Episodios

  • #44: Women’s History Month celebration with Mary Wong: ‘Moving Forward Together'

    #44: Women’s History Month celebration with Mary Wong: ‘Moving Forward Together'
    Mar 26 2025
    March is the month to celebrate Women’s History. In business, 40% of new companies are started by women, employing 10 million workers and generating $1.8 trillion in revenue. That’s a lot of economic impact to celebrate. I’m Susan Soroko, Director of Creative Economy at Arlington Economic Development in Arlington Virginia. The role of Economic Development is to retain and attract businesses where workers can live and thrive in a great community even when the work world is changing. We support (small) business through programs like BizLaunch and value the importance of placemaking and a sector devoted to creative economy and the arts. Today we’re going to talk about the value and impact of women owned businesses on our economy. To help me discuss this I’d like to welcome Mary Wong, Founder and Principal Consultant of EvaluCcraft Global. Ms. Wong is the Founder and Principal Consultant of EvaluCraft Global, LLC, a data-driven and evidence-informed consulting firm that provides public and foreign policy analysis and evaluation services. Established in Arlington in January 2020 to meet an emerging need, EvaluCraft Global, LLC helps public and private sector organizations at all levels around the world engaged in public and international affairs to analyze, assess and evaluate associated policies and programs for effectiveness, impact, output and outcomes. Our core values are competence, transparency and accountability. Prior to launching EvaluCraft Global, Ms. Wong served 11 ½ years with the U.S. Department of State, most recently as Deputy Director in the Office of Management Policy and Resources in the Bureau of International Organization Affairs and prior to that as Deputy Director in the Office of the Fulbright Scholarship Board in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Before joining U.S. federal public service, Ms. Wong worked 8 ½ years on design and administration of international exchanges and training for the Institute of International Education in Washington, DC and in Hanoi, Vietnam. Ms. Wong has a Master of Public Policy degree in Program Evaluation from the George Washington University's Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Administration, a Master of Arts degree in International Development with a focus on Social and Economic Development from the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy & International Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations with a concentration in Political Economy from Drake University in Iowa. Ms. Wong is passionate about foreign policy relevance to the publics. When not working, Ms. Wong enjoys traveling and learning about the world with her husband and two children; cheering on her daughters in all their curricular and extracurricular pursuits, and contributing to community-building through the Bahá’í Faith and service projects. Resources: EvaluCraft Global Arlington Economic Development BizLaunch Division: BizLaunch Minority Vendor Fair Upcoming Minority Vendor Showcase at Hyatt Crystal City General information about the Small Business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/ SBA resources locally: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance SCORE Counseling and other resources: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business/Small-Business-Programs/One-on-One-Counseling Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
    Más Menos
    21 m
  • #43: Celebrating Black Excellence with Chef Rock Harper of Queen Mother’s Kitchen

    #43: Celebrating Black Excellence with Chef Rock Harper of Queen Mother’s Kitchen
    Feb 26 2025
    It’s February! It’s all about love and the Annual Celebration of Black History Month. I love how the two go hand in hand. This is an extra special podcast because Tara Palacios is filling in this month to host and in addition we are collaborating this month with our partners with the National Landing BID. Black History Month is a vital time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black entrepreneurs who have shaped industries and paved the way for future generations. From trailblazers like Madam C.J. Walker to today’s innovators in tech, finance, and beyond, their stories serve as powerful lessons in perseverance, creativity, and economic empowerment. As we celebrate Black excellence in entrepreneurship, we also recognize the ongoing challenges and the need for equitable opportunities. Join us as we highlight inspiring Black business leaders, share their journeys, and explore how we can foster a more inclusive and thriving entrepreneurial landscape. Hosting today is Tara Palacios, Director of BizLaunch at Arlington Economic Development in Arlington Virginia. Economic Development agencies throughout the US aim to build sustainable businesses and the role businesses play are vital to the health of our communities. We wholeheartedly support small business through BizLaunch and value the importance of placemaking as a sector devoted to creative economy and the arts. On today’s show we are going to discuss black entrepreneurship and what it takes to innovate and create using food as a canvas…. To discuss this topic is the renowned Chef Rock Harper of Queen Mother’s Kitchen located in National Landing in Arlington. Resources Queen Mother's Kitchen website: https://www.queenmothercooks.com/ National Landing BID: https://nationallanding.org/ Arlington Economic Development BizLaunch Division: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business General information about the Small Business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/ SBA resources locally: https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance SCORE Counseling and other resources: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business/Small-Business-Programs/One-on-One-Counseling Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024 The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/ Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/ Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström: https://www.theagilebrand.show The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
    Más Menos
    32 m
  • #42: Transforming small businesses with Alex Held, Arlington Economic Development

