When Dien first told me about the idea for the Prismatic Accelerator, a program for advisor entrepreneurs from underinvested communities to learn practical business skills for growth and sustainability, I was immediately onboard to help. I did a metaphorical spit-take when she told me she wanted me to run it. Me? Five minutes into starting my practice as an entrepreneur? Lol, Dien is so funny. But she was serious, and thus, I became the facilitator of the Prismatic Accelerator program.
It's been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In the process of pulling together two cohorts of fellows for the program and curating programming, I've learned far more than I could have imagined. In celebration of the graduation of the inaugural cohort, Denise Sarkor, Jilla Tombar, Joy Webb, Lauren Tudor, Mark Greer, and Tiffany Polite, here are my lessons learned from them.
From Denise, I learned to listen to my inner voice. Seeing her follow her destined path with determination and realize her goals while remaining open, humble, and committed to her roots as a proud Liberian is genuinely inspiring. We are our own most powerful advocates.
Jilla's journey is a testament to perseverance and using the power of wisdom that comes from experience to fuel the future. She showed me that embracing creativity is necessary for our work. What we do is about uplifting people.
Joy is the embodiment of her name and a self-described connector. She affirms that the secret to connecting with people is to take the time to see beyond their self-descriptors and help them see their potential. We define who we are.
Whenever I think about the importance of being your own best brand ambassador, I think of Lauren. Lauren's care for and commitment to her community are authentic and shine through in everything she does. She reminds me that your legacy is the imprint of who you are to others and how you show up for what you care about.
Mark's presence provided a lesson in staying grounded in community. Like many of us, his professional journey has taken many twists and turns, but focusing on creating positive outcomes for communities will lead to more incredible opportunities. Be true to your purpose and let your work speak for itself.
I learned from Tiffany to be open to opportunity even if the goal is unclear and to give yourself grace. Her willingness to let the journey unwind organically and give herself time to unlock her purpose was powerful. The easiest way to stay stuck is to be too rigid to move.
From day one, I'd said that my definition of success for the program was that the fellows learn to grow their business and do so with others invested in their success beyond the program's life. Their commitment to supporting each other, future Prismatic fellows, this sector, and their communities exceeds what I'd hoped.
Tiffany, Mark, Lauren, Joy, Jilla, and Denise – you are experts in your respective fields and will undoubtedly be the catalysts for the change we want to see in the world. Thank you for inspiring me and others to do the same.
A heartfelt thank you to you, Crystal, for your extraordinary leadership in the program. Your compassionate guidance, dedication and vision inspired us all to support and uplift one another. Especially the connection to the new cohort.
Thank you for always being a beacon of empowerment, and for creating invaluable spaces for opportunities to grow and sustain our businesses. I am in deep appreciation. 🌟
Thank you, Crystal, for your powerful example as a leader, mentor and authority in your work. I greatly enjoyed this accelerator experience and will always remember it. Prismatic's impact on my life has been profound and is already immeasurable. What a gift Daylight has given!