Giana Jarrah, founder and CEO of With Meraki Co., shared her journey in a discussion moderated by Jevata Crawford, founder of Project Move. They emphasized the importance of effectively communicating ideas and engaging with audiences. Jarrah highlighted the evolution of her own pitch style. “The ‘why’ is really important,” she stated. “It’s how you get people to believe in what you’re building.”
Jarrah, who graduated from Lehigh University in 2022 with a degree in biomedical engineering, founded her wellness company specializing in probiotic and prebiotic supplements for urinary and vaginal health. Her personal experiences have played a significant role in shaping her business and message.
Crawford reinforced this idea, noting the need for authenticity in presentations. “If you don’t believe in what you’re saying, your audience will feel that,” she explained. Her company, Project Move, offers move management and estate clearing services in the Lehigh Valley, showcasing her commitment to clear and heartfelt communication.
The event was also a reflection of a larger shift at Lehigh Valley LaunchBox. They are expanding their focus to bring more community-centered programming, especially as they plan to grow their presence in downtown Allentown.
Looking ahead, entrepreneurs can mark their calendars for the 4th Annual LaunchBox Ladies Pitch Competition on June 24 at the Nittany Café, with the event starting at 5:30 p.m. Participants will have the chance to win cash prizes: $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for Audience Choice.
Tiffany Valdes-Madera, the business development coordinator at LaunchBox, expressed her enthusiasm for the competition. “It provides a supportive platform for up-and-coming female entrepreneurs,” she noted.
Recent statistics show that women-led startups are on the rise. According to the 2022 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, the number of women entrepreneurs increased by 21% from 2014 to 2019, highlighting a growing commitment to female empowerment in business.
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or just curious about the trends in women-led initiatives, events like this are key to encouraging innovation and community support in the entrepreneurial landscape.
For more details on upcoming events, visit the Lehigh Valley LaunchBox website.
