Female entrepreneurs inspire a new generation with film screening event

Apr 30, 2019

“She Started It,” a film about the trials and tribulations of women entrepreneurs, was screened at HCC Northwest on Friday, April 26 to a packed audience of Alief Early College High School students, HCC students, faculty and staff, community members, and local female entrepreneurial leaders.

The film was sponsored by Sandra Louvier of the HCC Northwest Center for Entrepreneurship and brought to HCC by Jordan Carswell, of the West Houston Institute’s MakerSpace. It featured the stories of women who stood tall and persevered in the face of adversity when starting their businesses. Their tenacity and strength allowed them to follow their dreams, find their voice, and build their own path forward.

The panelists, Amanda Shih, co-founder, Code Park; Tiffany L. Williams, CEO, Twice Media Productions; Ana Rojas Bastidas, owner, Orolait; Rhian Davies, VP, LetsLaunch; and Lisa Brunet, managing partner, DLZP Group, provided their stories of how they made the decision to follow their passions to become business leaders and entrepreneurial superstars.

HCC staff member Diana Barrero-Burgos said of the film and program, “The amazing women entrepreneur panelists were dynamic, powerful and inspiring to all present at this event. The film had me in tears, however, I left feeling hopeful and empowered."

In response to the event and its participant turn out, Dr. Zachary Hodges, president of HCC Northwest said, “I wish this film and the response from our students could flip the way we educate students in the future. I was inspired and validated that we are on the right track here on the west side.”

Due to the positive response and feedback, Louvier is considering a similar event for this coming fall semester.