BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Women Business Collaborative - ECPv6.14.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Women Business Collaborative X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Women Business Collaborative REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20240101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240904 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240906 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20240731T195807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250304T055127Z UID:36576-1725408000-1725580799@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Women's Capital Summit 2024 DESCRIPTION:Elevate and Empower:Connecting Leading Women Entrepreneurs and the Investors Who Fund Them\nSEPTEMBER 4-5\, 2024 | CONVENE MADISON\, 360 MADISON AVENUE\, NEW YORK\, NY 10017\n \nThe Women’s Capital Summit is the premier opportunity for founders and funders to network and gain actionable insights from each other while exploring the funding paths needed to grow business. This annual event is where women are supported and create a future fueled with equal opportunity. \nThe 2024 Women’s Capital Summit was held in New York\, NY on September 4-5. The two-day event allowed women entrepreneurs to meet investors who believe in their vision\, hear stories from trailblazing women\, and receive the tools to help advance their business. \n\n\n “Once you sit down and hear everyone’s story\, you realize you’re in the right place. You realize that not only do you belong here\, but you’re going to meet someone who’s going to take you to the next level.” \n – Awilda Grant Founder & Owner\, AMG Online Strategies\n \n \nSummit Agenda\n\n\n September 4\, 2024\n \n\n September 5\, 2024\n \n\n1:30pm: Arrival\, Registration\, and Networking \n\n2:30pm: Opening Remarks \nGwen K. Young CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n\n2:45pm: Concurrent Panel Sessions \nStrategic Decision-Making for Women Entrepreneurs: Navigating Ownership\, Capital Terms\, and Legal Complexities \nThis breakout panel session is your chance to gain invaluable insights into making informed decisions that align with your business goals. We’ll dive into critical considerations for women-owned businesses\, including the implications of different business structures (LLC\, partnership) on scaling\, capital raising\, and ownership. We’ll also explore the importance of WBENC certification and how it can impact your business’s growth and control. Plus\, you’ll walk away with essential legal insights on protecting your interests during negotiations and shaping the future of your business from now through to exit. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to optimize your business strategies and achieve your goals. Eda Henries\, Founder and Managing Principal\, Henries & Co.Kirsty McGuire\, Partner\, H PartnersMerri Moken\, Partner\, Brown Rudnick LaKesha White\, Senior Vice President\, Certification\, WBENC \nEnter the World of Angel InvestingThere are over 400\,000 angel investors in the US.  This session will provide an inside look at angel investors\, why they do this work\, what they consider in making investments\, and what entrepreneurs need to consider when raising funding from angels. This session will be relevant for both entrepreneurs and investors who may be considering becoming angel investors. Hosted by Loretta McCarthy\, Co-CEO of Golden Seeds\, an angel network that has been investing in women-led companies for 20 years.Loretta McCarthy\, Co-CEO and Managing Partner\, Golden Seeds\, LLC \nUnlocking Grant Funding: Strategies to Fuel Business GrowthIn this breakout session\, participants will explore how to leverage grant opportunities to accelerate their business ventures. The session will cover practical strategies for identifying\, applying for\, and securing grants tailored to women entrepreneurs. Attendees will gain insights from successful grant recipients and experts in the field\, learning how to craft compelling proposals and maximize funding to drive innovation and scale their businesses. Whether you’re new to grant applications or looking to refine your approach\, this session will provide the tools and knowledge needed to unlock critical funding sources.Marissa Beatty\, Founder & CEO\, Turnover LabsShreya Dave\, Co-founder and CEO\, Via SeparationsAngela Dingle\, CEO\, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)Kalee Whitehouse\, Co-founder and Advisor\, Noon EnergyIris Wu\, Investment Associate\, Aramco Ventures \n\n4:15pm: Opening Fireside Chat with Donna LevinJoin us for our opening fireside chat with Donna Levin\, the CEO of the Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College and Co-Founder of Care.comCarolyn D’Angelo\, Senior Managing Director\, Brand Operations\, Gordon Brothers; President\, Laura AshleyDonna Levin\, CEO\, Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership; Co-Founder\, Care.com \n\n5:00pm: Opening Reception and Women’s Business Marketplace Featuring DAMA Wines and Misha’s Cupcakes \n\n7:00pm: Reception Concludes \n8:00am: Arrival\, Breakfast and Networking \n\n9:00am: Welcome \nGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n\n9:05am: Fireside Chat \nBailey G. DeVries\, Associate Administrator\, Office of Investment & Innovation\, United States Small Business AdministrationGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n\n9:40am: Navigating the Landscape of CapitalThe options for accessing capital make up a robust ecosystem that can often be challenging to navigate. This process requires a clear understanding of the types of capital that are right for your business as well as an awareness of the goals of investors and lenders.  