Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelda Yaw, Lonna Green, and Mandy Wright.
2bKnown is the culmination of a multi-year journey for a group of 3 women whose individual stories drove a united passion — to become the destination for critical lifestyle topics for all women. Combined, they are wives, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters. An artist, entrepreneurs, art and special education teachers, former techie executive. Adventurous, passionate, and compassionate.
Nelda, Lonna, and Mandy please tell us more about your story.
Nelda CEO and Founder 2BKnown – I’m a lover of life, mother of four, Nonni, former special educator, researcher, writer, artist, and the one who both intrigues and bewilders my husband Karl. Professionally I am the owner and Chief Visionary of 2BKnown. I am also a former public and homeschooling teacher and I love art in general and have chosen encaustic as my medium the last few years.
Lonna Founding Partner/Business & Tech Operations- I’ve been married to my man-child (you know what I mean – it’s like raising another child) for 23 years. We have two incredible daughters, age 22 and 13. Our oldest daughter and her husband saw fit to make me a young hip grandmother and at age 41 I became a GiGi. My fiery personality helped me in the business world. Through a series of opportunities and hard work over the years I climbed the corporate ladder, breaking glass ceilings in that (1) I don’t have a college degree and (2) was a woman executive in the world of technology.
Mandy Founding Partner/Director of Product Development- Education is by background. I’ve taught everything from Pre-K students with disabilities to College Freshman – Integrated Reading and Writing. Married to a firefighter for 11 years now, together, my husband and I are trying to do our absolute best to raise our four kids in this ever-changing world.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
We started out as friends wanting to help other women find their voices. We thought a blog with a few resources would be the way to go, little did we know what was in store. What was so small grew into this massive idea and dream. Not just helping those around us but realizing this could impact women globally as well.
Have you ever worked with friends? Not just “friends” but friends that turn into family? Not the “smoothest of roads” if you can imagine. We live life together – all of us plus or families. The true test was taking 6 adults and 7 kids (ages 3 to 13) to Disney for a week. Magic, chaos and grace!
You have Nelda who has taken the role of the big sister, – she’s the visionary of 2bKnown. Lonna who is the middle child ready to break through glass ceilings – she’s the business brains of 2bKnown. And then me, the peacekeeper of the bunch – I’m the heart of 2bKnown. All 3 pieces are vital to the whole. No one can function without the other and nor would we want it to.
We’ve had bumps, bruises, and tears. The difference is we’ve walked through life together, unconditionally have each other backs in the up and downs. Did we always get it right? Or say the right thing? Nope, we are very much human and fallible. We strive to be transparent, loving, humble and speak life into each other.
Please tell us about 2bKnown.
2bKnown was founded to provide a platform for women to share their stories, to be known for who they are in this world. We have created a safe place to have your voice heard.
Women were made to share life together, to celebrate the ups and embrace the downs, to learn from the good, the bad, the ugly, and to encourage, uplift, empathize.
Sharing life together means learning from those that have already walked our paths and leaving a better legacy for those that are yet to come.
We believe, that along with our vision, the contributions of our women and the technology supporting our platform, 2bKnown will be much more than just your typical website. Our goal is to create a sense of community among women. Change the dialogue on social media to one of unity and encouragement, reduce divisiveness.
We hope to improve the state of personal relationships, and provide the ability to share knowledge and education. We want to empower women to increase influence in their communities as well as increase visibility and action for women’s & humanitarian causes.
How we will be different, is the 2bKnown Pledge. It offers women a choice to make a difference.
Community Advocates… creating relationships and community, not moderators sitting behind a screen.
Technology supported security that helps protect women in sensitive situations.
Provide incentives for women who learn about or connect with content outside of their ‘comfort zone’.
Incentivize diversity and women who mentor, educate or empower others.
We believe the time is now for women to easily connect online in a safe community. The basic respect of humanity is where it begins so we can build authentic relationships with other women. As women, it’s our stories that connect us, more so than our political views, race or religion. This is why as members of the 2bKnown community, women will make the choice to uphold the
2bKnown Pledge.
I choose to instill the core belief that as women, we all matter, we all have a voice and the right to be heard.
I choose to help promote a united community focused on empathy, kindness, and understanding.
I choose to create an environment where safety, transparency, and authenticity are celebrated.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I don’t know that we would. Every stumble taught us something, about ourselves, each other or where this journey would take us.
Side Note – Launch of full site is set for March 1, 2018
Contact Info:
- Website: 2bKnown.com
- Email: info@2bknown.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2bknownwomen
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2bknown_women/
Image Credit:
James Pharaon – James Pharaon Creative
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
