By: Javacia Harris Bowser, See Jane Write founding editor
Over the years Yakinea Marie Duff has met so many women in Birmingham, Alabama with great passion and bold dreams.
“But they were paralyzed by a lack of support, resources, information, and exposure,” Duff says.
So she decided to do something about it. She launched the I Am Woman Network, designed to connect, equip, and promote businesswomen and female entrepreneurs and professionals who desire to develop and grow their products or services.
Based in Birmingham, I Am Network offers various workshops and seminars and a membership program to help emerging and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Benefits to the I Am Woman Network membership program include:
- Ability to network within the network with like minded women.
- Access to free coaching and resources to develop and grow your vision or business.
- Discounts to regional and annual IAWN Visionaries and Innovators Impact Conference.
- Invitation to participate as a speaker, panelist, or workshop facilitator.
- Brand Awareness – Display company business banner as advertisement for 6 months on IAWN’s website.
- 20% discount on coaching and consulting products and services.
Duff is an author, motivational speaker, and business strategist who has received numerous awards for leadership, including the 2008 Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Award for outstanding leadership. Under the leadership of Pastors Dr. Michael D. and Kennetha Moore of Faith Chapel Christian Center Duff received her ministerial license and is a vision partner at Faith Chapel Christian Center and serves on the ministry of intercessory prayer.
Born in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, Duff has lived in Birmingham since she was 5 years old and she is confident that the I Am Woman Network will help make her city a better place.
“Our mantra is ‘When You Empower One, You Empower Many,”” Duff says. “By empowering women with the necessary resources to participate in economic development within the city of Birmingham it will continue to increase a level of leadership that offers strength, coupled with compassion and nurturing.”
The Birmingham Jane is a See Jane Write series of profiles on women in Birmingham who are making a difference in our city. If you know of a woman who is making a difference in Birmingham please send your nominations to javacia@seejanewritebham.com. And don’t be ashamed to nominate yourself!