    #42: Transforming small businesses with Alex Held, Arlington Economic Development
    Jan 22 2025

    It’s January! It’s the month for renewal, resolutions and fresh starts. Whether you’re looking for personal or professional changes, now’s the time to put plans to work. In Arlington Economic Development, training and support go hand and hand throughout the year, but this January, there’s more in store.


    I’m Susan Soroko, Director of Creative Economy at Arlington Economic Development in Arlington Virginia. The role of Economic Development is to retain and attract businesses where workers can live and thrive in a great community even when the work world is changing. We support (small) business through programs like BizLaunch and value the importance of placemaking and a sector devoted to creative economy and the arts.

    Today we’re going to talk about what it takes to transform a small business.

    Alex Held is Small Business Manager at Arlington Economic Development. He is a solutions oriented thinker with six years of business development, sales and marketing, and consulting experience in dynamic organizations both nonprofit and for-profit, managing competing priorities in a goal driven setting. I am particularly skilled at uncovering clients’ needs and finding solutions to achieve their objectives.

    Resources
    Arlington Economic Development BizLaunch Division: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business

    BizLaunch Transformational Challenge and Pitch Fest event: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/News-Resources/Events/BizLaunch-Transformational-Challenge-and-PitchFest

    Alex Held LinkedIn bio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-held-cpm-747b6615/

    The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show

    Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/

    Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/

    Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström:
    https://www.theagilebrand.show

    The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development:
    https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com

    The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
    Más Menos
    21 m
  • #41: The Art of Business with Cade Martin

    #41: The Art of Business with Cade Martin
    Dec 10 2024

    A quick online search of Cade Martin Photography will get you to a showcase of exceptional commercial work, video reels, sought after portraits and much more. But if you’re trying to find out his secrets to

    business success – or even what he looks like! – you’ll have to keep looking.


    I’m Susan Soroko, Director of Creative Economy at Arlington

    Economic Development in Arlington Virginia. The role of Economic Development is to retain and attract businesses where

    workers can live and thrive in a great community even when the work world is changing. We support (small) business through

    programs like BizLaunch and value the importance of

    placemaking and a sector devoted to creative economy and the arts.


    Today we’re going to talk about art and business and the huge shifts in professional photography.


    Cade Martin's work is rooted in collaboration, flexibility, and sparks of creativity. Every image tells a story, whether in the spotlight of campaigns or in the moments in between. Cade lives in the Washington, DC area. He has worked with brands from Starbucks to Target, FDA to NPR, National Geographic to Sesame Street, bringing campaigns to life on budgets large or small.

    Resources

    View Cade Martin's work:

    https://www.cademartinphoto.com

    https://www.cademartin.com


    Arlington Economic Development BizLaunch Division: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business


    General information about the Small Business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/


    SBA resources locally:


    https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance


    SCORE Counseling and other resources:

    https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business/Small-Business-Programs/One-on-One-Counseling


    Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024

    The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show


    Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/


    Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/


    Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström:

    https://www.theagilebrand.show


    The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development:

    https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com


    The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
    Más Menos
    28 m
  • #40: The impact of small businesses on the economy and surrounding communities with Larry G. Webb, Small Business Administration

    #40: The impact of small businesses on the economy and surrounding communities with Larry G. Webb, Small Business Administration
    Nov 12 2024

    99.9% of businesses in the US are considered small businesses, employing over 61 million Americans, or nearly half of private sector employees. This makes small businesses a critical part of the business world and the communities they serve.


    I’m Susan Soroko, Director of Creative Economy at Arlington Economic Development in Arlington Virginia. The role of Economic Development is to retain and attract businesses where workers can live and thrive in a great community even when the work world is changing. We support (small) business through programs like BizLaunch and value the importance of placemaking and a sector devoted to creative economy and the arts.


    Today we’re going to talk about small business/big economic impact.


