In 2024, WBENC continues its inspiring tradition by celebrating the WBE Stars for their remarkable achievements, contributing invaluable leadership, innovation, and influence on the dynamic business landscape. Each handpicked by one of the 14 Regional Partner Organizations (RPOs), these women serve as a wellspring of inspiration for others within their communities. The recognition they receive through the WBE Star Award is a powerful testament to the profound impact they’ve made in their respective business environments.
The 2024 WBE Stars received their accolades at the vibrant WBENC National Conference, a grand event held from March 19-22, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. This conference was a hub of innovation and networking, drawing nearly 5,000 entrepreneurs and business leaders who celebrated the accomplishments of these extraordinary women.
But the celebration doesn’t end there. Throughout 2024, WBENC will continue to spotlight these trailblazing women in various dynamic formats, including an engaging article series and captivating feature articles in WE USA Magazine this summer. Prepare to be inspired!
Meet Barb Smith, President of Journey Steel, Inc., with the Women’s Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV) Regional Partner Organization. Barb has a background in construction that began over 35 years ago. She has a BS in Industrial Technology with a Construction Specialty from Eastern Michigan University. Barb went on to work as a project manager and estimator for both Cargile Contractors and D.A.G. Construction before furthering her career and experience as a Senior Estimator with both Jacobs Engineering and Hixson Architects and Engineers, preparing multi-million budgets for a varied array of Fortune 500 companies.
She has worked with engineers, architects, contractors, and owners. Thus, she knows the needs and stresses of each person involved in a project.
Get inspired by Barb and stay tuned for our 2024 WBENC Stars article series throughout 2024!
Journey provides structural and miscellaneous steel, whether that be beams, columns, joist, deck, stairs, railings, ladders, or bollards. They fulfill the construction needs for new buildings, renovations, additions, and industrial facilities. Journey also provides drone technology used for construction projects, maintenance and inventory needs, aerial photography, marketing and special projects.
Journey intentionally seeks out diverse vendors first and utilizes them. It has fostered their culture of inclusivity and closing the wealth gap and impacting our community for change.
The 2024 theme is AMPLIFY. What does AMPLIFY mean to you?
“AMPLIFY to me means to INCREASE, to get intense, to explode into something bigger and better than what it was.”
When and how was your business started?
Journey Steel is a start-up company founded in 2009 by business partners Tom Garten and myself.
What is one way you recommend people to “AMPLIFY” the impact of the WBENC network in the next 2 years?
One recommendation I would have for people to AMPLIFY the impact of the WBENC network is to “be all in”. Attend the conferences, programs, webinars on both the regional and national levels with expectation of walking away with a new connection, a “aha moment” and/or something you can share to impact others.
How are you planning to AMPLIFY the mission of the WBENC network during your time as a WBE Star?
Lead by Example: Demonstrate excellence in my business operations and showcase the success of my business.
Mentorship and Support: Offer mentorship and support to aspiring women entrepreneurs. Share my experiences, insights, and lessons learned to help others navigate the challenges of business ownership.
Advocate for Diversity and Inclusion: Use my platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the business world. Speak at events, contribute to discussions, and actively support initiatives that promote gender equality and inclusivity.
Participate in WBE Events and Initiatives: Engage actively in Women’s Business Enterprise Network events, conferences, and initiatives.
Promote WBE Certification: Advocate for the importance of WBE certification. Explain how certification can open doors to opportunities, contracts, and partnerships, and encourage other women-owned businesses to pursue certification.
Highlight WBE Success Stories: Showcase success stories of other WBEs. Use my platform to AMPLIFY the achievements of women-owned businesses, creating a positive narrative that contributes to the overall mission of the Women’s Business Enterprise Network.
Engage in Community Outreach: Get involved in community outreach programs that support women in business. This includes educational initiatives, networking events, or initiatives that promote economic empowerment for women.
Utilize Social Media: Leverage social media platforms to AMPLIFY the mission of women’s business enterprise. Share content, articles, and resources that highlight the achievements and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.
Stay Informed and Involved: Stay informed about the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the women’s business enterprise space. Actively participate in discussions and initiatives that contribute to the advancement of women in business.
Provide an example of how innovation helped you overcome a challenge, pivot, or adapt your business.
The addition of drone technology helped us to create a path to keep our business sustainable and adaptable for future growth. We were able to utilize this technology to advance our construction services and integrate into different markets and add a way to create a new income stream to battle the challenges of accessing capital.
What areas of innovation do you foresee for women entrepreneurs over the next few years?
I see technology, digital transformation and ESG for women entrepreneurs over the next few years as areas of innovation.
What have you learned about yourself as a leader from mentoring or coaching others?
I learned that authenticity is a invaluable tool in your belt – it’s a change agent!
What do you view as benefits of being part of the WBENC network?
One of the biggest benefits of being a part of WBENC is the energy and leadership of the organization that is transferred to the WBE’s. WBENC is a community that stimulates growth not only in your business but in “you” as a person. WBENC is electrifying. It’s that portable generator – no matter where I go it’s “there” for me to plug into and get the “juice” I need to keep going!
How has engaging in the WBENC Network as a Certified WBE helped your company?
Engaging in the WBENC Network as a Certified WBE has opened doors that may not have otherwise been opened because of corporations looking for certified WBE’s.
What suggestions would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
For the newly certified WBE – leverage your certification by getting involved. We are truly a sisterhood – advocating for each other, cheering for each other, supporting each other, learning from each other. Running a business is hard enough and the WBENC community helps you realize you don’t have to do it “alone”. We are all in this together and we are stronger together.
