Step Up & Thrive

07/23/2025

🌟 Thrilled to have attended the MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo, where I dove into inspiring conversations about unlocking future opportunities! 🚀

Connecting and sharing ideas with agencies representatives on how we can work together to add more value and elevate the missions of New York State organizations left me energized and motivated. Being a certified business, with recent credentials in secondary education workforce and youth development, an awarded supplier status with national healthcare improvement company Vizient, and being an executive coach with proven track record, I must share that we are ready to turn these ideas from today’s MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo into REAL ACTION! 💡✨

👉 Can’t wait to see the impact we're going to make together. Who else is excited about what’s coming next? Let’s collaborate and innovate!

07/16/2025

What an insightful conversation we had at a roundtable surrounded by business owners who look like me—women, minorities, and entrepreneurs who have put everything on the line to build something that matters.

We were invited by the local Chamber of Commerce to speak directly with two State Senators Joe Griffo and James Sanders about the current state of MWBE opportunities.

The conversation was honest.
It was raw.
And it was overdue.

One business owner said, “It feels like we’re checking all the boxes… but the contracts aren’t coming.”
Another added, “We want to grow—but we can’t access the rooms where real decisions are made.”

I nodded because I’ve felt that too.

This isn’t about handouts—it’s about access. It’s about making sure MWBE-certified businesses get more than a certification—we get a fair shot.

Today reminded me why I do the work I do at Step Up & Thrive. Because thriving shouldn’t be reserved for the few who already know the right doors to knock on.

It should be possible for all of us.

What’s one thing you wish more decision-makers understood about the MWBE journey?

07/07/2025

𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭.⁣
It’s the result of a decision — a commitment to stretch beyond what’s comfortable.⁣
⁣
The truth?⁣
The most successful leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 for opportunities…⁣
They invest in their own growth so they can recognize and seize them when they show up.⁣
⁣
If you’ve been feeling stuck, stagnant, or unsure what’s next — maybe the next step isn’t out there…⁣
Maybe it’s 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶.⁣
⁣
✨ Growth starts when you do. ✨⁣
⁣
What’s one area of personal growth you're ready to invest in this season?⁣

06/26/2025

🌟 Milestone Unlocked! 🌟

I’m honored to share that my business has officially reached a new level of certification!

On behalf of the New York Association for the Education of Young Children (NYAEYC), I have been approved as a 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬)—a designation that recognizes both my qualifications and experience in delivering impactful professional development.⁣
⁣
This certification, granted through the 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦, affirms our commitment to providing high-quality training that empowers professionals to grow, lead, and elevate the environments where young children thrive.⁣
⁣
🙏 𝐀 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲, who not only entrusted me with their team’s development but also supported this certification process by providing thoughtful and detailed professional references. Your belief in the work we do together has made this milestone possible—and I’m very grateful.

This is more than an achievement. It’s a reflection of what’s possible when we lead with purpose, invest in growth, and never stop learning.

06/23/2025

🎙️ Just wrapped up an inspiring interview at our local radio station Talk of the Town, where I had the chance to share the excitement about two incredible youth initiative events happening this Saturday, June 28th and next Monday, June 30th!

Grateful for the opportunity to spotlight the vision, the reason of the mission, and the amazing community leaders rallying behind this movement. 🙌

We’re planting seeds of leadership, purpose, clarity and confidence, and I can’t wait to see what grows.

🎧 I’ll be sharing the link to the episode as soon as it becomes available, stay tuned!