In addition\, clarity of business strategy\, exit planning\, industry dynamics\, and business goals are critical to choosing the right capital provider. In this session\, our panel of experts will discuss the landscape of capital and how entrepreneurs can scale their businesses with the investment options that are best aligned with their company’s strategy and growth plan. \nJulie Hyman\, Anchor\, Yahoo Finance (Moderator)Elisabeth Chasia\, Investments Director\, Momentus CapitalJoy Fairbanks\, Portola Valley PartnersNicole Martello\, Relationship Manager\, BridgeAshley McLeod\, Director\, National Lending Programs\, Momentus CapitalVijay Mehta\, Arkview Capital \n\n10:30am: Coffee Break \n\n11:00am: Setting the Table: Understanding Early-Stage CapitalAs business owners work to scale their companies\, creating the right capital structure from the beginning is important to long term growth. This allows entrepreneurs to be ready to access and receive capital and create the traction necessary to accelerate their growth. In this session\, speakers will set the stage for exploring early-stage capital and how to prepare your organization for investment in the earliest stages of growth.Chisom A’Marie\, Vice President/Partner New Voices FundKelly O’Connell\, Managing Partner\, 360 Venture Collective \n\n11:45am: Presenting Sponsor Remarks\, Ruth Jacks\, Executive Vice President | Head of Diverse Segments Commercial Banking \nFollowed by Networking Lunch \nJoin us for a Networking Lunch where we will offer facilitated conversations to deep dive into the thematic topics explored over the two days. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs\, exchange insights\, and build meaningful relationships while revisiting key discussions and actionable takeaways from the Summit. \n\n1:15pm: The Building Blocks of Capital: Growing with PurposeScaling a business is a process and not a lump sum event. This work requires a strong commitment to the company’s values\, strategy\, and objectives as well as purposeful commitment from both business owners and investors of capital. Entrepreneurs must be constantly evaluating whether their desired growth is in alignment with the goals they’ve set for their organization and the value they are creating for their customers. Join our panel of experts to discuss how to grow your business intentionally as well as how entrepreneurs and investors can build mutually beneficial relationships to achieve both business owner and investor goals.La Keisha Landrum Pierre\, General Partner\, Co-Founder\, Emmeline Ventures (Moderator)Richard Gan\, Division Manager and Managing Director\, Wells FargoLexi Ginsburg\, Senior Analyst\,  Altura Capital \n\n2:00pm: Mergers & Acquisitions as a Growth StrategyUnlocking the potential for transformational growth\, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is a powerful strategy for scaling women-owned businesses. This dynamic panel will delve into the intricacies of M&A\, offering insights into how this strategy can serve as a catalyst for expansion\, market penetration\, and increased competitiveness. \nJoin us for this insightful session to discover how mergers and acquisitions can serve as a strategic tool for growth and transformation. Whether you are looking to acquire\, merge\, or attract investment\, this panel will provide the knowledge and inspiration needed to navigate the complex M&A landscape confidently.Kirsty McGuire\, Partner\, H Partners (Moderator)Marilyn Adler Founder and Managing Partner\, Mizzen CapitalDana Getschow\, Vice President\, Mid-Cap Investment Banking\, Wells FargoAnjali “Ann” Ramakumaran\, Founder and CEO\, Ampcus\, Inc.Mark Sirower\, Principal | M&A Consultative Services\, Deloitte \n\n2:45pm Coffee Break \n\n3:00pm Engineering Your Exit: Envisioning the Future of your Company While Building It \nAs entrepreneurs grow their businesses\, it is critical to consider the future of the company. When the time comes\, how will they separate from the business?  What are the ultimate goals included in an exit strategy?  Does the organization have a succession plan to prepare for change as the business transitions?  