Shows
The Power of Owning Your Career PodcastS13 Episode 10 - Re-Release Finding The Inspiration with Fran PastoreThis week, Simone is re-releasing her episode from Season 9 with Fran Pastore, CEO & Founder of the Women's Business Development Council as her guest on the podcast. Fran's story is so inspirational and she shares things you can do today to get into the driver's seat with your career - so be sure to have a pencil and paper nearby to take notes! You can reach Fran by visiting CTWBDC.org. Inspirational books mentioned in the episode: Know Your Value by Mika Brzezinski, Lead To Win by Carla A. Harris, and The Book of Gutsy Women by Chels...
2024-11-1133 min
Mastering Your Financial LifeFran Pastore — Pioneer in the Women's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem MovementMastering Your Financial Life — Episode 76
In this episode of Mastering Your Financial Life, Judy Heft interviews Fran Pastore, CEO and Founder of Women's Business Development Council (WBDC). Women’s Business Development Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing the tools and resources to help women thrive in business.
Tune in to the episode to hear about:
* How Fran came to founding Women's Business Development Council and focusing her work on women entrepreneurs
* The importance and impact of the Women's Business Ownership Act, which eradicated archaic and sexist state l...
2024-04-0926 min
Mission CTRLEp. 117 Purpose The Intersection of Need & Passion with Fran PastoreThis week on Mission CTRL Ramon and PD Flight Crew welcomed Fran Pastore, the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). Back in 1997, Pastore, standing at a crossroads of necessity and fervor, had a vision for the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC). Tune in to hear how Pastore divorced, with two small children, very little work experience and few prospects on the horizon, created a thriving organization that serves women across Connecticut, with offices in Stamford, New Haven, New London and Waterbury.
Pastore is a pioneer in the women's entrepreneurial ecosyst...
2024-01-3128 min
The Waterbury TalksHow Fran Pastore Is Helping Women-Owned Businesses Thrive in WaterburyFran Pastore is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Women’s Business Development Council, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs. After helping a number of Waterbury businesses open and grow in the last several years, the Council has established offices in the city – and is poised to deliver more “capital and confidence,” as Fran says, to women-owned enterprises. Hear Fran describe the biases that still exist in society, the reasons for starting her business in 1997, and why she thinks Waterbury has something special in store, as The Waterbury Talks with Fran Pastore.Follow The Wate...
2024-01-3028 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreS4/Ep.10 Networking Like a ProIn this episode of Courageous Conversations, WBDC CEO Fran Pastore takes on a different role as she's interviewed by Terri Piekara, a WBDC Business Advisor and podcast Editor. Fran's vast experience in networking shines through as they discuss strategies for building meaningful relationships and offer actionable tips for successful networking. Many thanks to the entrepreneurs who attended WBDC’s recent networking event and shared their own insights on networking: Vini Kaul, Kaulverse X Holdings, LLC; Serena Biondi, Nautical Nutrition Services; Angelina Gardner, Uncle D’s Blazin’ BBQ and Comfort Catering; Grier Stanley Barnwell, Grier & Company.
2023-11-1621 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreS4/Ep.9 Owning the Arena: Katrina Adams on Leadership and Breaking Glass CeilingsToday, we are replaying a thought-provoking conversation Fran had in 2020 with Katrina Adams, a true trailblazer in the world of tennis and in the boardroom. Katrina’s insights are as valuable today as they were when this episode was first released, and we hope you’ll find inspiration from her journey. If you want to hear more from Katrina, author of Own the Arena, join us at WBDC’s annual Gala and Awards celebration on Friday, October 27th at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich, where Katrina will be the Keynote speaker.
2023-10-1931 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreS4/Ep.8 Lead to Win with Carla HarrisIn this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran is honored to host the remarkable Carla Harris, Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley, and author of the empowering book, Lead to Win. Carla’s “Pearls” – nuggets of wisdom she’s gained throughout her extensive and impressive career – will inspire you to lead with purpose, foster a culture of inclusivity, and ultimately, lead to win. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Carla Harris, a trailblazer in the world of finance, leadership, and empowerment. Find out more about Carla on her website Purchase Carla’s books
2023-09-2829 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreS4/Ep.7 Connecticut Works for Small BusinessJoin Fran Pastore on this episode of Courageous Conversations as she engages in a thoughtful discussion with Connecticut’s Lt. Governor, Susan Bysiewicz. Together, they explore why it’s a good time to be a small business entrepreneur in CT and share information about the many programs currently available in the state – the CT Small Business Boost Fund, the state’s child care initiative, WBDC’s Equity Match Grant Program, and others – that are intended to help small business owners access the resources that will enable them to strengthen and grow their businesses. Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz also shares her per...
