Calling all the ladies

This is no longer a man’s world. Sorry, guys. It’s true and we all know it. Women are rising to every challenge men have ever faced in the workplace and are frequently surpassing their male counterparts when it comes to job performance.

Having said that, too many of us are still nervous facing an all-male board room. The first female president might be around the corner, but how many women are still taught to defer to males when making a serious decision? Enough of that. Consider one Silicon Valley entrepreneur who went from sleeping on couches to founding a $5 million dollar venture capital firm.

Arlan Hamilton has defied just about every odd you can imagine. She’s black, gay and started her business while homeless. Her dream of creating a venture capital fund geared to women, minorities and LGBTQ business leaders seemed lofty without dedicated investors. But that didn’t stop her. She set up meetings, tracked down potential partners and never gave up.

One day, Hamilton got a text that changed her life: “I’m in,” said tech vet Susan Kimberlin, a financial advisor and “investment angel” who saw a golden opportunity in Hamilton’s unique vision.

The rest is modern history. With Kimberlin’s backing, Hamilton went on to found Backstage Capital and “turn the white investment world on its head.” She now oversees dozens of employees and even more startup companies.

So what is the lesson here? Well, there are a couple. The first one is obvious (I think): Never give up. Your business idea sounds like a pipe dream? Who cares. Dreams can come true with the right timing and commitment. Next time you’re too tired or discouraged to pursue a goal, remember that Hamilton went from a couch crasher to a business leader in one of the most competitive markets in the world.

The second lesson might be less obvious, but it’s just as important: Think of women as potential allies and partners. No one knows the struggles of fighting the proverbial glass ceiling better than all the ladies in the house. Use that camaraderie to learn, grow and excel as an entrepreneur. Together, we can accomplish amazing things.

If you’re interested in becoming the next Hamilton or even Kimberlin, consider applying to The Institute of Hip Hop Entrepreneurship. This nine-month, tuition-free program will introduce you to like-minded women and men who are making a difference in their communities and businesses. Hear inspirational stories, get real-world advice and learn from leaders who know what it means to start from scratch. What seems impossible now could end up being a life-changing experience.

The deadline for IHHE is fast approaching. Apply here by September 1.