Celebrating Women's History Month
March marks the observance of Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the countless contributions and achievements of women throughout history. It's a month dedicated to honoring the resilience, strength, and tenacity of women who have shaped our world in many ways. During this month, it's also essential to recognize the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by women, particularly those in underserved communities. In Chicago, where socioeconomic disparities remain prevalent, women frequently confront distinctive obstacles along their path to entrepreneurship and economic empowerment. At Sunshine Enterprises, we acknowledge these challenges and have consistently taken proactive measures to empower women navigating these hardships. Our impact extends even beyond as our female alumni create their own pathways in history, contributing to the enhancement of their neighborhoods.
“Our typical entrepreneur is an African American mother of one child with a 2-year college degree, who is employed less than full-time outside their business, earning $32,000 annually.”
One of the key aspects of Women's History Month is its emphasis on storytelling. It's a time to reflect on the narratives of remarkable women who have defied expectations. If you look at our previous blogs, you’ll see stories about a few of our amazing alumni. By showcasing their stories, we not only honor these women’s success but also inspire others facing similar hurdles. Likewise, at our biannual graduation ceremonies, we witness firsthand the profound impact we have on the lives of our female students, further reinforcing the importance of sharing their experiences. At our most recent graduation in December, we had the privilege of hearing from Bishop Shirley Coleman, a student in our SouthSide I Cohort. She is the pastor at Spiritual Wholistic Ministries Of Love And Faith and founder of Bereavement Consultants LLC. Her impactful speech - which includes quotes from her fellow female students - can be seen in the following video:
During Women's History Month as we celebrate the achievements of trailblazing women from the past, we are also called to action to ensure that the path forward is paved with greater opportunities and equality for all. By investing in female rising entrepreneurs today, we are sowing the seeds for a more equitable and prosperous tomorrow. Sunshine Enterprises stands as a beacon of hope and support for female rising entrepreneurs in Chicago's underserved neighborhoods. Not only during the month of March but throughout the whole year, let us recommit ourselves to the cause of empowering women in Chicago's underserved communities. Let us celebrate their resilience, applaud their achievements, and stand in solidarity as they chart their course towards success.