2023-07-2022 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreS4/Ep.6 The Journey from Product to Pitch: Learn from FunkkOFF’s Shark Tank AdventureThe creators of FunkkOFF TeethRefreshers, Joelle Flynn and Sonia Hounsell, join Fran on today’s episode of Courageous Conversations. Lifelong friends, the duo share their journey of entrepreneurship, how their diverse skillsets in finance and brand marketing played an instrumental role in the development and launch of their groundbreaking product and how a WBDC pitch class helped them hone their skills for an incredible opportunity on SharkTank. Tune in to be inspired by Joelle and Sonia and learn from their experiences. There are so many valuable takeaways for every entrepreneur; you won’t want to miss it!
2023-06-2226 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreS4/Ep.5 Growth, Innovation and the Economic Futures of CT & NYHow are New York and Connecticut embracing growth, innovation, and collaboration? Join Fran Pastore as she engages in a dynamic dialogue with Alexandra Daum, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), and Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development, New York State’s economic development agency, as they discuss the strengthened relationship, aligned objectives, and collective efforts between the two states to create a thriving future in the region. Find Out More about: Hope Knight Alexandra Daum Find Out Mo...
2023-05-1827 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreGrit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream with Dr. Oscar Guerra Join Fran Pastore in this episode of Courageous Conversations as she speaks with Dr. Oscar Guerra, an Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker and UConn professor. Dr. Guerra shares his experience directing "Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream," a 30-minute documentary produced by the House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth, led by CT Congressman Jim Himes. The film portrays the journeys of families from various parts of the US and examines their quest for economic stability. Listen in as Fran and Oscar discuss the impact of these stories and how they highlight our shared desire...
2023-04-2023 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreRevolutionizing Retirement with CT State Comptroller Sean Scanlon & MyCTSavingsConnecticut State Comptroller Sean Scanlon is on a mission to make financial literacy and saving for retirement more accessible for the state’s small businesses and their employees. He sits down with Fran in today’s episode of Courageous Conversations to talk about MyCTSavings, Connecticut's retirement savings program, and why it’s so important to him. His passion for the program was born, in part, from witnessing his own mother who, as a single parent, started a small business to support herself and her young family. She was able to grow the business into a successful venture over time, but stil...
2023-03-2422 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreIt Starts With A Business Plan “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” – Ben Franklin Mr. Franklin certainly knew what he was talking about – especially for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs! That’s why Fran is joined by WBDC Business Advisor Carol Cheswick on today’s episode of Courageous Conversations. Carol has helped thousands of clients craft their business plan. She knows many entrepreneurs are overwhelmed by the idea of creating a business plan – and she has advice on how to make the process manageable and stress-free. Fran & Carol also discuss how completing a business plan...
2023-02-1615 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreUnlocking ConnecticutUnlocking Connecticut is a blog, Instagram account and website created by Lora Karam and Bev Canepari, which explores the places and faces of Connecticut. Fran recently had the pleasure of meeting Lora and Bev and invited them to join her to share their start up story, the challenges they see facing small businesses & their love of all things CT. Listen to hear about their entrepreneurial journey and learn about some of their and Fran’s picks for Connecticut’s most interesting hidden gems! You can find out more about the dynamic duo behind Unlocking Connecticut by visiting their websi...
2023-01-1917 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreThe Impact of Elections on Women EntrepreneursThe 2022 mid-term elections took place just over a week ago. While we don’t fully know all of the results or what they will mean for the balance of power in our country, it is clear that female voters came out in force to make their voices heard. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran spoke with two extraordinary female leaders; Patti Russo, Executive Director at the Campaign School at Yale and Teresa Younger, CEO & President of Ms. Foundation for Women, about why elections matter, particularly for women and women-owned businesses and why it’s imperative that women become engaged in t...
2022-11-1722 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreAccelerating The Growth of Women's Entrepreneurship in CT25 years ago, Fran Pastore & Dorothy Bratchell embarked on a mission to create a resource for women entrepreneurs in Connecticut. They were at the forefront of forging a path to accelerate the growth of women’s entrepreneurship and remain committed to that mission today. Listen to this episode of Courageous Conversations to hear how WBDC began, learn about the struggles faced by Fran and Dorothy, as well as their clients in those early days, and what they think the future looks like for women owned businesses in Connecticut. Join us at our Women Rising 2022 Annual Gala & Awards Celebration on Friday, October 28th at...
