SE01 E12 The Power of Connection and Community I Cherie Werner

In this episode of The Dona KAPP Show, host Dona Kappmeyer sits down with Cherie Werner, Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of FIESTA, to explore the power of human connection, community building, and the ripple effect of meaningful relationships. After spending years as a stay-at-home mom, Cherie reinvented herself at 55 and turned her search for belonging and purpose into a thriving community that brings together founders, investors, entrepreneurs, startups, tech professionals, and newcomers in Austin, Texas. Through FIESTA, she creates opportunities for people to connect, collaborate, support one another, and grow together. Cherie shares how a simple monthly gathering evolved into a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, why meaningful relationships matter more than traditional networking, and how one introduction can lead to an investment, business partnership, friendship, or life-changing opportunity. In this conversation, you'll discover: How to reinvent yourself and find a new purpose at any stage of life The difference between traditional networking and building a genuine community Why human connection remains essential in an increasingly AI-driven world How FIESTA helps entrepreneurs find investors, mentors, partners, and opportunities Why celebrating small wins can help founders navigate uncertainty and self-doubt How kindness, generosity, and collaboration create lasting business relationships The importance of supporting entrepreneurs through the highs and lows of their journey How one clear ask can lead to funding, growth, and unexpected opportunities Why meaningful introductions can create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the initial connection How to build a community where people feel welcomed, supported, and valued Cherie also shares inspiring stories of founders who found opportunities through FIESTA, including an entrepreneur who raised more than $2 million after asking for feedback on her pitch deck, a founder who appeared on Shark Tank, and a couple who met at a FIESTA event and later got married. Her message is simple: connection begins with clarity, relationships grow through generosity, and opportunities emerge through trust. You don't have to change the entire world to make a difference. Sometimes, helping just one person is enough to start a ripple that continues for years. Whether you're an entrepreneur, startup founder, business leader, investor, or someone looking to discover a new purpose, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of community, collaboration, and human connection. About Cherie Werner: Cherie Werner is the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of FIESTA, a community dedicated to connecting founders, investors, entrepreneurs, startups, tech professionals, and Austin newcomers. Through networking events, founder pitch opportunities, newsletters, and community initiatives, Cherie helps people build meaningful relationships and discover opportunities they might never find alone. Subscribe to The Dona KAPP Show for more conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and changemakers who are creating a positive ripple effect through their work and relationships. Watch more episodes on YouTube and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Connect with Cherie Werner on LinkedIn -   / cherie-werner   #TheDonaKAPPShow #CherieWerner #FIESTA #CommunityBuilding #Entrepreneurship #Networking #HumanConnection #StartupFounders #BusinessGrowth #Leadership I hope you enjoy this episode! Please like, share, and subscribe so more business owners and leaders can discover the show. — Dona and The Dona KAPP Show Podcast Team Connect with Dona LinkedIn:   / donakappmeyer   Website: https://donakapp.com/ Listen to The Dona KAPP Show Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033XgUl... Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/th... Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/559... The Dona KAPP Show features honest, engaging conversations with business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders about business, life, and the ripple effect created by the choices we make. Hosted by business coach, consultant, speaker, author, and entrepreneur Dona Kappmeyer, each episode goes beyond job titles and accomplishments to explore the experiences that shaped her guests, the challenges that tested them, and the lessons they learned along the way.