Skills to Launch Students Join “Boss Moves in a Man’s World” Networking Event

At Skills to Launch, we believe that empowering students means more than classroom learning. It means connecting them with opportunities to grow their confidence, ask tough questions, and build networks that will carry them into the workforce.

Last night, five Skills to Launch students from all three program tracks, along with an STL alum, attended the Women’s Leadership Network’s Boss Moves in a Man’s World networking event. This powerful evening, hosted at Riggs Cat in Little Rock, focused on helping women navigate business ownership and leadership roles in industries traditionally dominated by men, including the trades.

Our students were not only present, they were ACTIVE participants. In fact, every question asked during the event came from students in the Skills to Launch program. Their courage and curiosity made us incredibly proud.  They showed the drive and determination it takes to lead in industries where women’s voices are still underrepresented.

We are deeply grateful to the Women’s Leadership Network for providing such a valuable space for mentorship and growth, and to Riggs Cat for their support in opening doors for women in trades and leadership. Events like these remind us of the critical importance of partnerships in shaping the future of our students.

A special thank you also goes to our dedicated North Little Rock Public Library System staff, who encourage Skills to Launch students to step into opportunities like these and provide the resources and guidance to make them possible.

Moments like this show us that Skills to Launch is not just about workforce training; it is about building leaders.

Pictured: Amanda Ray (Alum Cohort 11), Josie Hammersley, Deja Heru, Allison Kinsey, and Vashti Williams, of Cohort 12, and STL Workforce Development Manager - Susanna Creed

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