Virtual Mega Matchmaker
2025-05-13 - 2025-05-14 | Virtual
Pitch Academy: Lessons from the Stage
May 27 I 11 a.m. to Noon EST I Virtual Session
Hear directly from WBEs who have been where you are.
In this candid and inspiring panel, former Powerplay Pitch Competition participants pull back the curtain on what it really takes to compete. From navigating the nerves to delivering under pressure in the Live Pitch Competition, these women will share how they prepared, what surprised them, what they wish they had known, and the lessons they’ve learnt from taking the stage. Whether you're a first-time applicant or gearing up for another run, this is the insider guide.
You’ll not only get to learn from 2025 Powerplay Pitch winners, but you'll also hear directly from WBEC staff who will walk you through everything you need to know to apply, so you can step into the process informed, prepared, and ready to make your mark.
Panel:

Moderator: Carrie Sporer, SWAIR

Panelist: Queirra Fenderson, The Ambition Studio

Panelist: LaKesha, Veney, DeVine Wine Jelly

Panelist: Kimberle Lau, Bake Me Healthy

Panelist: Jovan Jackson, Good News Financial & Investment Advisors LLC

Our 1st Place Metro NY winner, Carrie Sporer is the co-founder of SWAIR and a University of Pennsylvania graduate with bachelor’s degrees in economics and communications. Before launching SWAIR, she built her career in luxury accessories, serving as VP of Sales and Operations at Edie Parker and Director of Sales at Judith Leiber.

DeVine Wine Jelly founder Lakesha Veney is a Washington, DC native and passionate culinary entrepreneur who turned her love for food and wine into a unique gourmet experience. After a decade in physical therapy, she followed her true calling and launched her catering company, eventually creating DeVine Wine Jelly—an innovative line of vegan, gluten-free wine-infused jellies crafted from premium fruit wines.

Dr. Jovan Jackson, the Financial Coach of Hope, is a 5x published author, speaker, and licensed fiduciary financial advisor. As President of Good News Financial & Investment Advisors, she leads innovative financial wellness programs through her F.E.W. (Financially Empowered Workforce) framework. With over 17 years of experience, she helps individuals and organizations build wealth, reduce taxes, and prepare for retirement. Jovan is a trusted voice featured on media platforms and corporate stages across the region.

Queirra Fenderson is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and CEO of The Ambition Studio®, a certified women-owned enterprise dedicated to combating workplace burnout and cultivating leadership excellence. Through expert executive coaching, leadership development, and facilitation, Queirra has helped organizations enhance employee retention and build stronger talent pipelines.

Kimberle Lau is an Asian American mom of two who courageously pursued her passion for healthy baking after becoming lactose and egg intolerant and high-risk for breast cancer. Through her business, Bake Me Healthy, she is on a mission to fight food allergies and food waste with her yummy Top 9 allergen-friendly sustainable baking mixes and cookies.

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