Inside the
Crwn
Recap:
CrwnÂ
on the Green
Where Access Meets Opportunity
Recap:
Crwn on the Green
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Crwn on the Green brought together an inspiring group of professional women for an afternoon of learning, networking, and leadership development through the game of golf. Designed to create access to spaces where relationships are built and opportunities often emerge, the event provided a welcoming environment for women to connect, grow, and step confidently into new experiences.
Participants enjoyed a beginner-friendly golf clinic led by experienced instructors, making the sport approachable and accessible regardless of prior experience. More importantly, the event created opportunities for meaningful conversations and authentic relationship-building among professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds.
A highlight of the afternoon was a dynamic leadership panel featuring Dr. Jasmine Darnell, Moire’ Rasmussen, and Kim Thompson - accomplished executives - who shared insights on career advancement, self-advocacy, resilience, and the importance of building strategic networks. Their stories served as a powerful reminder that success is not achieved alone but often accelerated through community, mentorship, and access.
The top three takeaways on relationship management were:
1. Show up authentically. People can tell when you are trying to impress them or vying for position. Instead of positioning yourself, try to find common ground with the other person as a starting point. If the conversation feels forced, it might be time to move on. Every relationship is not for you.
2. Keep track of your contacts. Reach out at least a couple times a year to keep relationships warm. You can do this by creating a spreadsheet of contacts or leveraging relationship management programs like mesh.io.
3. Be careful about declining opportunities. You never know what social or political capital has been used to provide you with the opportunity. Instead state what you need to accept the opportunity. If the offeror is unable to meet your requirements, you will have preserved the relationship without compromising your needs.
The event was made possible through the support of our sponsors and partners, Jones Day, Brown Napa Valley, Corica Park, Ladies Professional Golf Association, Doodle Cakes and Elevate Golf Academy.Â
At Crwn Network, we believe that access changes everything. Crwn on the Green exemplified our mission to empower mid- to senior-level professional women of color through meaningful connections, leadership development, and transformative experiences.
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Recap:
CrwnÂ
on the Green
Crwn
Â
on the Green
Where Access Meets Opportunity
CRWN on the Green brought together an inspiring group of professional women for an afternoon of learning, networking, and leadership development through the game of golf. Designed to create access to spaces where relationships are built and opportunities often emerge, the event provided a welcoming environment for women to connect, grow, and step confidently into new experiences.
Participants enjoyed a beginner-friendly golf clinic led by experienced instructors, making the sport approachable and accessible regardless of prior experience. More importantly, the event created opportunities for meaningful conversations and authentic relationship-building among professionals from diverse industries and backgrounds.
A highlight of the afternoon was a dynamic leadership panel featuring Dr. Jasmine Darnell, Moire’ Rasmussen, and Kim Thompson - accomplished executives - who shared insights on career advancement, self-advocacy, resilience, and the importance of building strategic networks. Their stories served as a powerful reminder that success is not achieved alone but often accelerated through community, mentorship, and access.
The top three takeaways on relationship management were:
1. Show up authentically. People can tell when you are trying to impress them or vying for position. Instead of positioning yourself, try to find common ground with the other person as a starting point. If the conversation feels forced, it might be time to move on. Every relationship is not for you.
2. Keep track of your contacts. Reach out at least a couple times a year to keep relationships warm. You can do this by creating a spreadsheet of contacts or leveraging relationship management programs like mesh.io.
3. Be careful about declining opportunities. You never know what social or political capital has been used to provide you with the opportunity. Instead state what you need to accept the opportunity. If the offeror is unable to meet your requirements, you will have preserved the relationship without compromising your needs.
The event was made possible through the support of our sponsors and partners, Jones Day, Brown Napa Valley, Corica Park, Ladies Professional Golf Association, Doodle Cakes and Elevate Golf Academy.Â
At Crwn Network, we believe that access changes everything. Crwn on the Green exemplified our mission to empower mid- to senior-level professional women of color through meaningful connections, leadership development, and transformative experiences.
CareerÂ
Corner
Career
Corner
Top 10 Resume Mistakes in the AI Hiring Era
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In a hiring landscape increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, your resume remains one of the most powerful tools for communicating your value. While AI can help streamline the application process, it cannot replace the unique experiences, leadership perspective, and impact that set you apart.
