Illuminating 2021 With Candles and Community

Comcast recently hosted its 3rd annual year-end media appreciation gathering which brings together influencers, bloggers, reporters and community partners for a special evening of reflection, celebration and gratitude. This year we had a special focus on one of our most important new initiatives, Comcast RISE.  

Special guest, Monisha Edwards, is the founder & chief chandler of Scent & Fire Co. Her business started in Fresno, California and has now grown to national scale. Earlier this year, Monisha received a little boost to push her business further — she received a technology makeover from Comcast RISE. This grant helped keep her generate momentum and stay motivated to continue growing her business. 

This year’s event was called Candles and Conversations and provided a space for guests to come together to build community and learn about candle-making, while also hearing more about Comcast RISE. Monisha joined Comcast for the event and guided guests through a candle-making session, for which she custom-made a unique RISE-scent. Ahead of the event, guests were mailed boxes with all the supplies they would need, with an additional two candles to gift or keep for themselves!  

After the candles had been poured and the custom RISE scent filled the air, we welcomed three RISE recipients to the virtual stage. Bilen Mesfin Packwood of Change Consulting, Penny Baldado of Café Gabriela and Viviana Rodriguez Smith of E14 Gallery are all recipients of the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, which, in November, awarded $10,000 to 100 small businesses owned by people of color in Oakland. 

During the “candleside” chat, Bilen, Penny and Viviana shared their experiences of finding out they won the grant and how they planned to use the $10K to propel their businesses. They spoke eloquently of how people of color could benefit from the RISE program and the value of community during a challenging time like this.  

After the compelling conversation, guests were encouraged to get to know one another in smaller breakout groups. Guests mingled, exchanged contact information and made plans to visit each other’s businesses. 

Another year has come and gone, but more than ever we are thankful for the people that make Comcast special — our partners, our employees, our communities and our customers. Here’s to a bright new year!