Small Business of the Month | | |
As we approach a significant milestone this April, marking our ninth year in business, I wanted to share an update on our journey and express our profound gratitude for the invaluable support we’ve received from Women of Prince George’s.
Our enterprise operates as a full-service, 360-degree catering company and pop-up experience, a concept that truly embodies our culinary philosophy. The "360" represents our boundless ability to traverse global flavors; there is virtually no cuisine we cannot masterfully prepare. We cater a diverse array of events, from intimate dinners for two to grand celebrations hosting up to 400 guests, including elegant weddings, sophisticated corporate gatherings, and vibrant birthday parties. Complementing our catering services, we also bring the vibrant tastes of the Mexican Caribbean to the Washington, DC metropolitan area through our popular pop-up experiences. While our culinary foundation is rooted in classic French techniques, our overarching mission is to continuously expand and challenge the palates within our community, consistently delivering dishes crafted from the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available.
The impact of Women of Prince George’s on our growth and visibility has been truly transformative. Your organization has been instrumental in connecting us with new and previously untapped groups of African American women, a demographic we might not have reached as effectively through organic channels alone. This expanded network has not only broadened our client base but has also deepened our engagement with the community, allowing us to realize our mission more broadly.
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Looking ahead, we are incredibly excited about our next strategic initiatives. A primary focus is the upcoming launch of a specialized meal service designed specifically for women experiencing hormonal imbalances. We are deeply committed to shifting the narrative that healthy eating must be bland or restrictive; our aim is to offer meals that are not only exceptionally flavorful but also expertly balanced to support hormonal health and provide profound nourishment. This issue disproportionately affects many Black women, and we aspire to serve as a trusted and empowering resource on their path toward healing and well-being. Additionally, we are gradually expanding our bespoke offerings to include more exclusive private dining experiences and meticulously curated hosted events, further refining our personalized culinary services.
Operating within Prince George’s County offers distinct and powerful advantages that we deeply appreciate. We are continually inspired by the remarkable loyalty of our clients, whose enthusiastic word-of-mouth referrals serve as our most impactful marketing. Furthermore, as the county consistently champions and hosts a variety of community events, we benefit immensely from increased exposure and invaluable opportunities for sustained growth and deeper community engagement.
We are truly excited about the future and remain immensely grateful for WPG's continued partnership and unwavering support.
Contact Alexis Hicks, Owner, Zero Manipulation Catering at zeromanipulationinc@gmail.com
| | | Entrepreneur Tip of the Month | |
Focus Area
Website & Online Presence
| |  | Key Tips: Publish a simple, working site now—clear headline, what you do in one line, a “Book a Call/Contact” button, proof (review or logo), and mobile-friendly, fast load. Write plain-language page titles with your city and one page per service. Claim your Google Business Profile and core social handles; add hours, photos, and your website link, then ask three customers for reviews. Track one metric this month—inquiries—and improve weekly. | | | |
Where She Leads Now:
Deena Parker
Director, WBE Engagement & Services, WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV
Since my last engagement with WPG as a panelist, WBEC has launched the Local NY and DMV Local Forum, along with our Meet & Greet series—initiatives focused on reaching beyond metro areas to better connect local communities with resources in their own backyards. Our new advocacy efforts include more targeted outreach into deeper communities by partnering with WPG for smaller, localized networking opportunities, as well as working more closely with WPG to better align our shared goals with the needs of our communities and partners.
WPG has had a meaningful impact on my journey by challenging my understanding of business and helping me grow more confident in public speaking and presentations. It remains an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs due to its wealth of information, expansive network, and consistently high-caliber subject matter experts featured in its programming.
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As we approach nearly a year of a strong and intentional partnership with WPG, it has truly been a pleasure to collaborate, share network news, and exchange business insights.
Let’s stay connected! The WPG community can support our work by attending our signature events, meet-and-greets, and webinars, sharing our information within their networks, and engaging with us more deeply through expanded collaboration, speaking engagements, and network integration.
WBEC Metro NY & Greater DMV
1120 Connecticut Avenue
Suite 200
Washington, DC
T: (332) 910-5400
E: dparker@greaterdmv.org
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WPG Monthly Dine-Around: Galentine’s Edition 💕
Let’s lift up local restaurants and each other. Join Women of Prince George’s for a relaxed evening of connection, conversation, and good food.
🍽 Meet us at Blue Sunday Bar & Grill, Bowie
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Cost: Pay your own tab.
Galentine’s Touch: Bring a small, wrapped gift worth $20 or less for a fun exchange.
Whether you’re a longtime member or brand-new, there’s always a seat at our table. Let’s dine local, connect deeper, and enjoy great company.
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Dine-Around: Galentine’s Edition
Friday, February 13, 2026 - Date revised
6:00 PM
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March Dine Around
Saturday, March 14 | 5 PM – Date revised
Grace's Steak & Seafood, MLK Hwy, Bowie
Please RSVP (by clicking on the venue name) in advance so we can reserve the correct number of seats.
| | | Business Dilemma Scenario | | |
A Business Dilemma: Scenario for Group Exercise
Every month, we present a realistic workplace challenge. After reading it aloud, have participants discuss:
- What’s the core issue?
- What are the possible actions?
- What are the risks and consequences?
- What would they do and why?
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Undermining Decisions
Chuck starts a post-meeting email thread to reverse the decision, despite approvals already given.
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💬 Discussion Prompt: How do you deal with undermining behavior? What’s the role of leadership here?
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🧠 Suggested Answer to Business Dilemma Scenario
Answer: Leadership should address Chuck’s behavior directly, reinforcing that decisions made in meetings should be respected unless formally revisited.
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WPG Mission Statement
The Women of Prince George’s leverages a strategic roster of business relationships across the Washington, D.C. area to build mutually beneficial connections between key businesses and local women. The organization connects professional women and entrepreneurs with neighboring markets while providing exposure for businesses serving the Prince George’s County community. Through mentorship, education, workshops, and professional guidance, The Women of Prince George’s strives to educate women, strengthen families and communities, and elevate economic opportunity and leadership on a global scale.
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