Answering these questions is key to achieving positive outcomes for both founders and investors. Planning an exit strategy early in the development of the company can help maximize the return on investment and sweat equity. In this session\, the panel will discuss how to incorporate an exit into the company’s overall business strategy and the value that a well thought out exit strategy can bring to both founders and capital allocators. \nEda Henries\, Founder and Managing Principal\, Henries & Co. (Moderator)Dao Jensen\, President\, Compass UOL North AmericaJohn Majeski\, CEO & Partner\, Portola Valley PartnersSuzanne Morrison\, Executive Vice President Head of Commercial Banking & Wealth Partnership\, Wells Fargo \n\n3:40pm: Closing Fireside ChatBabba Rivera\, Founder & CEO\, CeremoniaPocket Sun\, Co-Founder & Managing Partner\, SoGal Ventures \n\n4:15pm: Closing RemarksGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \nFollowed by Closing Reception\, sponsored by Stearns Bank \n\n5:15pm: Closing Reception Concludes \n\n\n Opening Reception Sponsor\n\n Closing Reception Sponsor URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/womens-capital-summit/ LOCATION:Convene Madison\, 360 Madison Avenue\, New York\, NY\, 10017\, United States CATEGORIES:Summit ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WCS-Webpage-Banner.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240925 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240926 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20240205T210824Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250519T134454Z UID:26072-1727222400-1727308799@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:WBC Action for Impact Summit DESCRIPTION:September 25\, 2024 • 10:00 AM • Virtual Event\n \n\n\n \n Awards\n \n \n\n \n Agenda\n \n \n\n \n Speakers\n \n \n\n \n Sponsor\n \n \n\n \n Register Now\n \n \n\nWBC’s 2024 Annual Action for Impact Summit united thousands of attendees on a fully interactive platform\, enabling participants to network\, connect\, and exchange ideas\, innovations\, and impact in real-time. We presented the 2024 CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Awards and the WBC Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Awards below. \n \n Download the Program\n \nFor more information on the separate VIP Event In the Arena: Women Leading Sports\, click here. \n2024 CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Awards Recipients\n\nPriscilla Sims Brown\nPresident & CEOAmalgamated Bank \n\nPriscilla Almodovar\nPresident & CEO Fannie Mae \n\nJudy Marks\nChair\, CEO & PresidentOtis Worldwide Corporation \n2024 WBC Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award Recipients\n\nVernā Myers\nFounder & PresidentThe Vernā Myers Company \n\nDr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala\nDirector-GeneralWorld Trade Organization \n\nLucy Sanders\nFounder & Executive in ResidenceNational Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) \n\nCharles E. Johnson\nPresident\, SodexoMagic \n2024 CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Awards Recipients\n\nPriscilla Sims Brown\nPresident & CEOAmalgamated Bank \n\nPriscilla Almodovar\nPresident & CEO Fannie Mae \n\nJudy Marks\nChair\, CEO & PresidentOtis Worldwide Corporation \n2024 WBC Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award Recipients\n\nVernā Myers\nFounder & PresidentThe Vernā Myers Company \n\nDr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala\nDirector-GeneralWorld Trade Organization \n\nLucy Sanders\nFounder & Executive in ResidenceNational Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) \nAgenda & Panel Programming\n \n 10:00-10:10 AM EST\n \nACTION FOR IMPACT SUMMIT WELCOME\n For the past four years\, WBC has convened our community to highlight the ACTION being taken to advance diversity\, equity\, inclusion\, and purpose and the direct IMPACT it is having in making a difference. Join Gwen K. Young as she kicks off WBC’s annual summit and our impact as we work to advance all women in business. \n\nGwen K. Young\, Chief Executive Officer\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\n \n 10:10 – 10:30 AM ET\n \nAI AT WORK: NAVIGATING ETHICAL FRONTIERS IN THE MODERN WORKFORCE\n As the modern workforce evolves\, it’s critical that businesses acknowledge the growing presence of artificial intelligence. The evolving AI landscape is poised to alter the course of business operations\, change the conversation on the future or work and have significant ethical implications. Leaders on this panel discuss how companies can adapt to the presence of AI while ensuring that they remain committed to their values\, purpose and employees. \n\nModerator: Emily Wilkins\, DC Correspondent\, CNBC\nMiriam Vogel\, President and CEO\, EqualAI\nGabriela Ramos\, Assistant Director-General for the Social and Human Sciences\, UNESCO\n\n \n 10:30 – 10:32 AM ET\n \nCEO EXCELLENCE IN GENDER EQUITY AND DIVERSITY AWARDS 2024 – INTRODUCTION\nThe WBC CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Award recognizes corporate leaders whose efforts have made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity within their companies and increased opportunities for women in business roles. \n\nGwen K. Young\, Chief Executive Officer\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\n \n 10:32 – 11:05 AM ET\n \n2024 CEO EXCELLENCE IN GENDER EQUITY AND DIVERSITY AWARD RECIPIENTS\n The WBC CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Award recognizes corporate leaders whose efforts have made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity within their companies and increased opportunities for women in business roles.