Midlands African Chamber guides black, brown entrepreneurs to success
"There isn't any Black chamber of commerce in the midwest, in Nebraska or the midwest, so that's how the Midlands African chamber was founded," Mienso says
"There isn't any Black chamber of commerce in the midwest, in Nebraska or the midwest, so that's how the Midlands African chamber was founded," Mienso says
"There isn't any Black chamber of commerce in the midwest, in Nebraska or the midwest, so that's how the Midlands African chamber was founded," Mienso says
For this week's Giving Wednesday, KETV Newswatch 7 is partnering with the Midlands African Chamber or MAC.
The organization works to connect and empower underrepresented entrepreneurs in the community. One of its programs aims at getting teenagers ready for the workforce.
It's a chance to suit up, get a headshot taken, get a mini makeover and go through a mock interview.
"It's really important in the business community because you have to present yourself so that people will take you seriously," Gracie Goodwin said.
Goodwin and other youth are getting a helping hand from the SUIT UP! program hosted by the Midlands African Chamber.
"Not everybody has the opportunity to have a mentor or to just have anyone to guide them. Especially in Black and brown communities, it is very important to have someone to guide you," Fidele Mienso said. "For those who do not have that, this program is kind of a stepping stone for the youth."
MAC's board secretary, Fidele Mienso said it's only the program's second year, but already, the need is large. For other entrepreneurs, MAC was started out of a need to support Black and brown businesses.
"There isn't any Black chamber of commerce in the midwest, in Nebraska or the midwest, so that's how the Midlands African chamber was founded," Mienso said.
Mienso hopes this program will encourage future entrepreneurs to take the leap.
"Knowing that they have a professional makeup artist here who will help them with their mini makeover, it's really exciting to come and get a peek at professional attire, get your headshot taken and talk to someone actually from LinkedIn who is here to help you go over those things," Mienso said.
Goodwin already has a business with her mom and sisters called Aleece's Sugar Shoppe, but she's preparing for when she'll take it over.
"If you learn those things when you're younger, you have an early advantage and you can build up to when you're older," Goodwin said.
Mienso said this is a community effort.
"All the clothes that we have here for this program were donated," Mienso said. "We're definitely supported and we love what the community is doing to help us and also make a greater impact in the community as a whole."