This summer Hera Hub’s marketing intern Gloria Chen attended many of our member events. Gloria has taken the time to write about her experience at Hera Hub and to reflect on entrepreneurism as she enters her senior year of high school.
My first day as an intern was coupled with my first event experience: Hera Hub Happy Hour. Entering Happy Hour, I was greeted by a vibrant environment. Hera Hub was transformed from a place filled with entrepreneurs hard at work to a casual environment with groups of women socializing over appetizers dip and wine, which provided a social air that coincided with the Happy Hour norm. Yet these HH participants were not just unwinding, they were networking. 
At first, I couldn’t help but feel slightly uncomfortable and nervous. I felt too young to join the other Hera Hub members in their discussions on business. My conversations on my High School experience and further occupational ideas seemed trivial. However, I was astonished by the kindness of every person that I spoke to, as they discussed their work and imparted advice. And even though Felena challenged that we meet seventeen different people before the Happy Hour activities began, I found myself slipping into lengthy conversations with every person that I met. These were driven business owners, artists, creators, thinkers, and empowered women.
No two were stories were identical; each had varied backgrounds and experiences. I met a woman whose hobbies led into a career photographing horses. Another shared her passion for her non-profit, which provided transportation to schools so that students could go on field trips. One woman, a business consultant and coach, taught me positive visualization techniques. Yet another advised me on college applications. I was picking up so much from every conversation, and an hour hadn’t even passed. 
And then came introductions.
As each woman stated her name, business, and ideal customer, I truly felt the diversity of the Hera Hub community. Yet whether they were in the corporate or entrepreneurial field, whether they specialized in health or law or art or anything else, it was obviously apparent that these women were in a community. As the night went on, they talked about potential future collaborations. They provided input towards their fellow business women’s ideas. They even celebrated a fellow member’s birthday. And unlike many communities, this one was not exclusive, as new members, including myself, were welcomed with applause.
By the end of the night, I truly felt like I had become a part of Hera Hub. And so I ended my first Happy Hour and Hera Hub event experience, not only with business cards and new connections, but a sense of community, fulfillment, and excitement for what is to come. ___________________________________________________________________ 
Gloria Chen is Hera Hub’s summer Marketing Intern. She is currently entering her senior year of high school. She is involved in many different programs including speech and debate. Gloria is sharing her experience at Hera Hub through multiple blog posts, highlighting member events she attends and her day to day here.
