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Here’s how two WOCAN Members of the Year are scaling both.Two winners. One mission. Mabel Peralta (2024) and Stephanie Wedgeworth (2025) sit down to unpack what the WOCAN Member of the Year “crown” really means: move from being “the only one” to building a community where women of color don’t just feel seen—they get sponsored, equipped, and elevated. From the “heels vs. sneakers” surprise on stage to the day-after responsibility, they share how recognition becomes obligation in the best way.
They dive into WOCAN’s growth engine—outreach, scholarships, a leadership academy, and a bring-a-friend ethos—and why representation shifts careers faster than any single conference ever could. Their light-bulb analogy says it best: when one shines, all shine brighter.
0:00 Intro — Two WOCAN Members of the Year: Mabel Peralta (2024) & Stephanie Wedgeworth (2025)
0:54 What winning really means: recognition today, responsibility tomorrow
1:47 The “heels vs. sneakers” moment—and why staying ready matters
2:46 Stephanie’s reaction: honored, surprised, and fueled by purpose over ego
4:04 Why join WOCAN: from being “the only one” to finding your row
5:23 Reframing “too aggressive”: passion, standards, and safe rooms to grow
6:55 Seeing women in the C-suite: representation as career unlock
7:18 “Where’s Waldo” to “We’re here”: the power of walking into a room and seeing yourself
8:31 Code words, real barriers, and how shared context shortens the learning curve
9:12 The light-bulb analogy: don’t dim—amplify each other’s wattage
10:14 From commentators to teammates: why WOCAN is on-the-field support
12:11 What’s next: more outreach, bring-a-friend, make access personal (yes, here’s my number)
13:52 Scaling impact: scholarships, leadership academy, and sending women who wouldn’t get sent
15:06 Expanding the pipeline: high school exposure beyond “sales or service”
15:42 Iterating the annual: notes, improvements, and a bigger stage for 2026
Connect with Mabel Peralta: linkedin.com/in/mabelperalta
Connect with Stephanie Wedgeworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wedgeworth-4a367923/
Learn more about WOCAN: https://www.wocautonetwork.com/
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