#laurenfoster

Congratulations to a friend of the Young Women's Alliance, Lauren Foster, for being chosen as a finalist in the IBM New Way To Startup Competition during SXSW Interactive for her company Stretch Recipes. I was at the Radisson for the event supporting a friend's startup, Charity Charge, and Lauren appeared on stage to deliver her pitch. I couldn't figure out where I knew her from, but remembered she had spoken at a YWA General Meeting last year, sharing the story of her startup. I was so excited for her! She delivered an amazing pitch, and when they announced the finalists I cheered more loudly than one should cheer in this kind of event, but I didn't care. I was so thrilled for her. After the event was over, I slyly, though not really so slyly, waited to congratulate her and mentioned our YWA connection. I just felt so proud of her, and women in general, and so grateful that YWA exists, for so many reasons!