22 Thoughts

Maximizing in Manhattan

I had the incredible opportunity to travel to New York for an internship trip and I was determined to make the most of my 39 hours there. The trip was absolutely amazing, especially being able to celebrate my internship’s 5th anniversary. Meeting other interns, networking, and being surrounded by inspiring women made it even more special.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of lodging with my wonderful mentor, Diamond Hawkins, at the Greenhouse NYC. What I truly admire about my mentor is our deep, meaningful conversations about our current life paths and aspirations. We take the time to strategize and make things happen, providing the mental space needed for thoughtful execution. Our discussions have laid a solid foundation for my twenties and always leave me feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle new projects.

Exploring Brooklyn NYC

I began my morning with a delightful mini tour around Brooklyn. I treated myself to a perfectly brewed drip coffee from SEY Coffee—a true embodiment of how all coffee should be made. As I sipped my coffee, I dove into “The Neighbor Favor” by Kristina Forest, a must-read for fellow Black Romance novel enthusiasts.

Next, I visited Beacon’s Closet, a treasure trove of unique and stylish pieces that could elevate any wardrobe. I couldn’t resist leaving without a stunning, finely stitched coat—an easy favorite purchase of 2023 for me. I then ventured into a bookstore before heading to L Train Vintage, where I explored two full floors of clothing, shoes, and accessories. I ended up with a cozy light blue knit sweater, perfect for the colder months ahead.

During the trip, I had the chance to visit DUMBO Water Street, which offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was truly breathtaking, although I tried my best not to fangirl over the fact that I was in the vicinity of the Humphrey residence for all my Gossip Girl fans. My mentor and I took some photos before I headed off to enjoy some planned activities before the birthday celebration.

One highlight was dining at Appa’s Pizza in New York, where I savored a delicious Bulgogi pizza and melon frappe—a perfect recommendation from my friend Helena. Afterward, I made my way to the Strand Bookstore, just a short 10-minute walk from the pizza place. It was delightful to see rows and rows of books displayed outside the store before stepping in. The Strand was bustling with fellow book lovers, and while I didn’t buy any books, I did pick up a tote bag and mug for my sister—a perfect way to remember my visit.

WWC NYC Birthday & Final Thoughts

After my visit to the Strand, I headed to the birthday celebration hosted at Havas Health and You in Manhattan. There, I had the pleasure of meeting my supervisor, Shaunah Margaret, the Founder of Women Who Create NYC—an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting creative women of color through mentorship, curated events, and a grant program. It was wonderful to greet her in person and discuss the event we had been eagerly anticipating.

The party kicked off with networking and engaging conversations with inspiring women in the room, and of course, plenty of fun photos! Towards the end of the event, Shaunah delivered a beautiful speech about the origins of Women Who Create NYC—an organization I wholeheartedly recommend women to explore and keep on their radar.

After the celebration, I returned to DUMBO with my mentor for a lovely dinner at Ceconi’s. We enjoyed a cozy, dimly-lit dinner with delicious cooked salmon and glazed broccolini, all while taking in the breathtaking views overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. It was the perfect finale to my whirlwind 39 hours in the city—a time illuminated in all the right ways. New York, I love you.