot of time at work, but something that gets us out of office and get, you know, a little bit more personal with our colleagues. Yeah. Okay. So last question, and this is an easy one for y'all. But why is Dallas the most fantastic city in the world?

Oh man, how am I going to use? Is right like give me the top one is an opportunity opportunity. Great cost of living, you know, wonderful place to raise families, the diversity and richness of different cultures that are here. The history that Dallas provides us unique here. I think it's me.

Is it a just a? It's hard to compete with Dallas. This is Joel Osteen and the job market the job market. Yeah, yeah. Got to go have some cat.

Yeah, I knew that wasn't going to be quick. I know y'all have going because it is such a, it's such a phenomenal City. I remember when I decided to move to Dallas, everyone was saying, why did you leave Atlanta? I thought you loved it. Lana.

And I do, it's a fantastic. City Dallas does offered me so many amazing things and one of the things that I really appreciate it was how many parks there are. There are in Dallas. I really like Li warm Park. You can find me at a food truck, a tee time.

Is warm in that range is almost all the time and a my neighborhoods just being able to hop on Katy Trail and get some like workout in. I stopped at any of the parks has been fantastic. So this is not a commercial for the site moving to Dallas but I just want to show my affection and love sweetie. And for the work that well, you your entire team. I've been working with y'all behind the scenes for a few years.

Now, every time that I've had an interaction with DRC, it has been genuine Vibes. It's been a good time. Great conversation. And Jessica over the years I've worked with quite a few people who have reported to you and they have said, nothing but spectacular things about you as a leader. And that's really why I wanted to highlight your event on the winning season podcast, because it is not often that you hear of a leader, who does, what you do, goes beyond above, and beyond for your team, members to invest, in them, to support them, and help them grow.

So, I wanted to publicly give you your flowers for that and let's say that you are a woman worth highlighting. Keep doing the work that you do. Thank you. I'll slip you that 2011. Okay, we can just do happy hour.

It's been such a pleasure for me to get to know you on this episode. I can't wait for more conversations and connections. Thank you for your impact. I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that. We're recording this on the first day of life, History month and tell them what you're doing to really highlight the communities in Dallas to really include black people as a Forefront.

And I know when your announcement came out that you were joining, my room checks was pop in you. I'm just only recently had the opportunity to connect with you, but the excitement was there. And that just says a lot about the organization as a whole. So, I just want to tell people again the link to register for the conference before it sells out. It's in the show notes, the code is winning.

That's all in the show notes as well. And we'll see y'all on March 8th as Sheen surgeons until next time. Continue to emulate excellence and eliminate excuses.