2022-10-2011 min
The Power of Owning Your Career PodcastS9 Episode 5 - Find the Inspiration with Fran PastoreSimone is thrilled to have Fran Pastore, CEO & Founder of the Women's Business Development Council as her guest on the podcast. Fran's story is so inspirational and she shares things you can do today to get into the driver's seat with your career - so be sure to have a pencil and paper nearby to take notes! You can reach Fran by visiting CTWBDC.org. Inspirational books mentioned in the episode: Know Your Value by Mika Brzezinski, Lead To Win by Carla A. Harris, and The Book of Gutsy Women by Chelsea and Hillary Clinton....
2022-10-0933 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreWomen in Banking: Meet Four Connecticut CEOsWhat does it take to reach the pinnacle of success in a male dominated arena? Of the more than two dozen banks that are licensed or headquartered in CT, six are led by women in the CEO position. Four of those extraordinary women join Fran to discuss the lessons they learned along the way, the mentors who inspired them, and the advice they have for young people coming up in today’s world – in business or in any other field. Find out more about our guests: Diane Arnold, President & CEO of Essex Savings Bank L...
2022-09-2233 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreIntroducing The Mom Shuffle Podcast: When Women Thrive, Communities Come AliveTwenty-five years ago, Fran Pastore turned a transition in her career into an opportunity for thousands of other women, their communities, and the State of Connecticut. A recent guest of the Mom Shuffle Podcast, a show which features interviews with guests who are trying to build businesses while also raising their families, Fran spoke with host, Dr. Colleen Kendrick about her own entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of the Women's Business Development Council. While Courageous Conversations is on a break for the summer, we invite you to listen to this episode of The Mom Shuffle Podcast. Find o...
2022-08-1039 min
The Mom ShuffleWhen Women Thrive, Communities Come Alive w/Fran Pastore of Women's Business Development CouncilTwenty-five years ago, Fran Pastore turned a transition in her career into an opportunity for thousands of other women, their communities, and the State of Connecticut. Since then, she and her team at the Women's Business Development Council have changed the game for women who are entrepreneurs working to launch or scale their businesses. But Fran didn't stop at business development, she has become an absolute force in the broader economic ecosystem and a passionate advocate for women's economic equality. From her time advising the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration on the National Women's Business...
2022-07-0638 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreInvesting In the Future Of WomenWBDC CEO Fran Pastore was recently appointed Board Chairperson for the Connecticut Paid Leave Authority. In this episode of Courageous Conversations Fran sits down with Nancy Barrow, host of The Paid Leave Podcast. Of course, they discuss WBDC's work and why Fran is so passionate about CT's paid leave program, but they also cover the need for more women in leadership positions, small business funding and why it's still easier for men to access capital, and so much more. This podcast was previously released as the latest episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, which examines the state of Co...
2022-06-2330 min
The Paid Leave PodcastThe Women's Business Development Council and CT Paid LeaveHost Nancy Barrow got a chance to speak with the founder and CEO of the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) Fran Pastore. She believes women are jumping into business ownership, but are still lagging behind in leadership roles in government and big business. She said there is only one female CEO of a Fortune 500 company in Connecticut. Fran is the Board Chairperson for CT Paid Leave, and talks about her passion for the program, and why she was one of many advocates pushing for the program to become a law in the state. The WBDC Celebrates 25 years of empowering f...
2022-06-0928 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreSupporting the Community While Boosting the Bottom Line Can supporting your local Community affect your bottom line? Amy Kenkel and Laurie Surprenant say it can! Amy and Laurie are the owners of Leaps and Bones, a pet supply store and pet bakery with locations in South Windsor, Southington and a new location opening soon in Manchester, CT. They are passionate about giving back to the communities that have supported them and they have some great advice for other small business owners looking to give back while also boosting their bottom line. Find Out More About Leaps & Bones: Lea...
2022-05-2623 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreThe First, The Few, The Only with Deepa PurushothamanIn her inspiring and eye-opening book, The First, The Few, The Only, Deepa Purushothaman examines the challenges faced by women of color in the workplace. In this episode, Fran had the opportunity to discuss Deepa’s work at an event held by the Westport Library. While the intended audience for this book is women of color navigating corporate America, it can truly serve as a roadmap for anyone wanting to create a more equitable workplace. Deepa Purushothaman is the co-founder of nFormation, a Women and Public Policy Leader in Practice at the Harvard Kennedy School and was th...
2022-04-2135 min
For the PeopleInfinite Strength - Community Foundation for Greater New Haven - WBDCWe're introducing a brand new community partner - Infinite Strength - the only nonprofit in the country to offer monthly financial assistance to underserved single mothers with Metastatic Breast Cancer. We'll let you in on how they do it, and how you can get involved.
Then we're circling back with the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven to chat about the upcoming Great Give, and a new package of grants available to promote leadership and greater equity among and within communities of color.
And we'll wrap with WBDC founder Fran Pastore - celebrating her agency's 25th year, promoting...