As recruiters and hiring managers adapt to new technologies, they are also becoming more discerning about what makes a candidate stand out. Whether you are actively job searching, preparing for your next promotion, or simply keeping your materials current, avoiding common resume pitfalls can help ensure your accomplishments are seen, understood, and valued. Below are ten of the most common resume mistakes taken from various resources online that professionals are making in today's AI-driven job market.
- Using AI to write your entire resume: AI can be a powerful tool, but resumes that are entirely AI-generated often sound generic and fail to reflect your unique experiences, leadership style, and professional voice. Use AI to enhance your resume, not replace your story.
- Listing responsibilities instead of accomplishments: Employers want to understand the impact you made, not just the tasks you performed. Highlight measurable outcomes, business results, and key achievements that demonstrate your value.
- Ignoring Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) keyword optimization: Many organizations use ATS to screen resumes before a recruiter reviews them. Incorporating relevant keywords from the job description can help ensure your resume reaches human eyes.
- Sending the same resume everywhere: A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Tailoring your resume to align with a specific role, industry, and employer demonstrates intentionality and helps position you as a stronger candidate.
- Overusing buzzwords: Terms like "strategic," "innovative," and "results-driven" are meaningful only when supported by examples. Show how you demonstrated these qualities through your work and accomplishments.
- Creating overly designed resumes: While visually appealing resumes may look impressive, excessive graphics, columns, and design elements can create challenges for ATS systems and distract from your content.
- Failing to demonstrate leadership: Regardless of title, organizations seek professionals who can drive outcomes, influence stakeholders, and solve complex problems. Highlight examples that showcase leadership, initiative, and strategic thinking.
- Leaving LinkedIn inconsistent with the resume: Recruiters often compare your resume, LinkedIn profile, and other professional materials. Inconsistencies in titles, dates, or accomplishments can create confusion and undermine credibility.
- Not quantifying results: Numbers help tell a compelling story. Whenever possible, include metrics that demonstrate: growth, savings, revenue impact, team size, project scope, or other measurable contributions.
- Forgetting the human reader: While technology may help screen applications, people ultimately make hiring decisions. A strong resume balances optimization for systems with authentic storytelling that connects with recruiters and hiring managers.
INAUGURAL MEMBER
Spotlight
Meet a few of our amazing inaugural members who are leading in full color.
Jennifer Downey
Connect via LinkedInÂ
Â
She is know for
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In my personal life, I'm known for my sense of humor. Growing up, laughter was how my family bonded, connected, and healed. It's something I've carried with me throughout my life, and I bring that same warmth, love for people, and lightheartedness into my work.
Professionally, I pride myself on being a leader who leads with empathy and creates environments where people feel empowered to grow, learn, and take risks. I'm also known for being naturally curious. I ask a lot of questions and I'm very detail oriented. My close friends would probably say I notice everything! That combination of curiosity and attention to detail drives my passion for connecting data, creativity, and customer insights to tell brand stories that matter.
Throughout my career in digital marketing, I've been passionate about understanding not just what customers do, but why they do it. I love translating those insights into meaningful marketing experiences that resonate with customers, build relationships, and drive results.
She is building
I'm building a future where marketing is both personal and intentional. As technology continues to transform how brands engage with customers, I'm excited about leveraging digital innovation to create experiences that feel relevant, seamless, and meet customers where they are.
I'm also building a career that demonstrates empathy and high performance are not mutually exclusive. I believe the best leaders put people first while maintaining a high bar for excellence and results. My goal is to show that compassionate, authentic leadership can drive strong teams, meaningful growth, and lasting business impact. The most impactful leaders empower others to grow, take risks, and bring their unique perspectives to the table.
Most importantly, I'm building a legacy that sets an example for my son. One that demonstrates that with hard work, curiosity, resilience, and intentionality, anything is possible.
Sonya Mehta
Connect via LinkedIn
Â
She is known for
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As an experienced plaintiff-side employment attorney, I am known for my many legal victories, sharp negotiating skills, and compassion and respect for my clients. Before the law, I was a community and labor organizer, where I passed the first paid sick leave law and helped pass minimum wage legislation.
She is building
After years as a partner with one of California’s premier employment rights firms, Siegel, Yee, Brunner & Mehta, I am building my own law firm, Sonya Z. Mehta Law, representing employees in the public and private sector. I will continue to be a fierce advocate for women of color navigating the workplace. I will stand against efforts to push you out, silence you, or underpay you. I will champion you at the negotiating table, the courtroom, and in those moments when we must sit with injustice. Please contact me at [email protected] to discuss your matter.