06/19/2025

“𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐟 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠?”⁣⁣
⁣
⁣
That’s what a 15-year-old asked me last summer during a youth session.⁣⁣
She had ideas, ambition, and heart—but no real environment to use them.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
And let’s be honest: that’s not her fault.⁣⁣
Too often, we invite young people to “prepare for the future” while sidelining their voice in the present.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
But what if readiness isn’t just about grades, GPAs, or even job skills?⁣⁣
What if readiness is about courage to lead, ability to influence, and the confidence to act?⁣⁣
⁣⁣
That’s exactly what Journey of Action is designed to build.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
We’re not handing youth a playbook for the world as it was.⁣⁣
We’re co-creating a space where they learn how to design the world as it can be.⁣⁣
Led by values. Driven by purpose. Fueled by connection.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Yes—AI can summarize textbooks and generate resumes.⁣⁣
But it can’t:⁣⁣
- replicate personal awareness and desire to take action.⁣⁣
- mentor someone through a moment of doubt.⁣⁣
- help a young person discover their “why.”⁣⁣
⁣⁣
That’s human work. And it’s happening here.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
So if you're a parent, educator, or leader who believes in the power of youth:⁣⁣
👉 Help them get in the room.⁣⁣
Because when young people are seen, they step up.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
When they’re heard, they lead.⁣⁣
And when they’re trusted, they rise.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥-𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
📍Utica Youth Empowerment Center – June 28 (ages 6–12 + 13–18)⁣⁣
📍Kirkland Town Library – June 30 (ages 6–12)⁣⁣
⁣⁣
📝 Registration preferred, walk-ins welcome.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Let’s help them not just dream—but act.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
⁣⁣
⁣⁣
⁣⁣
⁣⁣

06/14/2025

🌟 𝐖𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐁𝐁𝐁 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝! 🌟⁣
⁣
Looking to 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝, 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬-𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 that puts people first? Whether you're ready to book a service, want to explore what we offer, or have kind words to share about your experience—we now have an easy way to connect!⁣
⁣
✅ Click the BBB logo below to:⁣
⁣
🔹 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬⁣
🔹 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰⁣
🔹 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠⁣
⁣
Your feedback means the world to us and helps more people discover the impact of our work. Thank you for being part of this journey. 💛⁣
⁣
👉 Tap the logo. Explore. Connect. Let’s grow together.⁣
⁣
⁣

BBB Accredited since 5/21/2025. Consultant in Clinton, NY. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, get a quote and more.

06/13/2025

𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐡𝐚𝐰𝐤 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲! 🎉⁣
⁣
Step Up & Thrive is proud to host FREE Youth Leadership Events this summer — and you're invited to be part of a movement that helps young people take charge of their future through action, teamwork, and self-leadership.⁣
⁣
✨ It’s more than a workshop — it’s a Journey of Action.⁣
⁣
𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐬 | 𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 | 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫⁣
⁣
𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 + 𝐃𝐨 = 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮⁣
For ages 6–12⁣
⁣
Kids explore how to dream big AND take action — through fun activities, storytelling, and leadership-building games.⁣
⁣
𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬⁣
For ages 13–20⁣
⁣
Teens and young adults uncover the power of collaboration, purpose-driven action, and influence to bring their biggest dreams to life.⁣
⁣
Where:⁣
✅ Empowerment Center, Utica ⁣
June 28th⁣
✅ Kirkland Town Library, Clinton⁣
June 30th⁣
⁣
These events are brought to you by a local NYS-certified Women-Owned Business (WBE) committed to empowering the next generation and with the support of our community sponsors: Nimey Auto Group, Crystal Clear Financial Group LLC, Alicia Brockway and NBT Bank, Jessica Amber Hernandez and Oneida Herkimer Foundation
⁣
Spots are limited! Reserve your seat or learn more → scan the QR codes or DM for more information.⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣

06/10/2025

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬.

One seed of belief. One seed of hope. One seed of you matter.

Nothing in the western direction of eastern part of the world life would’ve ever been possible without my Aunt.

She saw something in an 18-year-old girl who had no map, no plan, and no clue.just going with the flow wherever it might have been.

🌱She planted a seed.
🌱She reminded to keep it alive and watered with belief.
🌱She shined light on what I couldn’t yet see in myself.

That changed my trajectory.

That’s why I’m so passionate about the Empowered Living Youth Initiative.

Because if not you… then who?

✨ This June, we’re hosting a 2 powerful events for for youth ages 6–12 and 13-20 designed to do what my aunt once did for me:

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬. 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.

🗓️ Upcoming Events:

⁣
⁣
𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡⁣

10am-12 ages 6-12
2-4pm ages 13-20
Utica Empowerment Center
230 James St, Utica

⁣
⁣
𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡

11am–1pm ages 6-12
Kirkland Town Library, Clinton

Each one includes educational content created by world-class educators with a goal to inspire the students to take action and dream big, and includes interactive sessions designed to unlock each young person’s potential.

💥 These events are free thanks to generous community sponsors. But space is limited.

👉 Register now: https://forms.gle/HUvogD6xZm33sRMEA

Who else is committed to raising a generation of young people who know they are seen, supported, and ready to take action and stay strong?