2022-03-2755 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreSupporting Child Care – An Industry in Crisis Pt.2We continue our conversation about child care – an industry in crisis – with Beth Bye, Commissioner of the CT Office of Early Childhood. Child care providers are struggling as they strive to recover from the pandemic. While much has been done to strengthen the industry – including an innovative public private partnership between WBDC and OEC – there is still much to be done to stabilize this industry and support these businesses that provide a much needed service for parents as they return to work. To learn more about the CT Office of Early Childhood visit https://www.ctoec.org/ To...
2022-03-2428 min
Game Changers With Vicki AbelsonVincent Pastore On Game Changers With Vicki AbelsonVincent Pastore on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson
I usually know our guests... it's always a little nerve-wracking to meet someone for the first time Live on the air. Before we even hit the interweb airwaves, I felt like I'd known Vinny forever and he was one of my dearest friends. That's a gift.
I still can't believe how much fun that was. It seemed with every sentence we were discovering another mutual friend. From Vin's rock n' roll daze, as the purveyor of the Crazy Horse, extra work, Law and Order, Goodfellas, Carlito's Way, scoring a major role opposite...
2022-03-241h 27
Where We LiveChild care providers on brink of "collapse," calling for $700 million in state funding"What would Connecticut do without child care?" Providers and parents are organizing an event across several Connecticut cities on Tuesday to pose an answer to that question. The Child Care for Connecticut's Future coalition coordinated A Morning Without Child Care to call for $700 million in state funding, and "to bring attention to the impending collapse of the child care industry." This hour, hear from local child care homes and centers about this long-standing crisis, and how they plan to participate. Plus, the Connecticut Women’s Development Council has partnered with the Office of Early Childhood to pr...
2022-03-1449 min
CBIA BizCastWBDC, JPMorgan Chase Partnership Supports Women-Owned BusinessesCBIA BizCast host Ali Warshavsky speaks with Fran Pastore, CEO and founder of the Women’s Business Development Council and Rafia Zahir-Uddin, vice president for global philanthropy with JPMorgan Chase.
Pastore and Zahir-Uddin discuss the long partnership between WBDC and JPMorgan Chase to support women-owned businesses across Connecticut.
Pastore opened WBDC’s first checking account with a $60 deposit 25 years ago at a JPMorgan Chase branch in Stamford.
The bank is now a major investor in WBDC’s mission, including making a recent $300,000 investment in the organization’s Equity Match Grant Program.
WBDC has distributed $924,000 to women in 52 municipalities in Connecticut since th...
2022-02-2427 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreSupporting Child Care, an Industry in CrisisThe child care industry is in crisis – in Connecticut and across the country. Recognizing that access to quality child care is essential for our economic recovery, Connecticut’s leadership took action to stabilize the industry and drive growth for its businesses. As part of those efforts, WBDC has partnered with the CT Office of Early Childhood (OEC) to provide business training, technical support, and financial relief to the state’s child care providers. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran talks with Louise Lisboa, WBDC’s Director of Impact, Operations and Child Care, about the state of t...
2022-02-2421 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreFunding Growth for Connecticut’s Women-Owned BusinessesWelcome to Season 2 of Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore! We’re kicking off the season with two recent WBDC Equity Match Grant recipients, Kevnesha Boyd, owner of Quality Counseling in Hamden, and Jona Jeffcoat, owner of Infinity Music Therapy Services in Southington. Listen to hear how these inspiring entrepreneurs plan to use the EMG funds to expand their businesses. The WBDC Equity Match Grant program was created by the Women’s Business Development Council to assist Connecticut’s women-owned businesses, especially disenfranchised populations and those in distressed communities, providing grants of up to $10,000 to qualified applica...
2022-01-2720 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreShopping Local on Small Business Saturday . . . And EverydaySmall Business Saturday, November 27, is right around the corner. Started to encourage people to bring more holiday shopping to small businesses, Small Business Saturday has become a critical component to the holiday shopping season for many of our local retailers. In this episode of Courageous Conversations Fran talks with four local business owners about their own entrepreneurial journeys and discusses the importance of shopping local, not just on Small Business Saturday, but everyday! Joining Fran are WBDC clients Lorenza Arnal (Alma Mexican Foods), Tori Brown (Breakfast Belle), Jodi Burns (Blazing Fresh Donuts), Lyndsay Dean (Glaze...
2021-11-1823 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreShifting Norms with Jennifer Palmer, CEO of Gerber FinanceUntil 1988 a woman could not access capital in her own name for commercial purposes. That year, legislation was enacted that finally allowed a woman to apply for a business loan without a male co-signor. A lot has changed in 33 years, but access to capital remains one of the most difficult challenges facing women entrepreneurs. In this episode, Fran talks with Jennifer Palmer, CEO of Gerber Finance, who has spent much of her career finding ways that financiers can better support female business owners. Fran and Jennifer explore Jennifer’s unique journey to the...
