My Reflection on “Catholic Women in Business: Inspire and Aspire” In-Person Networking
“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Have you ever walked into a situation where you didn’t know how God would meet you there? Where you signed up for something because He gave you a nudge but you had no clue about the end goal?
I experienced this recently by raising my hand to attend the “Catholic Women in Business: Inspire and Aspire In-Person Networking” event. On March 20, after a long workday and some fasting because it was Lent, I pulled up to Yollah, a local restaurant that has become a gathering place for friends, celebrations, chats, and all of life’s moments.
I sat in my car for a minute to collect my thoughts because I am reserved when I take part in something new. I like to observe and see what’s happening around me, and the smaller the group, the more timid I can be. I got up the gumption, stepped out of my car, and said, “Hello,” to my potential new friends.
Introductions were exchanged, drinks were ordered, and an overview of why we had gathered was presented. Christina Sabo, director of marketing for Catholic Women in Business, gave us a handout describing the organization and what it means to network. I had never attended a networking event, and I was anxious about sharing my story and career background.
I am not a wife, mother, or someone with a longstanding career or completed higher education. I think of myself as accomplished 一 mainly for what I’ve been through in life 一 but not by title or label. When it came time for me to introduce myself, I mentioned working at Mount de Sales Academy, being a middle school office administrator, owning my first home, and becoming a Catholic two years ago. My introduction elicited an unexpectedly positive reaction from the group. I was overwhelmed and overjoyed knowing that women could be in the same room, sit at the same table, and applaud each other for being themselves. This moment gave me the confidence to continue contributing to the conversation for the rest of the night.
As we moved through the minutes, time passed slowly, like molasses. It was great to have intentional time with new people, sharing everyday happenings, and breaking bread together. It made everything we encountered and poured into each other all the more sweet. Once the chips, dips, and sips arrived, we became lively and more aware of what fulfills us and gives us daily hope. Christina asked us icebreaker questions to see where we are in our professional and personal lives, how we are growing, and what improvements we might be able to make. I needed to hear these questions and meditate on them.
At this time, I had been searching for meaning in my life, especially in my professional career. I had been to St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia with our school’s students on a mission trip. It was my second trip. Just two months before meeting this group of women, I had told myself that I wanted to stay in Philadelphia to grow the most and feel closest to God.
No lie, I really needed to hear those icebreakers and what the other women thought because I could learn a thing or two from them. And I did. I learned that our faith keeps us grounded and that we grow from the strains of life. I saw in each of these women that they struggle as a wife and mother the same way I do as a single, childless individual. It was eye-opening for me to know that I am not alone in finding balance and truth. We are all interconnected in more ways than one: through our careers, personal relationships, and how we think about ourselves and the world around us.
It made me realize that I have an opportunity to use my gifts for my community and to make my whole being a vessel for God’s kingdom. I have always said this, but it made more sense after this evening. I was given more clarity and confidence to strive for a better future for what I want, and the courage to nurture relationships with women who will hold each other accountable while uplifting and supporting each other through all times.
More than that, there is something holier about being surrounded by Catholic women. Their faith can be shaken but still remain steady and sound. There is a depth to who they are and what brings them comfort and grace. They see the Good Shepherd and want to be His sheep, lie at His feet, hear the Good News, and spread it for all to hear.
Sitting in Yollah on a cool Friday evening, where all walks of life were eating and drinking, were women who laughed and shared their souls in a public place all in the name of Jesus. You can’t get any better than being in the presence of such humility, warmth, and holiness.
Editor’s Note: Catholic Women in Business provides a framework for community members to host Inspire and Aspire events for in-person networking. Sign ups for third quarter events open June 29. Click here to learn more and and sign up.
Chyrisse Smith was born in Chicago and raised in Athens, Georgia. After working for Girl Scouts of America and the University of Georgia, she moved to Macon in 2022 to work at Mount de Sales Academy as the middle school office administrator. She loves her job and as a single, 37-year-old she is living the Catechist, parish council member, Environmental Club co-leader life. She loves nature, being part of her community and building relationships, and reading. She loves both a good read and conversation!