Anne Kirby Keynote Live Illustration

Anne Kirby founded her design agency, The Sweet Core, in Lancaster, PA, and later launched The Candy Factory coworking space in 2010. It now spans 25,000 square feet, housing over 300 professionals. She also introduced Jelly Bellies, a unique childcare/coworking facility, and opened a social enterprise cafe. Anne actively supports female entrepreneurs, has been recognized for her impact on small businesses, and speaks on coworking and community cultivation locally and nationally.

Anne is not only an amazing colleague, she is also a good friend, so I loved the chance to collaborate with her at the 2024 ELECT Conference hosted by the Center For Schools And Communities. Anne’s story is incredible and in her talk, Empowering Connections: The Role of Community in Teen Parenting Success, she shares how her life as a teen parent shaped the extraordinary community she has created at The Candy Factory. Her story is a testament to how even things that seem unfortunate in our lives can be transformational catalysts.

Anne and I are collaborating on an exciting project through her media company, So Good Media. I can’t wait to show it off in the fall!