MEMBER
Spotlight
Meet a few of our amazing inaugural members who are leading in full color.
Jennifer Downey
Connect via LinkedInÂ
Â
She is know for
In my personal life, I'm known for my sense of humor. Growing up, laughter was how my family bonded, connected, and healed. It's something I've carried with me throughout my life, and I bring that same warmth, love for people, and lightheartedness into my work.
Professionally, I pride myself on being a leader who leads with empathy and creates environments where people feel empowered to grow, learn, and take risks. I'm also known for being naturally curious. I ask a lot of questions and I'm very detail oriented. My close friends would probably say I notice everything! That combination of curiosity and attention to detail drives my passion for connecting data, creativity, and customer insights to tell brand stories that matter.
Throughout my career in digital marketing, I've been passionate about understanding not just what customers do, but why they do it. I love translating those insights into meaningful marketing experiences that resonate with customers, build relationships, and drive results.
She is building
I'm building a future where marketing is both personal and intentional. As technology continues to transform how brands engage with customers, I'm excited about leveraging digital innovation to create experiences that feel relevant, seamless, and meet customers where they are.
I'm also building a career that demonstrates empathy and high performance are not mutually exclusive. I believe the best leaders put people first while maintaining a high bar for excellence and results. My goal is to show that compassionate, authentic leadership can drive strong teams, meaningful growth, and lasting business impact. The most impactful leaders empower others to grow, take risks, and bring their unique perspectives to the table.
Â
Most importantly, I'm building a legacy that sets an example for my son. One that demonstrates that with hard work, curiosity, resilience, and intentionality, anything is possible.
Â
Sonya Mehta
Connect via LinkedIn
Â
She is know for
As an experienced plaintiff-side employment attorney, I am known for my many legal victories, sharp negotiating skills, and compassion and respect for my clients. Before the law, I was a community and labor organizer, where I passed the first paid sick leave law and helped pass minimum wage legislation.
She is building
After years as a partner with one of California’s premier employment rights firms, Siegel, Yee, Brunner & Mehta, I am building my own law firm, Sonya Z. Mehta Law, representing employees in the public and private sector. I will continue to be a fierce advocate for women of color navigating the workplace. I will stand against efforts to push you out, silence you, or underpay you. I will champion you at the negotiating table, the courtroom, and in those moments when we must sit with injustice. Please contact me at [email protected] to discuss your matter. Â
Crwn
Power Play
Here is insight from our “Crwn Exchange - A Mastermind Dinner” featuring Thais Rezende.
“Leadership is not a title - it’s a choice you make in moments that matter.”
- Speak up early
- Take ownership
- Move first
You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to take the next step.
Crwn
Power Play
Here is insight from our “Crwn Exchange - A Mastermind Dinner” featuring Thais Rezende.
“Leadership is not a title - it’s a choice you make in moments that matter.”
- Speak up early
- Take ownership
- Move first
You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to take the next step.
CRWN RECOMMENDATIONS
CRWN
RECOMMENDATIONS
ENCOURAGEMENT ANTHEM
No matter what this season has required of you, remember that resilience is built one courageous step at a time. As you listen to Rise Up by Andra Day, let it remind you that you have everything within you to rise above challenges, lead with purpose and keep moving toward the future you deserve.
MUST READ BOOK
Lead to Wine by Carla Harris
This quarter, we’ve explored the power of the leader within, the relationships that accelerate our growth and the business acumen required to thrive at the highest levels. Carla Harris masterfully weaves the themes together.
LISTEN UP!
Our podcast episode recommendation is an encouragement to “Stop Chasing Executive Presence: Cultivate Quiet Power Instead.” In this talk, Ginny Clarke breaks down where the "executive presence" standard came from, why it rewards performance over leadership, and what it's actually costing you — your confidence, your instincts, and your ability to show up as yourself.
REFLECTION
Ask yourself:
What is one belief I need to let go of, one relationship I need to invest in, and one business skill I need to strengthen to become the leader I am called to be?
A sacred space in your inbox where ambition meets alignment.
Inside the Crwn shares wisdom, wins, and resources to help you rise, lead, and thrive
- together.
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