\nJoin us for part one of our conversation with this year’s CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity award winners with opening remarks by WBC leadership.  \n\nPriscilla Almodovar\, Chief Executive Officer\, Fannie Mae\nPriscilla Sims Brown\, President and Chief Executive Officer\, Amalgamated Bank\nJudy Marks\, Chair\, Chief Executive Officer and President\, Otis Worldwide Corporation\n\n \n 11:05 – 11:35 AM ET\n \nEMPOWERING GROWTH: HOW WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE SHAPING THE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE\n Women owned businesses continue to grow in both numbers and in terms of revenue. This diverse group of accomplished entrepreneurs will discuss the strategies they and their companies employed to build their businesses from the ground up. This panel will highlight the transformative impact of women in business and their contributions to a more inclusive and innovative economic landscape. \n\nModerator: Edie Fraser\, Chair of Board\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\nLaura Fote\, Founder and CEO\, L&B Concepts\nSharon Reynolds\, Founder\, President\, CEO\, DevMar Enterprises\, WBC Board Member\nDeb Ward\, Founder and CEO\, UV BIOCLEAN\nDiedre Windsor\, Founder & CEO\, Windsor Group LLC\n\n \n 11:35 – 11:55 AM ET\n \nTRAILBLAZER IN GENDER EQUITY AND DIVERSITY AWARD: DR. NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA\n WBC is pleased to award Her Excellency\, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala\, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)\, our Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award in recognition of her remarkable contributions to gender equity and diversity. \n\nHer Excellency\, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala\, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO)\nInterviewed by Gwen K. Young\, Chief Executive Officer\, WBC\n\n \n 11:55 – 12:15 PM ET\n \n2024 WBC WOMEN CEOS IN AMERICA REPORT\n Women Business Collaborative and our partners are committed to not just reporting\, but also galvanizing\, energizing and motivating organizations to usher in more women to the C-Suite and then to CEO roles. There is reason for optimism as we see an increasing commitment to populate the C-Suite and the Board with more women – and it is happening. WBC\, C200\, Catalyst and Ascend discuss the data\, strategies and realities of women CEOs across the business landscape. \n\nModerator: Kevin Cirilli\, Founder\, Meet the Future NOW\nJennifer McCollum\, President and CEO\, Catalyst\nAnna Mok\, President\, Ascend Leadership\nGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\n \n 12:15 – 12:45 PM ET\n \nCLOSING THE GAP: BOOSTING INVESTMENT IN WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES\n Women-owned and led businesses have a deep impact on today’s economy yet they receive only 2% of venture capital. At the same time\, women represent only 12% of decision-makers across the capital landscape. This panel will discuss strategies for fostering investment in women-owned enterprises and growing the number of women leaders in capital. \n\nModerator: Angela Dingle\, CEO\, WIPP\nNicole Cober\, Founder\, The BOW Collective\nDenielle Finkelstein\, Co-CEO & Co-Founder\, Unicorn\nJosephine Moran\, President & CEO\, Ledyard National Bank\nLisa Roberts\, Senior Executive Vice President\, Head of US Markets\, Wilmington Trust\nKelly Skalicky\, President & CEO\, Stearns Bank National Association\n\n \n 12:45 – 1:15 PM ET\n \n2024 CEO EXCELLENCE IN GENDER EQUITY AND DIVERSITY AWARD RECIPIENTS\n The WBC CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity Award recognizes corporate leaders whose efforts have made significant contributions to the advancement of diversity within their companies and increased opportunities for women in business roles. Join us for part two of our conversation with this year’s CEO Excellence in Gender Equity and Diversity award winners. \n\nPriscilla Almodovar\, Chief Executive Officer\, Fannie Mae\nPriscilla Sims Brown\, President and Chief Executive Officer\, Amalgamated Bank\nJudy Marks\, Chair\, Chief Executive Officer and President\, Otis Worldwide Corporation\n\n \n 1:15 – 1:45 PM ET\n \nBREAKOUT PANELS\nELEVATING VOICES: WOMEN OF COLOR IN LEADERSHIP\n Women of color are often underrepresented in leadership and yet make up a significant portion of today’s workforce. Companies must ensure that they are meeting the needs and expectations of women of color in their workforce by recognizing the unique lived experiences and challenges faced by the varied identities that make up this group. Join our speakers to hear about the experiences of women of color in the workforce and highlights of WBC’s Women of Color in Leadership