I of course, couldn’t pass up on the chance to hear from and meet this amazing ladyboss. I had expected that Stephanie would be speaking to the audience in attendance (which she did) but what I hadn’t anticipated is that afterward she would sit down and talk with us one on one. This opportunity to get this kind of time with someone of her stature and ridiculously busy schedule is rare and it was awesome.
The young woman who made this night possible, and many others like it, is Michelle Edgar. Michelle is the founder and CEO of The XX Project, an invitation-only group for professional women who are leaders and mentors in their industries.
As the strategic business development director for FRUKT and founder of the non-profit organization Music Unites , Michelle recognized a need in the market to connect professional and entrepreneurial women. While attending an event where Soledad O’Brien was speaking, Michelle felt more inspired than ever to bring her vision to life. When asked, the acclaimed journalist agreed to be the first speaker in what has become an ever growing monthly dinner series bringing together some of today’s most inspiring female leaders.
Though what she has built is a great accomplishment in itself, Michelle see’s these nights as just the beginning for The XX Project. She met me at Tom’s on Abbot Kinney to fill me in on her vision for what’s to come for her budding business.
If you’ve been following Toast Meets Jam, and before that The Single Diaries, you’ve likely heard me rave about Tom’s. The spot serves as both the flagship store of the one for one shoe brand as well as my absolute favorite coffee shop in Venice. With ample seating, free wi-fi, and the friendliest baristas and patrons in town, you can’t help but fall in love with this place. If you choose to visit I highly recommend showing up early to nab a spot on the outdoor couch and ordering yourself an almond milk latte and chia seed muffin. You’ll be glad you did.
Over our coffees, Michelle shared more with me about the founding of The XX Project from it’s first event with Soledad to the most recent which will feature speakers from IHeartMedia, FastCompany, Octagon, and Equinox. She also told me of her ultimate mission- to build an offline and online social platform that fosters inspiration, mentoring and giving back among professional, dynamic & successful women in their late 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.
CALLING ALL NYC LADIES!
The XX Project is hosting it’s next event, Passion Points to Success, June 8th at the iHeart/ ClearChannel HQ in NYC. The night will feature a panel moderated by Fast Company Publisher, Christine Osekoski and including iHeartMedia CMO, Gayle Troberman; Octagon CMO, Lisa Murray; and Equinox President, Sarah Robb O’Hagan. Get your tickets now!
More About Michelle
Michelle began her career in media as beauty director at OK magazine, where she developed strategic partnerships that aligned brands with music and film talent tied to major entertainment franchises from Oscar’s, Grammy’s and fashion week.
From OK Magazine, Michelle gained further experience in the entertainment industry working at Quest Management, KIDinaKORNER, Redlight Management, and Warner Bros. Records. Currently she serves as the Strategic Business Development Director at Frukt, a creative agency where she creates partnerships between businesses and entertainment brands.
Michelle is known for successfully creating innovative marketing platforms and campaigns for artists including, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Dave Matthews, Lionel Richie, Imagine Dragons, Skylar Grey, X Ambassadors, Tiesto, Gary Clark Jr., Theophilus London, in addition to consulting on tour and festival sponsorships and activations, endorsements, licensing and new product development.
Her passion for music led her to start Music Unites, a non-profit organization that funds sustainable music education programs in underserved public schools nationwide. (Source: Music Unites)
What is The XX Project?
The XX Project is about giving back, mentoring, and a network to draw upon for inspiration and support. Members come from diverse industries and educational backgrounds. Membership grants access to all The XX Project events, the XX curated digital community, offers from lifestyle partners and access to invaluable connections drawn from the community.
Currently, the existing social networks or platforms that cater to professional, dynamic, innovative successful women who are leaders in their industry don’t encourage or foster inspiration, mentoring or giving back.
The XX Project is here to change that by building the new women’s social club. (Source: The XX Project)
Check out The XX Project at:
Web: www.thexxproject.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thexxprojectnyc
A Toast to you and Michelle too,
Jen
