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Own Your Voice: Tools & Confidence to Build a Powerful Personal Brand

Own Your Voice: Tools & Confidence to Build a Powerful Personal Brand

September 27, 2025 Susu

This interactive in-person session will empower women to take charge of their personal brand by combining practical tools with strategies to strengthen self-confidence and presence. Participants will learn how to craft personal mission statements, design vision boards, and develop professional portfolios that consistently communicate their values and strengths. Alongside these tools, they will explore techniques to project confidence, enhance executive presence, and align their perception with who they truly are. By the end of the session, participants will have actionable steps to showcase their brand in both personal and professional contexts authentically.

The event will be held at Tomo360’s office. There will be light refreshments. Register by the end of the day on October 24, 2025.

Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Registration and Networking: 5:30 – 6:00 pm

Program: 6:00-7:00 pm

Optional networking: 7:00-7:30 pm

Address: 201 Cabot Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01854

Metered street parking is available along Cabot and Suffolk Streets. Please note that meter parking is in effect until 8:00 p.m. in Lowell.

About Sophan Smith

Sophan Smith is a visionary leader with a proven track record in nonprofit management, workforce development, and strategic partnerships. Most recently serving as Executive Director of Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), Sophan championed inclusive entrepreneurship by fostering community collaborations, building sustainable fundraising strategies, and securing the organization’s largest federal grant to date. Her leadership was recognized with the 2022 Community Advocacy Award from Eastern Bank.

A proud graduate of UMass Lowell, Sophan’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in her upbringing in the city and her lived experience as the daughter of an immigrant mother. She has spent her career working to amplify the voices of underrepresented individuals and strengthen gateway cities across Massachusetts. Her community engagement includes serving on the boards of the Asian Community Fund, the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce, the Asian Business Empowerment Council, and the Lowell Development & Financial Corporation.

Beyond her professional and civic work, she is most proud to be the mother of two children. In her free time, she enjoys cooking traditional Cambodian dishes and shopping for stylish heels that complement her bold and purposeful stride.

 

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Harnessing Emotional Intelligence to Strengthen Business Relationships and Drive Success

January 30, 2025 Susu

Strong relationships are the key to success in today’s fast-paced and highly connected business world. But what sets top professionals and organizations apart? Emotional Intelligence (EI).

Join us for an engaging and practical session on Harnessing Emotional Intelligence to Strengthen Business Relationships and Drive Success, featuring expert presenters Professors Deborah Casey and Elissa Magnant. Learn how EI can improve communication, build trust, and enhance collaboration—leading to more substantial teams, better client relationships, and long-term business growth.

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters in Business

High-performing professionals and leaders don’t just rely on technical skills; they master emotional intelligence to navigate workplace dynamics, resolve conflicts, and inspire others. Research shows that EI contributes significantly to higher employee engagement, improved decision-making, and increased revenue growth—making it an essential skill for today’s business leaders.

Meet the Experts

Deborah Casey is an Associate Teaching Professor in Marketing at Deborah CaseyUMass Lowell and a former senior business leader with a proven track record of developing strategies, leading teams, managing key accounts, and driving multimillion-dollar revenue growth. Her expertise in market expansion and cross-functional collaboration offers invaluable insights for business professionals.

 

Elissa Magnant – Associate Teaching Professor of Management at the Manning School of Business and Director of the Donahue Center for Business Ethics & Social Responsibility at UMass Lowell. With a JD in Law and a passion for Corporate Social Responsibility, she provides deep expertise in ethical leadership, interpersonal effectiveness, and value-driven business success.

Key Takeaways for Your Business:

✅ Stronger Business Relationships – Build trust and rapport with managers, clients, partners, and colleagues
✅ Improved Team Performance – Foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and enhance workplace culture
✅ Better Leadership & Decision-Making – Develop self-awareness and emotional resilience to lead with impact
✅ Higher Revenue & Growth Potential – Learn how EI-driven strategies improve customer retention and business outcomes

Who Should Attend?

Business owners, corporate leaders, managers, sales professionals, HR specialists, and anyone who wants to enhance their interpersonal and leadership skills to gain a competitive edge.

Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the power of emotional intelligence and transform how you build and maintain professional relationships.

Register today and take your business relationships to the next level!

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2025 She-Rise 2025: Empowering Women, Building Bridges, and Breaking Barriers

January 14, 2025 Cenyao Xiong
We are excited to announce our second annual SheRise 2025, following the resounding success of our inaugural event! Women Accelerators invites you to join us for an evening of connections, fun, and community engagement.
This evening will include a fireside chat featuring a distinguished panel of guests from various career paths. They will discuss important topics such as work-life balance, artificial intelligence, and career options.
Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with delightful dishes and a special She Rise drink. There will also be a silent auction with a variety of exciting items.
Enjoy ample networking opportunities with professionals and leaders from diverse fields and participate in our silent auction, featuring fabulous items. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Why Attend?

  • Learn strategies to overcome stereotypes and perceptions.
  • Network with like-minded individuals committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Empower yourself and others to create positive change.

Event Information

Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Attire: Business casual

Check out our Silent Auction: https://women-accelerators.betterworld.org/auctions/accelerator-bid

This event is now sold out. 

General Admission: $75

Members rate: $55 (25% discount for members) Join today to become a member! 

Student rate: $35 (limited availability)
Limited availability. Secure your spot for an evening of inspiration and empowerment.
Contact: Event sponsorship is available. Please check this link or get in touch with Susu Wong at [email protected].
Venue: Koto Asian Fusion, 76 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852.
Parking: Metered street parking is available on Merrimack Street and nearby streets. The closest parking garage is Joseph M. Downes, Sr. Municipal Parking Facility, 75 John St, Lowell, MA. 
Join us as we continue to support and uplift women in their professional journeys. Mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night!
She-Rise Gala: Empowering Women, Building Bridges, and Breaking Barriers.

Panelists:

Danielle McFadden (Moderator)

Powered by coffee and creativity, Danielle McFadden is a true cheerleader for all things Lowell. A lifelong Lowellian and proud alum of Lowell High School and UMass Lowell, she has served as President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce since 2011.

As an InsideLowell contributor and podcaster, Danielle amplifies the stories and issues that shape the city. Now, as an At Large candidate for the Lowell School Committee, she is committed to advocating for students, families, and educators while fostering stronger school-community partnerships.

She is deeply involved in the community, serving as Vice President of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank and a member of the MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board, New England Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and Pawtucketville Memorial Elementary PTO. She is also the Past President of the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, advocating for strong local businesses and economic growth.

When not working or podcasting, you’ll find Danielle grabbing coffee in Downtown Lowell, dancing on Instagram, or spending time with her three kids—Zoe, Landry, and Milo.

 

Stephanie Mello

Attorney Stephanie Mello is a managing partner of the Mello Law Offices in Lowell, Massachusetts. As the daughter of immigrants, she brings a personal understanding of the challenges faced by diverse communities and is deeply committed to advocacy and service. She has served on the board of directors for the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers and the Boston Portuguese Festival. She is a current board member of the Lowell Portuguese Language School and organizer of the annual Portugal Day celebration in Lowell. Heavily involved in civic initiatives, she prioritizes giving back to her community through active engagement and leadership. Her dedication to community service reflects her passion for supporting and empowering others. Stephanie lives in Dunstable with her husband.

 

Dr. Tahina Montoya

Dr. Tahina Montoya is a multi-lingual, international affairs strategist & Women, Peace and Security expert with experience working at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels domestically and internationally. She has served as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Air Force for over 16 years (including deployments supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom) and is currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force Reserves. Dr. Montoya was a political appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration. She served at the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and most recently as a Senior Advisor at the White House of Public Engagement. Dr. Montoya is also an adjunct professor at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs and serves as a mentor for Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) and Georgetown University’s Advancing Women’s Empowerment & Service (AWES) Fellowship Program. Dr. Montoya is a first-generation Colombian American who is very proud to have been born and raised in Lowell.

