Advance NOW

04/06/2026

On Saturday, Advance NOW Founder & CEO, Renika J. Smiley, was honored with the Beacon of Hope Award by the Inspire organization—an incredible recognition of her leadership, impact, and commitment to community.

Surrounded by board members, family, friends, and supporters, Renika used her moment on stage to highlight the importance of education, perseverance, and never giving up—core values that continue to shape the mission of Advance NOW.

While her remarks were powerful, one of the most meaningful moments of the evening was being recognized alongside Advance NOW alumna, Shakona Sardine. As a graduate of the Advance NOW economic mobility program for African American women, Shaqunna recognition represents the true impact of the work—real transformation, real growth, and real community change.

For Renika, this was more than an award—it was a full-circle moment. A reminder that the vision behind Advance NOW is not only working, but creating lasting change in the lives of women across the community.

We are incredibly proud of both Renika and Shaqunna, and we celebrate this moment as a reflection of what’s possible when women are equipped, supported, and empowered to rise.

The work continues. The impact grows. And this is only the beginning. ✨

03/24/2026

Still smiling from this moment! ✨

So proud of these incredible women of Advance NOW Cohort 3 — this is just the beginning of something powerful. Watching this room full of Black women leaders, visionaries, and change-makers step into their next level… it meant everything.

This is what sisterhood, growth, and purpose looks like. 💫

Tap in and check out the full RESET Welcome Event video — you don’t want to miss this energy!

🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7GDpbsyOXU

03/24/2026

Still smiling from this moment! ✨

So proud of these incredible women of Advance NOW Cohort 3 — this is just the beginning of something powerful. Watching this room full of Black women leaders, visionaries, and change-makers step into their next level… it meant everything.

This is what sisterhood, growth, and purpose looks like. 💫

Tap in and check out the full RESET Welcome Event video — you don’t want to miss this energy!

🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7GDpbsyOXU

The RESET Welcome Event — the official kickoff to Advance NOW Cohort 3, hosted by Generation NOW. ✨RESET is more than just a welcome event — it’s a moment of...

03/24/2026

03/19/2026

Welcome to Cincinnati State Technical College Advance NOW Cohort 3! Class of 60 women!

03/10/2026

We are so excited to welcome everyone to our RESET Welcome Event for Advance NOW Cohort 3 this Thursday! ✨

This event will bring together leaders, alumni, mentors, and community supporters as we officially launch our largest class yet — 60 incredible women who have been accepted into the Advance NOW leadership and economic mobility program.

We have an amazing lineup of speakers and hosts who will be pouring into these women and sharing wisdom on leadership, career growth, business, and purpose.

Join us for an evening of:
✨ Inspiration
✨ Networking
✨ Sisterhood
✨ Leadership conversations

There will be light bites, great energy, and an opportunity to meet the phenomenal women of Advance NOW Cohort 3.

I hope you’ll come out and celebrate this moment with us.

🎟 Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reset-a-night-of-vision-leadership-sisterhood-tickets-1983230702418?aff=oddtdtcreator

📍 Union Hall – 2nd Floor (Inside the Beer Hall)
1311 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio

Let’s RESET together.

03/08/2026

Empower GENOW Network is excited to introduce Advance NOW Cohort 3! ✨

Join us this Thursday for the RESET: Welcome Event – A Night of Vision, Leadership & Sisterhood, featuring keynote speaker Vernita Hightower of NextGen Fuel.

Below are the flyers for 40 of the incredible women (out of 60) who will be part of this year’s cohort. We are still waiting on headshots from 20 more participants as we finalize the remaining flyers.

We are proud to welcome a class of 59 women who will be participating in one of Cincinnati’s most prestigious economic mobility and leadership development programs for women.

There is currently one final spot available in the program due to a recent scheduling change. If you are a woman between the ages of 21–45 and interested in joining the Advance NOW Cohort beginning March 19, we encourage you to reach out.

🎟 RESET Event Tickets (2-for-1 – $12.50):
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reset-a-night-of-vision-leadership-sisterhood-tickets-1983230702418?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please join us in congratulating these incredible women as they begin their leadership and economic empowerment journey.

For inquiries about the final cohort spot, please send us a DM or message.