Tammira Lucas, co-founder of Moms As Entrepreneurs, stressed the importance of relationship building when we first met her in October. She hoped to walk away from Upswell with new relationships that would help her grow her program on a national level. We touched base with Tammira about Upswell LA and whether the experience helped her expand her professional network.

Q: Was Upswell different from other events you’ve attended in the past, and if so, how?

TL: Upswell was totally different from other events I’ve attended in the past. From the dinners at the local restaurants and the visit to Skid Row, it provided an experience that really helped leaders think differently about the work they are doing.

Q: What was your favorite part of Upswell?

TL: My favorite part of Upswell were the Main Stage speakers. I loved the diversity in the speakers as well as the setup of the actual stage.

Q: What most surprised you about Upswell?

TL: What surprised me most about Upswell was the network of people. They were different. They wanted to talk and share their ideas with you. It wasn’t a room that made you feel uncomfortable but made you feel like you belonged.

Q: What did you like most about the Public Square – for example, Main Stage talks, Spark Talks, Immersive Arcade, Changemaker Challenge, Focus Groups, and Science and Tech Demos?

TL: The Public Square was awesome. I really loved the Immersive Arcade. It was really cool. The Changemaker Challenges was cool, too. The Main Stage talks topped the cake! I love how you felt you were part of the speakers’ journeys. I loved how the speakers captivated the audience and were relatable.

Q: Who was the most interesting person you met? Did you learn anything new?

TL: The most interesting person I met was Tarana Burke. I learned that no matter the platform, there is always a struggle in doing the work we do. Leaders take on a lot and you really have to be passionate about your work to keep going.