 

 

Courtney Sale 

Courtney Sale is the Nancy L. Donahue Executive Artistic Director of Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Under her leadership, MRT has increased its service to students, strengthened its partnership with the community, and ensured artistic excellence. Courtney’s directing has been seen nationwide: Seattle Rep, Contemporary American Theater Festival, and Indiana Rep (also Associate Artistic Director 2013-2016). She previously served as the Artistic Director at Seattle Children’s Theatre (SCT), the nation’s leading generator of new work for family audiences. Awards/distinctions: Cornish College Distinguished Alumni Award, IBJ’s 40 under 40 designation, and the 2017 keynote at the International Council of Fine Arts Deans. BFA, Cornish College of the Arts. MFA, The University of Texas at Austin.

 

Tenesha Scarlett

Tenesha is a native of Lowell. Born in Lowell, raised in New Hampshire. She got her Bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst in Sociology. She is a mother of two amazing boys, Linton Jr. 15 and Declan 9, who share her love of music. She is the lead singer of Tee & the Gents, which began in 2017. Over the years some of her greatest accomplishments are performing for Winterfest in Lowell, and singing the national anthem at various sporting events. Her favorite so far, is performing for the Boston Celtics 3 times! She loves performing, but more importantly, she enjoys giving back to the community. In April 2023, she was honored to receive the MBLLC Black Excellence award from State Representative Vanna Howard. It was an inspiration to continue the work in the community and be the best woman, mother, friend, and community member she can be.

Sophan Smith

Sophan Smith is a Khmer American, raised in the city of Lowell, MA. She was born in Cambodia at the height of the Khmer Rouge War, a genocide that killed over 2 million Khmer men, women and children. Her family relocated to the U.S. as refugees and settled in Lowell. Sophan was 2 years old when they began their new lives in America. She is the first in her family to attend and graduate from college. 

For the past 4 years, Sophan has served Entrepreneurship for All or better known as EforAll as the executive director. Since 2013, EforAll has partnered with communities to help under-represented individuals successfullystart their businesses. Through their Business Accelerator program, they have been able to help over 477 businesses launch. In 2023, these businesses generated over $34M in revenue and provided over 700 local jobs.

In her role, Sophan is responsible for carrying out the mission but also the day-to-day operations while focusing in three primary areas: leadership and vision, general management and fundraising and partnership development.

When Sophan isn’t wearing the executive hat, she is either a homemaker browsing cake recipes or shopping for beautiful heels! She resides in Dracut and is a mom of two, one son and one daughter.

Thank you to the 2025 She-Rise Gala Planning Committee:

  • Marcia Cassidy
  • Paulette Renault Caragianes
  • Vanna Howard
  • Thao Lan
  • Amba Nair
  • Courtney Sale
  • Soumetta Tessier
  • Vannak Theng
  • Maria Vejar
  • Susu Wong
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5 Simple Self Care Tips for Fall

August 23, 2019 Susu Blog, Career, Confidence boost, Health, Work/Life

With a summer that surely expired quicker than we all would like, it’s almost time for the weather to change again. Fall in Boston has so many redeeming qualities: colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, apple picking (see: apple donuts) and your favorite warm drink.

Unfortunately, this time of year can also bring extra anxiety and sometimes an overwhelming increase in items on the ‘to-do’ list. As we plan for the upcoming start of classes, new jobs, and whatever else may be on the horizon, it is important to remember that it’s not all about the hustle. Slowing down and taking time for YOU is vital for well-being and long-term productivity.

When you are happy and managing stress, you are performing better overall – so, to help our followers stay at the top of their game we compiled these 5 tips for self care. 

  1. Take time for soul-searching before taking action

Something often overlooked in self care is the importance of individual consideration. No number of spa days will cure the overwhelming stress of working in a role that is a major mismatch; or, working within culture that mismatches with your own personal beliefs. 

Taking some time to clear your head, identify a root cause or a personal need can be the best gift to yourself. For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed at work or in personal matters and aren’t able to quash the stress or anxiety, take time to soul search. If there is something or someone in your life causing you pain, and you are able to distance yourself, then that may be the best self care possible. Similarly, if you used to love to paint (or name a hobby) but haven’t had time for it lately, maybe it’s time to pick up that brush and see if it is the escape you needed.

Our leadership team is composed of a diverse group of women and we all have different self-care rituals. You must find what works for you. 