2021-10-1418 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreTalking (and Walking) to End Alzheimer’sIn the United States, approximately 11 MILLION WOMEN are either living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone who has it. Almost TWO-THIRDS of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women. More than THREE IN FIVE unpaid Alzheimer's caregivers are women. To learn more about this devastating disease that so disproportionately impacts women, Fran talks with Kristen Cusato, Director of Communications at the Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, and Molly Devanney, Co-Owner and Vice President of Public Relations for Highland Park Market, who balances her professional responsibilities with serving as the primary caregiver...
2021-09-3028 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreCelebrating Small Business Week With Three of CT's BestMolly Hirsch abandoned her budding marketing career to move to Vermont and help run a relative’s home goods boutique, unknowingly heading down the path to a successful future in interior design. Shivonne Mathison cared for her aging grandmother. That experience, combined with her background in social work, paved the way for her to start a company to provide compassionate home care to the elderly. Jane Moen watched as her autistic daughter struggled to find her way as a young adult, motivating her to create a safe place to help other disa...
2021-09-1618 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreTalking Food with Stephanie Webster of CT BitesThe pandemic hasn’t been easy on any of us, but you could argue that it’s been tougher on restaurants than almost any other industry. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran sits down with Stephanie Webster, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of CTBites, an online community focused on the food scene in Connecticut. Listen to learn about how, during the state-wide pandemic shutdown, CTBites found a new way to support local restaurants while also helping to feed our exhausted healthcare workers. Stephanie also shares her thoughts on which trends born out of necessity – think outdoor dining...
2021-08-1927 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreGetting the 411 on 211CTMental Illness, homelessness, food insecurity, domestic abuse, lack of childcare . . . . These are just some of the issues for which Connecticut residents can turn to 211CT for help. Offered by the State of Connecticut through the United Way of CT, 211CT is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week online and over the phone. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran talks with United Way of CT President and CEO Lisa Tepper Bates and Nadia, a Housing Supervisor with 211CT who...
2021-07-2234 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreRacism and Your Small Business (Part 2)In this episode of Courageous Conversations we continue the conversation about racism and your small business that began with our previous episode. Originally part of a WBDC Roundtable discussion recorded in June 2020, this important conversation offers small business owners steps they can take to make a difference in the journey toward social, economic, and racial equity and justice. Joining Fran in this discussion are Britt-Marie Cole-Johnson, Esq., Partner, Robinson + Cole LLP, Robin Imbrogno, President, The Human Resource Consulting Group, and Joelle A. Murchison, Founder & Principal, ExecMommyGroup LLC. Be sure to follow Courageous Conversations ...
2021-07-0139 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreRacism and Your Small BusinessWith Juneteenth just days away, and as we look back at the year since George Floyd’s murder, in this episode of Courageous Conversations and the one that will be launched on July 1, we are revisiting a conversation between Fran and a panel of prominent women that was originally recorded as a 3-part WBDC Roundtable discussion in June 2020. While much has changed since George Floyd’s murder and the civic unrest that followed, there is still a long way to go in our journey toward social, economic, and racial equity and justice. This discus...
2021-06-1738 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreS1/Ep.12. Recalling Lessons Learned with Kitt Shapiro Authenticity, empathy, strength, vulnerability . . . . These are just some of the virtues Kitt Shapiro gained as she soaked in the lessons handed down by her mother, legendary performer Eartha Kitt. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran and Kitt talk about what it was like to travel the world with Eartha and how those shared experiences shaped Kitt’s own journey as a mother and entrepreneur. Listen to learn some “Kitt-isms” – small but powerful nuggets of advice and perspective from Eartha – that we can all use in our everyday lives. You can read more about Kitt’s experience...
2021-06-0337 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreSeeking Mental Health Wellness with Kevnesha Boyd In this episode of Courageous Conversations, as we near the end of Mental Health Awareness month, Fran talks with Kevnesha Boyd, a trauma therapist and the owner of Quality Counseling, a mental health practice in Hamden, CT, that focuses on helping members of the Black community to heal from traumatic childhood experiences and break unhealthy generational patterns. During this inspiring and informative conversation, Fran and Kevnesha address the chronic and pervasive nature of racial trauma, inequities in access to mental health care in black communities, the decreasing stigma associated with mental illness, and the importance of proactively nurturing our me...
