Latest news with #Empowered
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
I barely knew my grandma, but she left me $85,000 when she died. I was able to take 2 years off work and build my dream business.
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rasheda Williams, founder of Empowered Flower Girl. It has been edited for length and clarity. It's hard to describe my relationship with my grandmother, Marguerite. You might say it was interesting. Marguerite was my dad's mother. After my parents divorced, my dad moved to another state, but Marguerite always came to events like graduation and birthdays. In that way, we were close. But our relationship felt very surface-level. She showed up for my milestones, but I never really knew her. She was very private and kept me at a distance. I took her to a doctor's appointment once and asked a few questions. She shot me a look that said, "Mind your own business." That was how she was — always keeping people at arm's length. My dad died before his mother, so as Marguerite got older, I was her only living relative — or so I thought. When she was in her late 70s, I began to notice her house was in disarray, and she was struggling with hoarding. I encouraged her to move, but she refused. She was very stubborn. My grandma left me a note and all her important documents In 2015, when I was 34, I wasn't able to get a hold of Marguerite. I called the police to do a wellness check, and they found that she had died at home. The situation was a bit mysterious: She had written me a note referring to "the key to everything." A folder with her bank and insurance information was nearby. I assumed that was the key she was referring to. When I opened that folder, I saw Marguerite had about $55,000 in the bank. I was stunned. I couldn't believe my grandma had that much money while living the way she was. Marguerite's official cause of death was a heart attack. I'll never know if the note was there because she had a premonition that she was going to die. No matter what, I believe it was divine timing for both of us. I quit my job and lived off my inheritance for two years Between the money in Marguerite's accounts and life insurance policies, I received an inheritance of about $85,000. At the time, I was making about $53,000 a year working in communications for a university, so this was a lot of money for me. I knew immediately I wanted to leave my job. I wasn't fulfilled at work. I had a side project, Empowered Flower Girl, that addresses bullying in young people. That was my life's work, but it was always on the back burner because of my job. It took a year for Marguerite's estate to move through probate court. During that year, I made a strategic plan for my life. It wasn't too different from the marketing plans I was used to making at work. I would quit my day job and write a book for Empowered Flower Girl—something I'd been putting off for years. Once I received the money, I put about $15,000 into emergency savings. I used the remaining $70,000 to live off of for the next two years. Although that wasn't a ton of money, I was still able to treat myself to some things, including a trip to the Caribbean. I wrote my book, began speaking professionally, and advanced Empowered Flower Girl. After two years, I started picking up freelance work. I felt my career was much more aligned with my purpose. I was living for a living, and no longer dreading going to work. I later learned about a family I didn't know existed It turns out, however, that the biggest catalyst for change after Marguerite's death wasn't the money she left me: It was the realization of a family secret. When I went through her papers, I learned about my grandmother's stepdaughter, whom I never knew existed. I also learned that Marguerite had cousins and extended family I had never known. Finding that family helped me feel whole. I fostered relationships with them and deepened relationships with my friends. Marguerite's death was a wake-up call for me. Although she was in her 80s when she died, her death reinforced to me that life is short. I want to spend my time with the people and projects that are most important to me. Thanks to my grandmother, I am able to do that.
UAE Moments
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- UAE Moments
♎ Libra Daily Horoscope for July 26, 2025
The universe might toss a few curveballs your way, but you? You'll juggle them like a pro in heels. Stay calm, keep your charm, and don't be afraid to say no to energy that throws you off balance. This is your vibe-protecting era. ⚖️ Vibe Check: Elegant, Empowered & Unbothered You're moving through the day with that main character energy. People notice your calm, your confidence, and your refusal to let petty things mess with your peace. Libra Tip: Your silence is sometimes the loudest response. Let your energy speak. 💼 Work & Career: Diplomacy = Your Secret Weapon Whether you're smoothing over office drama or leading the way on a new project, your ability to see all sides is your superpower. Just remember: fairness doesn't mean sacrificing your boundaries. 💡 Libra Hack: Say what you mean, nicely, but firmly. Balance isn't always 50/50. 💖 Love & Friendship: Aesthetic Meets Affection Single Libras, your charm is magnetic today. Don't be surprised if compliments turn into coffee dates. In a relationship? Add a little flair to your quality time, dress up just because, light that candle, cue the playlist. Today's Love Mood: Romantic but not over-the-top, just the way you like it. 🧘♀️ Mood & Vibe: Stylish Soul, Steady Heart You're emotionally grounded and aesthetically glowing. That inner peace? It's showing on your face. Lucky Color: Rose Gold Lucky Numbers: 6 & 24 Cosmic Playlist Song: 'Golden' – Harry Styles Affirmation of the Day: 'I stay centered and attract peace in every form.' Libra Thought for July 26: The best decisions are made when your head and heart agree and today, they do.
New Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Helping women steer careers in life sciences
BENGALURU: To help women build careers in life sciences, Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Biocon Group, in collaboration with The Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), on Monday announced the launch of the first-of-its-kind program BioWISE - Women in STEM Empowered. The program is aimed at disadvantaged science students from tier 2 and 3 universities across Karnataka. As the first state-level cohort, the BioWISE program will support 25 women students, including 15 postgraduates (PG) and 10 undergraduates (UG) from life sciences backgrounds. The initiative is designed to run 6 months for PG students and 3 months for UG students, offering them extensive exposure, training, and mentorship.
Deccan Herald
09-06-2025
- Science
- Deccan Herald
25 women to get STEM career boost with Biocon-supported initiative
The BioWISE — Women in STEM Empowered — programme aims to empower disadvantaged women students from tier-2 and Tier-3 universities across Karnataka through regular mentorship, internships, bio-incubation centre visits, and other initiatives.
Business Upturn
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Biocon launches BioWISE program to empower women in STEM across Karnataka
By Aditya Bhagchandani Published on June 9, 2025, 17:01 IST Biocon Foundation, the CSR arm of Biocon Group, has announced the launch of its new BioWISE (Women in STEM Empowered) program in partnership with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and the Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster. The initiative aims to support 25 women science students from tier 2 and 3 universities across Karnataka to build careers in life sciences through internships, mentorships, and training. This first-of-its-kind program will support 15 postgraduate and 10 undergraduate students from underserved communities, offering six-month and three-month mentorship and hands-on exposure respectively. The initiative is structured to include lab visits, bio-incubation centre tours, soft skills training, and continuous mentor-mentee sessions with experts from Biocon Biologics, NCBS, and other partner institutions. Chairperson Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw emphasized that empowering women in STEM is a strategic investment in India's future. The program will be hosted at NCBS, while BeST Cluster will oversee design and implementation. Biocon Biologics will also provide professional mentorship. The launch event witnessed participation from various dignitaries and scientists, with all stakeholders committing to building an inclusive scientific ecosystem that ensures equitable access to research, education, and opportunity. Aditya Bhagchandani serves as the Senior Editor and Writer at Business Upturn, where he leads coverage across the Business, Finance, Corporate, and Stock Market segments. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he not only contributes insightful articles but also oversees editorial direction for the reporting team.
