BLOGS

Sports have always been more than just games—they are cultural cornerstones, reflections of society, and powerful platforms for leadership. For many of us, our connection to sports is deeply personal. Whether it’s cheering for a team because it’s a family tradition, our alma mater, or simply the pride of our city, sports shape our identities and values.

Equal pay for equal work isn’t just a motto—it’s a movement. It is the cornerstone of Women Business Collaborative’s mission. The recent release of the powerful film Lilly, documenting the relentless fight Lilly Ledbetter waged for fairness after facing pay discrimination at Goodyear. Her courage and activism led to the passing of the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a landmark moment in the push for pay equity. At WBC, that fight continues every day. -Gwen Young

Over two days in New York City, we created intentional opportunities for investment, insights and deal generation, and connected capital providers with high-potential women-led businesses.

At WBC, we see firsthand that when organizations prioritize inclusive leadership—including elevating women—they enjoy tangible gains, including heightened employee engagement, innovative thinking, better recruitment outcomes, and stronger financial performance. -Gwen Young

“Together, we can make positive change for the next generation of women leaders. By investing in women’s mental wellbeing, companies don’t just improve employee health—they cultivate stronger leaders, increase productivity, and foster a culture of inclusion. Supporting mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business decision.” – Mim Senft

“WBC understands that keeping an eye on broader economic and social trends is key to developing effective support systems. With our extensive network and convening power, we can listen to what women in business need most and mobilize our champions, partners and sponsors to address those needs.” -India Gary Martin

I’m so proud that WBC is again sponsoring this milestone event that brings together women entrepreneurs and investors. Whether you’re a founder or a funder here’s what you can look forward to …

Moving forward together. Women Inspiring and Educating Generations. That’s this year’s theme for Women’s History Month, and it resonates with us at WBC. For years, our Collaborative’s marching orders have been: “Faster Together” so all generations of women can thrive in the workplace.

Sports have the power to teach valuable life skills including teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. For women and girls, these lessons often extend beyond the field or court, helping to forge resilient identities and confident personas that navigate many societal challenges. Yet, despite the growing participation of women and girls in sports, visibility and representation remain significant hurdles.

With realistic optimism in our corner, we can guard against cynicism, inertia, and burnout. We can better understand that we are not spinning our wheels; that we are doing much needed work for women in business; and significant successes for both women and their organizations are our likely outcomes.