2021-05-2020 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreFinding Your Rhythm in Small Business WBDC's podcast, Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore, features candid discussions between WBDC CEO Fran Pastore and influential leaders in and around our community. Alisa Bowens-Mercado grew up with two grandmothers who would tell her to be sure to find her rhythm in life – to do what she loves – as they sipped from bottles of beer in the kitchen. Many years later, she has found her rhythm as the first black woman to own a brewery in Connecticut, aptly named Rhythm Brewing Company to honor the women who inspired her. In this episode of Courageous Conve...
2021-05-0629 min
Behind The Wheel PodcastFran PastoreFran Pastore is a devoted catalyst of women’s economic equity and the founder and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Council, a leading organization for championing female entrepreneurship and women’s economic equity. Ms. Pastore served a three-year term as an appointed member to the President’s National Women’s Business Council (NWBC), an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
She serves on the Board of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP). In conjunction with the U.S. State Department and University of Connecticut’s Office of G...
2021-04-2319 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreRecalculating with Lindsey PollakHow do you feel when you make a wrong turn and your car’s GPS tells you it’s recalculating to find a new route to your destination? New York Times best-selling author, Lindsey Pollak, feels optimistic. “What I think is, ‘oh, it’s okay, because there’s another way to go. So, there are always multiple ways to get to whatever your goals are, even if you change your goals.’” In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran and Lindsey discuss the “recalculating” so many of us have had to do lately due to the changes brought about by the pandemi...
2021-04-2225 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreKeeping it Local with The Two Oh Three ypical teenagers and recent college graduates are usually focused on landing their first job or summer internship, but Tory and Roscoe Brown are far from typical. Soon after Tory graduated from college and before Roscoe had even begun his undergraduate experience, this sibling duo founded The 203. What began as a passion project selling t-shirts that celebrated their beloved home state has quickly grown into a renowned lifestyle brand. In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Fran sits down with Tory and Roscoe to discuss their young entrepreneurship, lessons they’ve learned along the way, the importance of building relationships with other small business owners and, ...
2021-04-0822 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreLooking Back While Focusing on the Future12 months after the beginning of an unimaginable year for small business owners, Fran looks back with entrepreneurs Corey Tolkin and Yvonne Oxley, who pivoted their businesses to survive the pandemic and are thriving as we look forward to better days ahead. Listen to hear why Corey, owner of Unbakeables Cookie Dough Treats, believes it’s sometimes important to take a fresh look as what’s right in front of you and why Yvonne, owner of luxury soap maker Komfort Zone, thinks it’s critical for entrepreneurs to step out of their own comfort zones. Visit the Unbakeables website and the Kom...
2021-03-1816 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreFeeling the Fear and Doing It Anyway with Andrea Barton Reeves“Never say no to yourself. Feel the fear and do it anyway.” -Andrea Barton Reeves What if the women who came before us felt the fear and let it get the best of them? As we begin Women’s History Month, Fran sits down with Andrea Barton Reeves, CEO of the CT Paid Leave Authority, to learn about her journey from her upbringing in New Jersey to law school and a position at a White Shoe firm to a career dedicated to serving others. Andrea discusses what motivates her, how being a woman of color has in...
2021-03-0425 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreHonoring Black History Month With Inspiring LeadersIn honor of Black History month, Courageous Conversations decided to revisit a Town Hall meeting hosted by the Women’s Business Development Council last June, soon after the death of George Floyd. WBDC CEO Fran Pastore gathered a group of accomplished women in leadership positions to discuss the historic times we are living through. These women share their own experiences with racism and navigating stereotypes in their personal and professional lives. They also describe what they are doing personally and what we all can do to address sis temic racism in our society...
2021-02-1841 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreProviding Opportunities for CT’s Smallest BusinessesFran discusses the unsung heroes of our economic engine – the women, especially women of color, who own and operate the small businesses that populate our Main Streets. These entrepreneurs have received a disproportionately small amount of the pandemic relief state and federal funding. Fran details how WBDC is helping to address the needs of these businesses with grants and other support. She also shares feedback from two inspiring women who are benefitting from these opportunities. Listen to find out how some of our smallest businesses can not only survive the pandemic but thrive in its aftermath. Please vi...
2021-02-0408 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreBreaking Glass Ceilings & Protecting Your Peace with Dr. Khalilah Brown Dean and Patricia RussoPatricia Russo, Executive Director of The Campaign School at Yale University, and Dr. Khalilah Brown-Dean, accomplished author, podcast host, public speaker, and tenured Associate Professor of Political Science at Quinnipiac University, join Fran to discuss the significance of the glass ceiling that is breaking in Washington, D.C. with the inauguration of Kamala Harris as the country’s first female vice president and the first woman of color to hold the office. While the current tense climate threatens to command much our political conversations in the coming days, Fran, Patti, and Khalilah take a few moments to recognize and ce...
