Meet Dr. Joan Henry-Fields
By: Chandra Gore
Tags: Virtual, Black Women In Business, Entrepreneurship, Business, Black Women

Visionary of The Women’s Entrepreneur Expo (WEE) LLC

Dr. Joan Henry-Fields is a woman of many titles. She is celebrating the 12th year of the Women’s Entrepreneur Expo that has gone virtual this year due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. I had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Henry-Fields via Q & A about her humble beginnings and what is next for her.

Dr. Joan Henry-Fields

What inspired you to begin your entrepreneurship journey?

My entrepreneurial journey began since I was a child in my home country, Jamaica. My grandmother was an entrepreneur. As the oldest grand child, I was always involved in her endeavors. Upon migrating to the U.S, I realized that a job would not be enough to maintain the lifestyle that I desire. I wanted to be able to control my own destiny. I started my entrepreneurial endeavors with network marketing and today I own two companies.

What were some hurdles you had to overcome during your journey?

My biggest hurdle was the one that I created from myself. As a Jamaican, I convinced myself that I would not do great in business because I have an accent and people would not understand me. I had to first develop the mindset to move past that thought. Once I was able to get past that self-developed hurdle, things have been going well.

Dr. Joan Henry-Fields

What advice would you give to someone who is conflicted on their choices on how to pursue their dreams?

I would advise that person to take time to find out their true purpose and find out what they are truly passionate about. I would caution that person against doing things because someone else is doing it and it looks “good” I believe that when someone operates from a place of passion, that they will put in extra work to be successful; they will be more committed.

What inspirational quotes or bible verses keep you grounded?

My favorite inspirational quote is by Eleanor Roosevelt “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”

My favorite scripture is “For unto whomsoever much is given, much is required” Luke 12:48

Who would you say were your greatest inspiration or role models?

My late grandmother was my first and greatest inspiration and role model. Sure, there are lots of other inspiring women in the world, but her training was different; it was a lived experience. She taught me everything about being kind, stewardship, empathy, and a sense of community engagement.

What do you think entrepreneurs should do to keep motivated?

Being an entrepreneur is not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination. Entrepreneurs are faced with challenges that sometimes motivation is difficult to come by. The first thing that entrepreneurs should do to keep motivated is to maintain a positive mindset. They must engage in motivational activities, set personal goals, and follow through on those goals. Entrepreneurs must always celebrate their wins, even if it is a small win.

What is next for the WEE Expo and you?

As for the expo, I plan to continue holding events so that women and girls will continue to have access to resources that will inspire and motivate them to start or take their business to another level. As for me, I will continue to work on growing my real- estate consulting firm and my online business academy.

Dr. Joan Henry-Fields

More about Dr. Henry-Fields:

Joan is the Founder/President of the Women’s Entrepreneur Expo, which falls under her organization, WEE Global Network, (WEE) LLC. For over 12 years, the Women’s Entrepreneur Expo served the residents of Maryland as well as several other states, as a free event that is open to the public. The expo is an interactive business expo, designed to provide opportunities for small businesses, women-owned businesses, new businesses, expanding businesses, and immigrant businesses. The event prides itself with business revitalization as well as providing women and girls (and men) with the tools and resources to connect, learn, and start their own business. Joan is an International Radio Personality, Internet TV Host, and Published Author.

In addition to the WEE Global Network, Joan is the Founder and Executive Director of RESA Inc., a non-profit organization that is dedicated to impacting the lives of women and girls that are disadvantaged by societal or economic circumstances, to help them enhance their quality of life. RESA is a 501c3 organization and is currently incorporated in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Also, Joan is the proud owner of “Out In The Fields, LLC, a real estate consulting firm.

www.resawomen.org | www.weeglobalnetwork.com www.outinthefieldsllc.com