Women of Endurance Honors Founder Cassandra Cooper With Fedoras and Sundresses Event
Updated: 4 days ago
We were blessed to capture the first Fedoras and Sundresses event hosted by Women of Endurance, a special celebration that brought together faith, fellowship, fashion, music, entrepreneurship, and community.
This was more than an ordinary event. It held special meaning because it was the first Fedoras and Sundresses gathering following the passing of Women of Endurance founder Cassandra Cooper in 2025.
Cassandra, a member of First Baptist Church in Pittsburg, California, had a vision to create a group where women of the church could come together in fellowship while encouraging one another spiritually, personally, and professionally. Cassandra and co-founder Adrienne Hankins envisioned an organization that would empower women, encourage entrepreneurship, strengthen their faith, and create opportunities to serve the surrounding community.
Her mission for Women of Endurance was built around empowerment, respect, integrity, and resilience.
Although Cassandra passed away before she could witness everything that would grow from the foundation she created, the women she inspired have made a commitment to keep her vision alive. Fedoras and Sundresses demonstrated that her work and mission continue through the women carrying it forward today.
The event featured a live band, multiple vendors, food, dancing, fellowship, and a fashion show highlighting sensible and stylish fashion. It provided a positive environment where members of the church and surrounding community could enjoy themselves while also discovering and supporting local entrepreneurs.
We had the opportunity to speak with several of those entrepreneurs.
One was Felicia Bryant of MZBEEJEWELZZ, a business offering women’s apparel and accessories. Felicia believes every woman deserves the opportunity to enjoy fashion at an affordable price. Her philosophy represents an important part of entrepreneurship — providing something people can enjoy while keeping it accessible to the community.
We also met a vendor offering unique products designed specifically for people who love hats. Among the products were clear, stackable hat boxes capable of holding multiple hats, along with a transparent rolling hat case designed to make storing and transporting hats easier.
I was impressed with the products and purchased one of the hat boxes myself.
Another highlight of the event was meeting entrepreneur Jenieyah Nolen and learning about her candle called “Sunday Morning.”
I’m personally not much of a candle person, but I decided to give it a try. After bringing it home and burning it, I genuinely enjoyed it. The fragrance is smooth and creates a peaceful, calming atmosphere.
What makes the candle even more memorable is the story behind it. Jenieyah explained that “Sunday Morning” is her favorite scent because it reminds her of Sunday mornings spent with her grandmother. That personal connection gives the candle meaning beyond simply selling a product. It represents a memory and demonstrates how entrepreneurs can incorporate pieces of their own experiences into the things they create.
Music was also an important part of the celebration.
Because we were moving throughout the event, speaking with vendors and capturing everything happening around us, I wasn’t able to experience the entire live-band performance. However, I did have an opportunity to speak with one of the musicians.
He told us that he has been playing music since he was a child, and his enthusiasm for music was immediately apparent. From what we heard throughout the event and from the reaction of the guests, the band helped create an energetic atmosphere that had people enjoying themselves and dancing.
There was music, food, fashion, dancing, entrepreneurship, and fellowship all under one roof.
But what made the event truly meaningful was the purpose behind it.
Cassandra Cooper had a vision for Women of Endurance. After her passing, the women she inspired chose to continue the work she started and build upon the foundation she left behind.
Fedoras and Sundresses showed that Cassandra Cooper’s work was not in vain.
Her sisters in faith are keeping Women of Endurance moving forward, turning the principles of her mission statement into action while continuing to promote fellowship, entrepreneurship, empowerment, faith, and service within their community.
For us, it was truly a blessing to document this important moment.
We came to cover an event, but we left having met entrepreneurs, musicians, church members, vendors, and community members who each contributed something special to the experience.
The event was a success, but its significance extends beyond one evening. It represented the continuation of a woman’s vision and a community’s commitment to making sure that vision survives.
Cassandra Cooper planted the seed for Women of Endurance. The women she inspired are now making sure that seed continues to grow.
We were honored to capture this chapter of their story, and we hope to have the opportunity to cover many more Women of Endurance events in the future.
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