“Start small. Start unsure. Start today.” Christine Titih, president and founder of EmergeHer by

Oaks of Central PA.

The EmergeHer- minority women in business event, which took place on Friday, March 29,

2024, at the Penn Harris Convention Center in Camp Hill, was largely attended by minority

women interested in starting and scaling their businesses. About 20 vendors were present to

showcase their products and services; and to connect with each other.

Valerie Pritchett, from abc27news, who acted as the emcee, read a welcome note from

Governor’s Shapiro. Opening remarks were made by Jean Foschi- Cumberland County

Commissioner

Anette Nance, Executive Director, Governor’s Office Advisory Commission on African American

Affairs, shared resources from the commission.

Leora Appleby, Administrative Officer 2, PA Department of Community & Economic

Development, shared resources on doing business in PA as a minority-owned and women-

owned business.

Audrey Smith, Outreach Coordinator for the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business

Opportunities, shared resources about how to contract with the state.

Jen Gilburg, PA Deputy Secretary for Technology & Entrepreneurship- DCED, shared

resources on the benefits and uses of AI for small businesses.

Alba Fernandez, SVP, Director of Lending and Deb Joyce, Senior Community Lender, of

CommunityFirst Fund shared resources about loans and other financial resources.

Regina Hairston, President & CEO, African- American Chamber of Commerce of PA, DE & NJ,

in her keynote speech urged the women to emerge and utilize the resources and opportunities

available to start and build their businesses.

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring local minority businesses: Tiffiney Hall

from PosiTIFF, a coaching company; Lola Willams, owner of Bespoke Designs by Lady LunDun,

Stellah Makana, FNP and co-owner of Planet Home Healthcare & Staffing Agency; and Joy

Boudreau, owner of Joy Events Group. The panel was moderated by Wileen Amy-Scott, Sr.

Finance Coordinator, PepsiCo.

EmergeHer is a program under Oaks of central PA, a 501c3 organization focused on promoting,

advocating, and empowering African immigrant and refugee community in Central PA. Since its

inception in 2019, Oaks of Central PA, has hosted several events locally focused on connecting

and empowering minority women business. Last year, the organization hosted its first ever

international event in Kigali, Rwanda.

For more information:

https://www.abc27.com/local-news/emergeher-2024-business-seminar-and-expo-held-in-camp-

hill/

www.oaksofcepa.com