When she walked through the doors of the inaugural Boss Summit 2020, Ms. Indya Fields was already expecting this to be the best week she had ever experienced. As a full-time high school student, part-time restaurant worker, and part-time aide to Head Chef Talibah Cherry, Indya was hoping to leave with some tips on how to finally put her own business in motion. She had no idea that so much more would be awaiting her once the summit began.
Indya is a Philadelphia native teen who attended the Harvard Law School program just this past summer. As a result, she will be graduating high school with 20 college credits already under her belt. She has a habit of hard work, which is a valuable skill in a person her age. This habit is what earned her a seat at the summit. In November of 2019, Indya sought a position helping Talibah Cherry’s catering brand, Deeper Than Soul. She spent her year as an intern proving her work ethic, which resulted in her Assistant promotion in July of 2020.
As the guests filled in the incredible venue of the summit, Indya watched them hurry to their rooms, race to bathrooms, grab quick bites and pull out their cell phones. With everyone still adjusting from traveling, pop Indya became nervous about interacting with the many Bosses she had initially been so excited to meet. But, it didn’t take long before the home warmed up. The compliments were nonstop. Being spoken to and included in activities allowed Indya to feel right at home. She soaked in the gems being shared in each conversation and exchanged information with as many bosses as she could. By the second night of the summit, Indya knew she had met women who were willing to support her beyond the week of the summit. Indya had found sisters.
On the second night of the summit, everyone went around telling something personal about themselves. Indya shared her story of attending Harvard over the summer and beginning her own business. The entire room roared with praises and congratulations. “Sis, what’s your cash app? I want to support you,” said one Boss. “Before you leave here make sure you come to get this $200 from me,” said another Boss. “And, I want to add $300 to that,” said another. The donations continued until one voice said, “I’d like to offer you a scholarship donation.”
On behalf of the James Smiles Foundation Fund, Indya received $1,000.00 towards her education on top of the donations she received.
The Boss Summit is a true testament to what happens when pure hearts and ambitious mindsets unite. They say if you teach a man a skill, he will master it, but if you teach a woman a skill, she will teach it to her community. Boss Summit aims to uplift, connect and inspire all bosses who are willing to learn. Indya is one of the many Bosses this community hopes to inspire to dream big and know that support for those dreams is waiting when you are ready to receive it.
Visit our website for more information on how to attend the next Boss Summit.
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