2021-01-1933 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreOwn the Arena with Katrina AdamsKatrina Adams shares her inspirational journey from the tennis court to the boardroom in this previously recorded WBDC Town Hall, hosted by Fran Pastore Katrina is the first African-American, the first former professional tennis player and the youngest person ever to serve as USTA president. Katrina is also an author. Her new book Own the Arena provides a behind the scenes look at the leadership skills involved in hosting the U S open; the largest and most lucrative sports event in the world. Own the Arena will be published February, 2021 and i...
2020-12-1732 minCourageous Conversations with Fran PastoreCoping with Trauma and EMDR with Dr. Karen Alter-ReidIn this first episode of Courageous Conversations with Fran Pastore, Fran is joined by her friend of 30 years, Dr. Karen Alter-Reid, a global expert on EMDR and the treatment of trauma-related symptoms. They discuss what EMDR is and why it is an effective treatment for trauma, not only for veterans and sexual assault victims, but for first responders and everyday people. Dr. Alter-Reid gives several actionable tips for coping with the high stress that we’re living under these days, including a two minute mindfulness exercise. To find out more about Dr...
2020-11-1935 min
Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreOfficial Trailer: Courageous Conversations with Fran PastoreThrough her work as the founder and CEO of the Women’s Business Development Council in Connecticut, Fran Pastore has had the privilege of knowing and working with remarkable and accomplished women. In every episode, Fran will be speaking with influential women whose stories have had an impact on her and they will do the same for you. Their stories will excite and inspire you to conquer your fears, take a stand for yourself and break down the barriers that stand in your way. We may cover timely topics like racial and gender inequality and the importance of...
2020-11-1201 min
Under the Electric StarsEpisode 13: AnswersCaine thought they had lost their family. They accepted it, even though their questions about what exactly happened still lingered. Now the answers they get are far from what they expected. Caine needs to choose: the family they lost or the family that they’ve found in Zero Zero?
Trigger warnings: Police presence, police violence, discussions of abandonment, talk of suicide, explosions, weapons (knives and blasters), fighting, gaslighting, abuse, yelling, electrocution, and character death.
Find us on our website at undertheelectricstars.com! Transcripts are available on our website.
Support us on Patreon ➠ patreon.com/mxeliramos
Foll...
2020-08-0738 minUnder the Electric StarsEpisode 12: CorrectionThe Tollbooth has never felt more uninviting: suddenly desolate, scavenged under the heat of the irradiated sunlight. Caine and Jet return to retrieve the tracking module from Dax, but they’ll have to make it through the faulty building, the strange floorplans, and the Correctors stalking the halls to get it. Featuring old photographs, an elevator under maintenance, and an unknown video log.
Trigger warnings: Police violence/brutality (arrest mention, civil forfeiture, threats of violence), abandonment, family separation, yelling, loud crashing (18:35), gaslighting/abuse.
Find us on our website at undertheelectricstars.com! Transcripts are available on ou...
2020-07-0125 minUnder the Electric StarsEpisode 11: Square Negative OneThe tension finally comes to a head when Caine’s scar is brought into question. Zero Zero breaks apart. Featuring a guy who can’t take rejection, heartfelt conversations, and Encyclopedia Su-jin-ica.
Trigger warnings: Yelling, mentions of abuse, discussion of medical procedures throughout the episode.
Find us on our website at undertheelectricstars.com!Transcripts are available on our website.
Support us on Patreon ➠ patreon.com/mxeliramos
Follow us on social media!
Twitter ➠ twitter.com/utes_podcast
Tumblr ➠ undertheelectricstarspodcast.tumblr.com
Team
Script edited by Arizona Jonson
Rhea Anne as Caine Reyes
Christine Kim as Su-jin...
2020-05-2931 minUnder the Electric StarsEpisode 8: HomeThe mysterious stranger finally wakes up. Caine takes a trip back to the Tollbooth. In a city where no one stays in one place for quite that long, home is an unfamiliar concept. Featuring two-factor authentication, a bit of gossip, and inelegant solutions.
Trigger warnings: Yelling, emotional, verbal, and physical abuse, mention of food/eating issues.
Find us on our website at undertheelectricstars.com! Transcripts are available on our website.
Support us on Patreon ➠ patreon.com/mxeliramos
Follow us on social media!
Twitter ➠ twitter.com/utes_podcast
Tumblr ➠ undertheelectricstarspodcast.tumblr.com
Team
Chaitrika Budama...
