đź‘‘ From Crown to Community

Recognition is powerful. Responsibility is greater. Two WOCAN Members of the Year—Mabel Peralta and Stephanie Wedgeworth show how a moment on stage becomes a year of service.

What does the “crown” really mean? Mabel calls it Miss-America energy: you win today, you work tomorrow—amplifying WOCAN everywhere, mentoring, and making space for the next winner. Stephanie’s take is pure purpose: the honor is fuel to keep building what she wished she had earlier in her career.

The moments we loved

  • Heels vs. sneakers: Stay ready. Recognition can hit mid-event—leadership looks like rolling with it.

  • From “only one” to a row: WOCAN turns isolation into belonging, sponsorship, and safe rooms to grow skills.

  • Light-bulb analogy: Don’t dim to fit. When one shines, all shine brighter.

WOCAN’s growth engine

  • Outreach + bring-a-friend: Make access personal (yes, share the number).

  • Scholarships: Send women who wouldn’t be sent.

  • Leadership Academy: Practical reps, real mentors, faster career lift.

  • Pipeline work: High-school exposure beyond “sales or service.”

For leaders & dealers: put this to work

  • Sponsor, don’t just applaud. Tie recognition to stretch projects, budget, and visibility.

  • Measure what matters: Track promotions, pay equity, and retention for women of color.

  • Build the bench: Fund conference scholarships; pair attendees with post-event mentors.

  • Create safe rooms: Peer cohorts where “passionate” isn’t code—it's welcomed as standards + care.

Representation isn’t a panel—it’s a performance system. The more intentional the support, the faster the careers move and the stronger your store (and industry) becomes.

🎧 Hear the full conversation with Mabel and Stephanie on the NAMAD Sessions by MIA —stories, tactics, and the playbook for turning recognition into responsibility.

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