IN THE BLACK Odyssey Medias 15-City Fall Tour

IN THE BLACK Odyssey Medias 15-City Fall Tour In The Black: Odyssey Media’s 15-City Fall Tour of networking arrived in high style at Philadelphia’s Ritz-Carlton on October 20, 2015. The small business and entrepreneur networking exchange for multicultural women made its seventh stop in the “City of Brotherly Love” for an evening of empowerment, social engagement and professional development. On the second floor of the neo-classical landmark, approaching the Terrance Loungeâ€"where contemporary elegance aboundsâ€"a veritable sea of women were gathered together, tastefully robed in striking black ensembles against a multitude of radiant brown hues. Members whose backgrounds run the gamut from the working professional to entrepreneurs and small business owners comprised the circle of influence. It was a reception of celebration for the resilient ‘sisterhood,’ complete with fine wine and imaginative crafted cuisine. Meandering through the closely knit crowd amid the voluminous chatter, glasses were raised in unity; others toasting to milestones and small successes, while the majority were voraciously engaged in their networking exchange. Odyssey Media’s CEO, Linda Spradley Dunn, kicked off the program in the Petite Ballroom with an overview of the organization’s progressive 18-year history and the acknowledgement of the tour’s sponsors. Among the highlights, Ms. Dunn enlightened the crowd about the Supplier Training and Empowerment Program [STEP] (Part of Coca-Cola’s 5by20 initiative) designed to assist 5 million women entrepreneurs in accessing strengths and professional knowledge gaps, while developing new business skills in areas like Management, Capital Finance, and leadership by 2020. With a belief in the power of “chic,” to inspire confidence within her powerful presence and an emphasis on style, Mikki Taylor, Editor-at-large at Essence Magazine and former beauty and cover director, takes to the platform demonstrating ways to maximize the Little Black Dress (LBD). Offering ideas of the chicest accessories from bold rings and noteworthy earrings to “conversation-worthy” pumps and red lipsticks that wow; the education on a timeless styleâ€"working for day or night eventsâ€"proved invaluable. Ms. Taylor’s beauty consultations have been strategically offered over the years, reaping life altering results. The work for Odyssey Media, connecting and empowering influential and affluent multicultural women, will expand to international meet-ups in 2016; the anticipation of new membership in Geneva Switzerland, London England and Cape May, South Africa growing by the minute. There are also high expectations for the Business Salon Breakfast Series appearing in 30 cities (TBA) and the Digital Connection where women will gather over Coffee Chats through 12 webinars, to be offered annually, retreats and more. “In the Black” could not be a more fitting metaphor for the Odyssey Woman in search of positive net income and profitability. Yet the phrase serves as a reminder to the ‘all things black must-haves’ for business including: the little black book, black box, black dress and black ink. The community of executives and entrepreneurs, educators and community leaders, retirees and women in transition, who thrive on connectedness in the achievement of their dreams, are on the move and may be possibly coming to your hometown.