Pursuit

I am overwhelmed with gratitude and feeling incredibly blessed to have been honored with the Empowerment Award at the YWCA NorthEastern NY 42nd Annual Empowerment Awards Gala. I am especially inspired by the other remarkable and empowering women who were honored last night, each one embodying strength, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to uplifting others. It was truly a privilege to stand among both past and present awardees, whose outstanding achievements continue to make a lasting impact on the world. A special, heartfelt thank you to Pursuit—my amazing employer and the most supportive colleagues I could ever ask for. You empower me every day, not just through your encouragement but through your belief in my abilities and potential. I feel truly seen and supported by each and every one of you. The culture at Pursuit is one of trust, growth, and compassion, and it’s because of all of you that I’m able to show up as my best self every day. I can’t put into words how lucky I am to be part of a team and mission that makes such a meaningful impact in communities. Thank you for lifting me up and giving me the opportunity to make a difference. This award is as much yours as it is mine. ?? #PursuitPride #YWCA #EmpowermentAward

Some news that feels extra special to share – Ex Waitress has officially joined the Pursuit advisory network as a marketing consultant! We’ve always been passionate about helping small businesses grow, and joining Pursuit in this capacity feels like a natural extension of our work. For those who don’t know, Pursuit is a mission-driven lender that helps small businesses access the funding they need to take their next big step. From SBA loans to microloans, they work to make capital more accessible – especially for entrepreneurs who might not qualify through traditional banking. But what really makes Pursuit stand out is the way they support businesses beyond funding. Through their advisory network, they connect business owners with experts in marketing, finance, operations, and more – so they’re not just securing funding, but also the tools and guidance to thrive. At Ex Waitress, we’ve always believed that small businesses are what make communities vibrant. We know firsthand the immense effort it takes to not only start a business but to sustain and grow it. That’s why our approach to marketing goes beyond just increasing visibility – we focus on connecting businesses with the audiences who will truly appreciate them. Joining Pursuit’s advisory network means we get to help even more entrepreneurs refine their brand presence, create meaningful marketing strategies, and reach the customers who will love what they do. It’s work that feels deeply aligned with why we started Ex Waitress in the first place. To all the small business owners out there – if you’re looking for funding or expert guidance, Pursuit is an incredible resource. And if marketing is the piece of the puzzle you’re working on, we’d love to help. Excited for what’s ahead!