Have trouble slowing your mind down long enough to think? Sometimes the best way to think is to pause long enough to catch your breath & be present – Try one of these guided meditation apps to find your zen:

Headspace

Calm

Insight Timer

Ensō 

& for the skeptic who is not sure that they want to meditation, read this. 

 

  1. Hit the weights

Getting into an exercise routine can be the hardest part with a busy schedule but blocking time on your calendar and following through is worth it! There is no prescribed time for the positive results of exercise so just get your blood pumping even if that means taking 10-15 minutes each morning to do push ups and sit ups before your morning routine. 

Research shows that exercise can relieve stress, reduce depression and improve cognitive function. But don’t just take our word for it:

Harvard Health on exercising to relax.

American Psychological Association on the stress and exercise link.

American Heart Association on working out to relieve stress.

 

  1. Indulge in a spa day

A spa day doesn’t mean you need to take an entire day off (unless you can – then treat yourself). Instead, choose a service that makes you happy and relax. Taking an hour to get your nails done or get a massage could be “your” meditation.  Changing up your hair or nails can be a boost of confidence. A spa day isn’t going to fully change your self perception BUT it gives you a chance to step back and refresh your look (& hopefully outlook on life).

Having a positive self image can impact your daily life and part of that is how you feel in your skin. Think through these positive thinking strategies as you pick out your new fall nail color (helpful for perfectionists like me!). 

  1. Take a walk

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed out and aren’t able to take time off (yet) –  sometimes the best thing to do is take a walk. Even taking a walk around the office or around the building outside can do wonders for clearing your head or helping you cool down from a tense situation in the classroom or boardroom. Walking removes you from the stressors and the stressful environment and can give you much needed fresh perspective. 

For even more value on your walk – take a friend. Use the walk to vent or get feedback on an issue you are facing. Or use the time to connect with someone you may not normally talk to and make a new friend in the process. 

 

  1. READ

If time off of work for travel & relaxation is out of the question, take your mind on vacation. One of the easiest ways to escape is to dive into a good book and feel immersed in its pages.

If you have a long commute (shout out to the MBTA), you can take 10-15 minutes to step away from your stressors and imagine a different world or learn something new. Once you reach your destination, you will at least have a fresh perspective on your environment and maybe even a few ideas to tackle the day’s challenges!

 Check out these 24 reads under 200 pages (both fiction and non-fiction).

 

“Self-care is how you take your power back.”

– Lalah Delia

 

Finally, remember that we are in this together. Empower, Engage and Elevate!

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How to make the most out of your Mentorship

January 27, 2019 Susu Blog, Career, Work/Life

First things first, what is a mentor and what does mentorship mean?

You’ve probably heard the word mentor AT LEAST 25 times in your professional life – if not more, but it’s possible the reference could have been made in a variety of contexts. For all intents and purposes, how I will refer to it in this blog is as “an experienced and trusted advisor” – straight from Merriam-Webster.

It is important to understand that a mentor is someone that provides professional guidance and advise to help a mentee evaluate their professional landscape and grow in that realm –  even if they are a professional within a certain field, a mentor is not providing a mentee services to that end (ie. lawyer, doctor etc..). The mentorship is the period of time the mentor provides the mentee career and professional advice. The time period can vary from a very short period (a day to a few weeks or months) to years, depending on the relationship formed. The connection could be made through an informal or work connection or a more formal program, like our annual mentoring program (learn more here: https://womenaccelerators.org/mentoring-program/).

A mentorship can have a huge impact on your professional life IF you take advantage of what it can provide. In nearly all cases, a mentor is senior to a mentee and has a wealth of knowledge AND consequently, a strong network in a certain industry or realm. Most importantly, a mentorship is a relationship based on trust and respect. A mentor is someone, with experience, that you can discuss insights and issues. A space to discuss, without judgment, can help you sort through issues with a new perspective which can help you overcome those issues – reaching career heights you may not have thought possible before.

So you have a mentor, now what?

Take time for introspection

Take time to think about your ‘WHY’. The better you know yourself and your goals, the better you can navigate through the benefits of mentorship.

Think of this as a journey, if you don’t know the destination – how can you make it there?