    To help me discuss the role of small businesses, I’d like to welcome Larry G. Webb, District Director, Small Business Administration (SBA)


    Resources

    Arlington Economic Development BizLaunch Division: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business


    General information about the Small Business Administration (SBA): https://www.sba.gov/


    SBA resources locally:


    https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance


    SCORE Counseling and other resources:

    https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business/Small-Business-Programs/One-on-One-Counseling


    Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024

    The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show


    Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/


    Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/


    Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström:

    https://www.theagilebrand.show


    The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development:

    https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com


    The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
    Más Menos
    25 m
  • #39: Building Community Through Innovation with Natalia Micheletti of Pryze

    #39: Building Community Through Innovation with Natalia Micheletti of Pryze
    Oct 8 2024

    In this episode, host Susan Soroko, Director of Creative Economy at Arlington Economic Development, explores the vital role of innovation in fostering vibrant communities where people want to live and work.

    Joined by Natalia Micheletti, co-founder of the Pryze app, they discuss the importance of economic development in retaining and attracting businesses, even amid changing work environments. The conversation highlights various initiatives like BizLaunch, the significance of placemaking, and the creative economy and arts sector in enhancing community well-being. As Hispanic Heritage Month approaches, the episode also sets the stage for celebrating diverse businesses and events in Arlington, Virginia.


    Resources

    Arlington Innovation Fund https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Locate-in-Arlington/Incentives-Services/Arlington-Innovation-Fund?_gl=1*xffokb*_ga*MTQ2NzYzMzM4MS4xNzA3NzU0MjEy*_ga_BSNCGMV709*MTcxODAyNDk3MC4yNi4xLjE3MTgwMjUyNzAuNjAuMC4xOTIwNzY5Mzc.


    Pryze App website: https://www.pryzeapp.com/


    The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development:

    https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com


    The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show


    Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/


    Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/


    Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström:

    https://www.theagilebrand.show


    The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
    Más Menos
    25 m
  • #38: The Role of Arts in the Community and How an Art Walk Helps Artists, Residences and Businesses

    #38: The Role of Arts in the Community and How an Art Walk Helps Artists, Residences and Businesses
    Sep 24 2024

    Today we’re going to talk about the role of the arts in building a great community that people want to live and work in.

    Susan Soroko, Director of Creative Economy in BizLaunch at Arlington Economic Development talks with Alissa Maru, Associate Curator at Mason Exhibitions Arlington at George Mason University

    Also don't miss the 2024 Arlington ArtWalk on October 5. More information here.


    Resources


    Mason Exhibitions website:

    www.masonexhibitions.org


    AED Art Walk Announcement

    https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/News-Resources/Events/2024-Arlington-Art-Walk


    Art Walk Participants:

    ARC 3409 Art Studio artists Courtney Nguyen, Will Salha, Phil Linder, Bryn Wallace; Arlington Art Truck, Arlington Public Art, Arlington Public Library The Shop, Cody Gallery, Fred Schnider Gallery of Art, Mason Exhibitions, The Plaza at Mason Square, Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) Arlington, Northside Social Arlington, WHINO


    BizLaunch, Arlington's resource for small businesses: https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com/Small-Business/About-BizLaunch


    The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development:

    https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com


    The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show


    Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/


    Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/


    Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström:

    https://www.theagilebrand.show


    The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
    Más Menos
    20 m
  • #37 How to Leverage the Power of Unique Online Communities to Stand Out

    #37 How to Leverage the Power of Unique Online Communities to Stand Out
    Sep 10 2024

    In this episode of Brand the Change, Bonnie Habyan has a fireside chat with online community creator Scott MacGregor. Scott is the founder of The Outlier Project, a unique community and model that blends learning, networking, and experiences. Technology, the craving for community and the delivery of engagement at new levels with the likes of CEOs, Olympians, and navy seals are bringing online communities to new levels. Learn how the combination of innovation and technology is delivering new realities to people across the globe.

    SCOTTMACGREGOR

    FOUNDER & CEO

    SOMETHINGNEW LLC,

    THE OUTLIER PROJECT

    PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

    OUTLIER MAGAZINE


    Resources


    The Innovation Economy Website: https://www.innovationeconomy.show


    Sign up for The Agile Brand newsletter here: https://agilebrandguide.com/


    Get the latest news and updates on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/innovationeconomy/


    Listen to our other podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström:

    https://www.theagilebrand.show


    The Innovation Economy podcast is brought to you by Arlington Economic Development:

    https://www.arlingtoneconomicdevelopment.com


    The Innovation Economy is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
    Más Menos
    36 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro768_stickypopup