WWN by Anggie Salazar Ep19: Regina Gwynn

Hi Networkers! I'm Anggie, VP of Sales & Marketing at CROING l Creative Agency founded by Alejandra Salazar, and welcome to my newsletter, Women Who Network: Stories of Connection and Success.

I’m super excited to introduce our special guest today: Regina Gwynn She’s Cofounder of Black Women Talk Tech , a collective of black women tech founders focused on building billion dollar startups. She’s also entrepreneur, advisor and speaker. We had the chance to attend some events organized with Regina, and they were incredible.

Why did we start this newsletter?

As I always say, networking has played a key role in my career, and I have found through many conversations that it is an area where many women still don't feel confident or need a little push to explore further.

At CROING, we are motivated to inspire and empower professional women to feel more confident in networking. We believe that by sharing stories and experiences, we can encourage more women to connect and grow together.

I’m confident that Regina’s story will motivate many women to embrace networking with more confidence. 💜

Building Bridges, Not Just Networks

Anggie: Hi Regina, can you start by sharing how has your approach to networking evolved throughout your career?

Regina: In the early stages of my career, networking was more about seeking opportunities and learning from others in the tech space. As I’ve grown and gained experience, my approach has evolved to focus on building long-term, meaningful relationships.

Networking is no longer just about what I can gain, but about how I can contribute to the community, especially by supporting other Black women in tech. This mindset shift has allowed me to create a strong, supportive network that is rooted in shared goals and mutual respect.

Anggie: Thank you for sharing that, Regina! It’s inspiring to hear how your approach has shifted from seeking opportunities to fostering meaningful, long-term relationships. It resonates with how we see networking at CROING—it's not just transactional but deeply rooted in collaboration and mutual growth. Regina, tell us a bit about what strategies do you use to establish genuine and meaningful connections at networking events?

Regina: I approach networking with authenticity and a genuine interest in the people I meet. I prioritize listening over talking and always look for ways to add value to others’ experiences. Whether it’s by sharing a resource, making an introduction, or simply offering encouragement, I aim to build connections that are based on mutual benefit and trust. Being present, asking thoughtful questions, and following up after the event are also key strategies I use to maintain and deepen these connections.

Anggie: Love that! One thing we’ve found helpful is creating personalized follow-ups—whether it’s sharing a relevant article or suggesting a next step that aligns with what the other person mentioned. It keeps the momentum going and shows that the connection matters.

I also find that tracking key moments—like career milestones or personal achievements—helps us stay genuinely engaged over time. It allows us to reconnect naturally and celebrate others’ successes.

Stories of Connection and Success: Regina Gwynn’s Edition

Anggie: Regina, can you share a pivotal moment in your career where networking played a key role?

Regina: One pivotal moment was when I connected with Esosa, my co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech, at a tech event. We realized we shared the same vision of creating a supportive community for Black women in tech, which led to the founding of BWTT. That single connection has since grown into a powerful platform that has impacted the lives of many women. It’s a reminder that networking can lead to transformative partnerships that align with your passion and purpose

Anggie: It really resonates with me—some of the most meaningful partnerships I’ve experienced started with a simple conversation. I’ve learned that when you connect with someone who shares your passion, even the smallest interaction can evolve into something truly impactful.

What’s the most unexpected opportunity that came from a networking event or connection? I’d love to hear about it—those moments often carry valuable lessons on how staying open and engaged can lead to incredible outcomes.

Regina: One of the most unexpected opportunities came when I met a potential partner at a small, informal networking event. We initially connected over shared interests in tech and entrepreneurship, but our conversation quickly led to a collaboration that helped expand BWTT into new markets. This experience taught me that even the smallest or most casual networking events can lead to significant opportunities if you approach them with an open mind and willingness to explore new possibilities.

Opportunities Arise When Things Don’t Go as Planned

Anggie: Can you share a story of a networking event that didn’t go as planned?

Regina: There was a time when I attended a networking event with high expectations of meeting certain key people, but things didn’t go as planned. The event was more chaotic than anticipated, and I didn’t make the connections I had hoped for. However, instead of leaving frustrated, I decided to focus on the people who were there. By engaging with them, I ended up forming connections that proved valuable later on. This experience reinforced the importance of staying flexible and making the most of every situation, even when things don’t go as expected.

Anggie: I really appreciate that mindset, Regina. It’s such a great reminder that flexibility can turn a missed opportunity into something valuable. I’ve also been to events where things didn’t go as planned—either because the right people weren’t there or the atmosphere wasn’t ideal—but I’ve learned that some of the best connections come from those unexpected moments.

Navigating Networking: Advice for Aspiring Professionals

Anggie: Last but not least, Regina what advice would you give to women who are just starting their professional careers or are hesitant to engage in networking?

Regina: Start now! Don’t let fear or hesitation hold you back. Networking is an essential part of career growth, and it’s important to see it as an opportunity to learn, share, and connect. Don’t worry about making mistakes or feeling out of place—everyone starts somewhere. Focus on being authentic, showing up with a willingness to learn, and offering your unique perspective. Remember, networking isn’t just about what you can get; it’s about building relationships that will support you throughout your career.

Anggie: That's right! By staying authentic and open, you create relationships that offer support and open doors in your career. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and the connections you make now can become invaluable assets in the future.

Thanks, Regina, for sharing all your experience and advice with our growing community.

At CROING, we echo this sentiment and have developed our Referral Program as a powerful networking and business tool. It’s a great way to connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Don’t forget, your network is your net worth.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our next edition of Women Who Network: Stories of Connection and Success every Tuesday.

If you want to be part of or propose someone for this space, please email me at anggie@croing.com.

Until next time, keep networking and growing!

This newsletter is proudly powered by CROING.