To start, consider the following questions:

  1. Can you summarize your current professional experience? Make a list of highlights.
  2. What are your short and long term professional goals?
    1. If you don’t know – check out this HBR article for extra considerations: https://hbr.org/2018/07/how-to-mentor-someone-who-doesnt-know-what-their-career-goals-should-be
    2. Still struggling? Look at the career histories of people you admire or want to emulate, see if you can find anything that aligns with your passions and goals to use as a taking off point.
  3. Is there an aspect of business/professional life that particularly intrigues you or you want assistance navigating?
  4. Can you make a list of what you hope to achieve from a mentorship? (ie. are you looking for ideas to obtain skills, reach a new level, learn leadership tactics, increase your network etc…).
  5. Consider what your personality type is, are you an extrovert, introvert or analytical in nature?  And what kind of work environment or management style meshes best with your personality?
  6. Try taking personality tests such as Myers Briggs, Insights Discovery,or a DiSC personality assessment tool, etc. for additional insight.
  7. Think of anything else you may want to learn or know – professionally and personally.

Make a plan

As the mentee, unless your program dictates otherwise, you are responsible for driving the program.

  • Think of a few major topics you want to focus on throughout the mentorship and touch on them your first meeting.
  • Plan to bring your mentor up to speed as much as possible about your personality type and communications preferences.
  • Keep a list of things you are interested in discussion for quick reference.
  • Consider the timeline of the program and how many interactions or touchpoints are specified. If there is not a concrete schedule, draft one and have a discussion with your mentor to see if it works for them.
  • Pre-plan meetings! Have questions and topics ready before you meet with your mentor. Send them a note or email in advance with those topics to help facilitate conversation.
  • Write a summary of your discussions or key points, and plan for action items for the next meeting.

Take Action

Mentorships are WORK.

They take coordination and investment of both time and emotional capital from both parties. As the mentee, it is important to set the schedule in advance. Plan the meetings, follow up and facilitate the discussion. No one understands what you are seeking out of the mentorship better than you. Use the time wisely and act on the above guidance to make the most out of your mentorship!

We’re excited to see you grow and reach new heights – Be sure to stay tuned for more mentoring resources coming soon!

Finally, remember that we are in this together. Empower, Engage and Elevate!

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Register for “Own Your Own Football: Conflict Communication and Resolution Strategies”

September 9, 2016 Nicole Announcements, Events

Join us for de la Femme’s kickoff event on September 28. The topic will be on Conflict Communication and Resolution Strategies for successful professional management.

What you say and do matters for the outcome you want in any given situation.  Whether at the workplace or in our personal lives, we have all been through scenarios where communication barriers result in negative and costly outcomes.  There is always a time, when you need to listen and a time to speak up for yourself.  Ever wonder when is the time to speak and when to listen?  Oliver Wendell Homes Sr. once said, “It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.”  Join us with Michele Whitham to learn the insights/skills of successful professional self-management and hone in some practical workplace conflict resolution strategies.

*****

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at 6 PM.

Location: The Broad Institute, Kendall Sq, Cambridge, MA.

Dinner and drinks will be provided.  Registration is required, sign-in upon arrival.

Register at dlf-conflict-communication.eventbrite.com (Early registration by 9/21 for $10! Register Now)

Visit our website!  

Read a story about conflict communication by one of our members: https://womenaccelerators.org/2016/09/seeing-the-silver-lining-in-a-conflict/

*****

Michele Whitham

Michele Whitham is an established employment and privacy lawyer, community leader and owner of Whitham Law LLC, serving clients in Massachusetts, the United States and worldwide. She is a former Co-Managing Partner of Foley Hoag LLP, where she practiced for twenty-five years, and is a well-known lawyer who has been recognized nationally for her accomplishments.

Her many accolades include recently being listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law – Management, co-leading the launch of the inaugural Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts’ Women’s Leadership Initiative, and being named one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Top Women in the Law. Michele is a 2015-2016 Inductee into the National Association of Professional Women and the Association’s VIP Woman of the Year Circle; a director of the Partnership Inc. (promoting diversity in management ranks).

 

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About Us

Women Accelerators is a component fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We are passionate about promoting the advancement of women and bridging the gender gap.

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