2019-11-3029 min
Straight Talk No Sugar Added PodcastEp 32 - Women Entrepreneurship with Fran PastoreWBCD is an amazing organization that supports and inspires women entrepreneurship to reach their dreams and succeed. https://ctwbdc.org/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/straight-talk-no-sugar-added-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
2019-09-211h 13Under the Electric StarsEpisode 6: Memory CardThe Reyes family has been gone for years: cold, dead, and as distant as the stars. Caine has never really learned how to stop missing what they've had to leave in the past. But now the circuits spark to life. The once dark screen of Arcadia illuminates again. And Caine has to face their memories before time runs out. Featuring a serious take on that outdated VR joke, ghosts in the machine, and sci-fi superstitions.
Trigger warnings: Talk of death/family death, yelling, verbal abuse, loud sounds, physical violence, unreality (audio glitches).
Find us on...
2019-08-3026 min
SpelsnackEp. 284 – Typ Dolph LundgrenDenna vecka har Jimmy spelat nästa del ur den svenskutvecklade nazimördarfesten – Wolfenstein: Youngblood. Vi djupdyker i hur serien hanterar denna upplagas förändringar, vilket bland annat inbegriper samarbete för två spelare.
Detta, och mycket mer, i veckans avsnitt av Spelsnack.
Outro: Speeding Towards Adventure av Leandro Abreu, André Pastore, Helton Lima, Leo Quintão, Marco Lima och Thiago Quintino från OCRemix
2019-07-311h 16Under the Electric StarsEpisode 0: JettisonedAt the center of Metropolis West lies Glasshouse—the shiniest and richest district in the city. And delivering to that district is Caine Reyes: hot-tempered, with a fast mouth and a faster car. With a jettisoned all-purpose bot at their side, they decide to make a quick getaway. Featuring grappling hooks, plasma knives, and figuring out just how to pronounce L0R-3NZ.
Find us on our website at undertheelectricstars.com! Transcripts are available on our website.
Support us on Patreon ➠ patreon.com/mxeliramos
Follow us on social media!
Twitter ➠ twitter.com/utes_podcast
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...
2019-01-2017 min
The Entrepreneur Way1084: Support for Women to Launch and Grow Their Businesses with Fran Pastore Founder and Owner of The Women's Business Development CouncilFran Pastore is a devoted catalyst of women’s economic equity and the Founder and CEO of the Women's Business Development Council, a leading organization for championing female entrepreneurship and women’s economic equity. Ms. Pastore served a three year term as an appointed member to the President’s National Women's Business Council (NWBC), an independent source of advice and counsel to the President, Congress, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). She serves on the Board of Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP). In conjunction with the U.S. State Department and University of Connecticut’s Office of Global A...
2019-01-2000 min
2018-09-1158 min
Getting REELPhil Allocco - The Truth About Lies THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES In Select Theaters & On Demand Now! Trailer: https://www.youtube.c om/watch?v=Y3kmssGw_Ig Website: http://thetruthaboutl iesmovie.com IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/titl e/tt2377752 Phil Allocco (Writer/Director/Producer): ht tp://www.imdb.com/name/nm19776 46 Fran Kranz (Lead Actor "Gilby"): http://www.imdb.com/ name/nm0469823 Odette Annable (Lead Actor "Rachel"): http://www.imdb.com /name/nm0951148 Mary Elizabeth Ellis (Lead Actor "Sharon"): http://www.imdb.com /name/nm1634944 Colleen Camp (Lead Actor/Producer "May"): http://www.imdb.com/na me/nm0131974 SYNOPSIS Gilby...
2017-11-0712 min
Behind The Wheel PodcastWomen Of ImpactWomen's Business Development Council Recap 20th Anniversary Gala Luncheon • A Fireside Chat With Fran Pastore Pres/CEO WBDC & Carla Harris Vice Chairman of Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley
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2017-10-2123 minBehind The Wheel PodcastWomen' Business DevelopmentWomen's Business Development Council Recap 20th Anniversary Gala Luncheon • A Fireside Chat With Fran Pastore Pres/CEO WBDC & Carla Harris Vice Chairman of Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley
2017-10-2112 min
Tollans musikaliskaDet osynligas piano del 5: Operabögar och lesbiska sopranerLesbiska sopraner? Kristin Norderval kritiserar traditionell opera och Stella Scott lämnar operascenen. Möt även den manlige traumatiske sopranen Ira Siff, La Gran Scena Opera Company i New York. Inom operavärlden finns en uppsjö homo- och bisexuella män. Men hur många lesbiska kvinnor känner vi till? Över hela världen lyser lesbiska sopraner med sin frånvaro. I alla fall de som är öppna med sin sexuella preferens. Till programmet idag har en svenska tackat nej hon är rädd för att få sin karriär spolierad och hennes hustru är orolig för sitt jobb inom...
2016-04-1239 min