Second “Ignite” Workshop Draws Immigrant Women to Learn, Lunch, and Link

Second “Ignite” Workshop Draws Immigrant Women
to Learn, Lunch, and Link

Following the highly successful event, ( L to R): TWI board members Belgin Lore and Sema Basol thank event caterer Ilkay Basugur and program facilitator Tresa Eyres.
Following the highly successful event, ( L to R): TWI board members Belgin Lore and Sema Basol thank event caterer Ilkay Basugur and program facilitator Tresa Eyres.

It was learning, lunch, and linking up with other like-minded women at TWI’s March Ignite Workshop in southern California.

The topic of the learning was “The Perfect Pitch: Presenting Yourself Socially and Professionally in the Very Best Light.” Immigrant women professionals spent the day creating and practicing the pitches they will use to represent themselves and their goals to others.

Developing self-awareness and self-confidence by becoming “comfortable with the uncomfortable” was a major part of this hands-on program.
Developing self-awareness and self-confidence by becoming “comfortable with the uncomfortable” was a major part of this hands-on program.

Lunch was a delicious organic, low-carb meal catered by Chef Ilkay Basugur, a Turkish immigrant and co-founder of Fermentality, LLC.

Following a presentation by Ilkay of her story and the nutritional benefits of fermented, low-carb foods, workshop participants were treated to generous and delicious servings of her products.
Following a presentation by Ilkay of her story and the nutritional benefits of fermented, low-carb foods, workshop participants were treated to generous and delicious servings of her products.

Linking up with others of similar backgrounds rounded out the five-hour event attended by women from seven different countries from all over the LA area and as far away as San Francisco and China.

As with all Ignite workshops, there is ample time for participants to develop meaningful connections with other women who share their experiences and who support each other.
As with all Ignite workshops, there is ample time for participants to develop meaningful connections with other women who share their experiences and who support each other.

The March workshop was second in TWI’s Ignite series, in which women professionals gather at the Unitá Club workspace in El Segundo to network and gain knowledge and skills in navigating the challenges of living and working in the U.S.

The Perfect Pitch: Preparing to Present Yourself in the Very Best Light
The January workhop covered the topic of “Finding Your Way in the U.S. While Keeping Your Authentic Self: Cultural Competence and Communication.” Dr. Nurcan Ensari (above left) led participants through the similarities and differences between the U.S. culture and other countries.

Ignite workshops target immigrant professional women from any counry. Future workshops will focus on topics such as: “Self-reflection: Finding Who I Am and My Path for the Future,” “Networking Strategies and Best Practices ,“ and “The How-tos of Starting a Successful Small Business.”

If you are an immigrant woman living in southern California and interested in attending, please email your request for further information at https://www.thetwi.org/contact-us/.