Members of Spectrum’s “Pay It Forward” community share their advice for succeeding while giving back.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting four women business leaders and entrepreneurs from our “Pay it Forward” program whose accomplishments and contributions have made a positive impact on their communities.
Spectrum Reach launched the “Pay It Forward” program in 2021, committing $15 million in advertising and support for multicultural-owned businesses. As part of the program, over 1,300 multicultural-owned businesses in more than 40 markets received the full power of our advertising expertise, services, and products.
We applaud these business owners’ accomplishments, contributions, and commitment to the communities where they live and work. Read more on these inspiring leaders below.
Fashionable, Sustainable, Local
After surviving head, neck, and brain cancer, Cora Spearman was inspired to pursue her dream of becoming a clothing designer. The result was Coradorables, a Hawaiian-inspired fashion brand based in Honolulu that specializes in resort wear and prioritizes sustainability by keeping production local and using biodegradable fabrics.
During the pandemic, Coradorables supported the local community by manufacturing and donating more than 20,000 Personal Protective Equipment related products to Hawaii’s first responders, including coloring books and cartoons to John Hopkins Pediatric Units.
Spearman, a member of the National Retail Federation’s Small Business Council and the Sustainability Council in Honolulu, attributes her success to mentorship, honesty, and authenticity in every aspect of her business and life. Her immersion into the Japanese language and culture has contributed to the expansion of Coradorables into Japanese markets.
She advises other women business owners to support one another wholeheartedly. “Build a network of encouragement, mentorship, and support in all of its iterations,” Spearman said. “There is enough for us all to have a proverbial seat at the table.” Spearman’s goals for Coradorables include increasing global distribution and becoming a successful, sustainable organization with a B Corporation certification. These certifications are awarded to companies that meet high standards for performance, accountability, and transparency around how their business impacts the environment, employees, suppliers, and customers.
Learn more about Cora Spearman’s Coradorables.
Helping a Community Smile with Confidence
For Dr. Meena Patel, dentistry is about giving people the confidence to smile. Six years ago she founded Preston Dental Loft, a dentistry practice that provides cosmetic and restorative care to in Cary, North Carolina.
“No matter what your business is, it’s important to connect with your customers on a human level and build genuine, lasting relationships.” said Dr. Patel.
For Preston Dental Loft, an important part of that connection is by giving back to the community through its annual programs: a day of free dentistry for underserved, low-income patients and a makeover day for women leaders.
When asked what advice she would give to other business owners, Dr. Patel said, “Make sure you dream big. The sky’s the limit. I know it sounds cliché, but keep up the work and don’t give up.”
Learn more about Dr. Meena Patel’s Preston Dental Loft.
Sharing Hometown Pride through Local Products
Fourth-generation El Pasoan Anne Mitchell founded retail business So El Paso to celebrate her city’s culture. The store produces and sells food items and products that represent El Paso.
Through her charitable work, Mitchell supports local artists and fellow local business owners. So El Paso participates in the Shop Local initiative and regularly donates silent auction items to nonprofits including the YWCA, Creative Kids, the Salvation Army, and the El Paso Symphony. Mitchell, who serves on the board of directors for El Paso Chamber and the El Paso Hotel and Lodging Association, advises other women business owners take advantage of the resources offered by their communities.
“Get out of your office and get involved,” said Mitchell. “Join the chamber of commerce, network wherever you can, and get women-owned certified through WBENC. The level of training and networking offered at a very reasonable price (and sometimes free) will accelerate your business.”
Learn more about Anne Mitchell’s So El Paso.
Making Health and Wellness Accessible
Dr. Sylvestra Ramirez founded Physical Therapy of Milwaukee to address health and wellness inequities within her community through bilingual and bicultural physical therapy care. The center provides injury rehabilitation to the broader Milwaukee community.
Physical Therapy of Milwaukee educates members of the community on topics like backpack safety preventing injuries in the workplace, and the benefits of physical therapy at local health and wellness fairs, school events, businesses, and senior centers. They also participate in community events like Día de la Mujer Latina, an annual event that provides cancer prevention resources to low-income Hispanic women.
As a business owner, Dr. Ramirez juggles many responsibilities. However, over the years, she has learned to manage all the tasks on her list.
“We all have the same 24-hours in one day,” Ramirez said. “If you learn how to manage your time, energy and attention, you end each day knowing that you did your best.”
Learn more about Dr. Sylvestra Ramirez’s Physical Therapy of Milwaukee.