report. \n\nModerator: Kimberly Lee Minor\, CEO WOC Retail Alliance (WOCRA)\nPurba Majumder\, CEO\, Cybervation\nVictoria Holland\, Congressional Delegate\, United Keetoowah Band\nSandra Quince\, Co-Chair and Board Member\, Paradigm for Parity\n\nBEYOND PLACEMENT: ADVANCING DEI IN STAFFING AND EMPLOYMENT\n The staffing industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that provides temporary\, contract\, and permanent placement employees to businesses in a variety of industries with a workforce that encompasses diversity in race\, gender\, age\, religion\, ethnicity and identity. Join us for a conversation with industry leaders on how they are working to strengthen DEI in their organizations and the industries they support. \n\nModerator: Kip Wright\, Chairman\, INSPYR Solutions and WBC Board Member\nMegan McCann\, CEO\, McCann Partners and Board Member\, Techserve Alliance Board\nJoanie Bily\, Division President\, Employbridge & Chair of the Board of Directors\, American Staffing Association (ASA)\nFrancesca Profeta\, Research Analyst\, Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA)\n\nBOARDROOM DIVERSITY: TRANSFORMATION IN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE\n Diverse board leadership can have a transformative impact on the decisions made by the senior leadership of a company and the evolution of organizational culture. Inclusive boards drive innovation\, foster creativity\, and enhance decision-making processes by bringing a range of perspectives and experiences to the table. Key leaders on this panel share insights\, strategies\, and success stories highlighting the profound impact of diversity in shaping the future of corporate governance. \n\nModerator: Belen Gomez\, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Communications\, Equilar\nSingleton McAllister\, Of Counsel\, Husch Blackwell LLP\nMercedes Romero\, Chief Procurement Officer\, Primo Water & Independent Director at JB Sanfilippo and Marinemax\nAngela Sun\, Public Company Director\, The Western Union Company\, Cushman & Wakefield\, Apollo Portfolio Company\, Maxim Crane\nKamilah Thomas\, Chief People Officer\, Avaya & Public Company Director at Mastercraft\n\nPATHWAYS TO LEADERSHIP: ADVANCING WOMEN INTO THE C-SUITE\n As the overall number of women elevated to the C-Suite continues to be slow\, especially for women of color\, it is critical that businesses outline actionable strategies to move women into the c-suite and inevitably into CEO roles. Join our panel to hear actionable strategies and organizational initiatives aimed at breaking barriers and cultivating women for executive roles. Explore how fostering diversity\, equity\, and inclusion throughout the leadership journey not only benefits individuals but also drives organizational success and innovation. \n\nModerator: Gracie Lozano\, Vice President\, Senior HR Business Partner\, USAA\nRashmi Chaturvedi\, President\, Kaygen\n\nSimone Jentsch\, VP Operations\, Programs & Enablement\, Akamai Technologies\nTai Koottatep\, Director and General Manager\, Worldwide B2B Payments & Lending\, Amazon\nGeorgina Mayback\, Managing Director & New York Tri-State Division Executive\, Bank of America\n\n \n 1:45 – 2:05 PM ET\n \nTRAILBLAZER IN GENDER EQUITY AND DIVERSITY AWARD\n WBC is pleased to award Vernā Myers\, Founder and President of the Vernā Myers Company our Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award in recognition their remarkable contributions to gender equity and diversity. \n\nAward Recipient: Vernā Myers\, President\, The Vernā Myers Company\nFireside Chat Moderator and Award Presenter: Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\n \n 2:05 – 2:25 PM ET\n \nTRAILBLAZER IN GENDER EQUITY AND DIVERSITY AWARD\n WBC is pleased to award Charles Johnson\, President of SodexoMagic our Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award in recognition their remarkable contributions to gender equity and diversity. \n\nAward Recipient: Charles Johnson\, President\, SodexoMagic\nFireside Chat Moderator and Award Presenter: Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\n \n 2:25 – 2:45 PM ET\n \nALLYSHIP IN ACTION: TRANSFORMING WORKPLACE CULTURE\n Allyship plays a critical role in building inclusive workplaces and cultures that foster belonging. Being an effective ally requires an intentional commitment to creating and nurturing relationships across the organization. Join our panel for a conversation on what effective allyship looks like in companies and how leaders can create positive change in their organizations and with their colleagues. \n\nModerator: Fabrice Houdart\, Executive Director Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors\nHelen Dietz\, Managing Director – Total Wealth Management\, Partner\, Aspiriant\nMaureen Howard\, Vice President Equality & Inclusion\, P&G\nGavriella Schuster\, CEO\, Gavriella Schuster\, LLC\n\n \n 2:45 – 3:15 PM ET\n \nCORPORATE LEADERSHIP: HARNESSING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY\n Tech leadership is critical to the success of business. Top women technology leaders including CIOS\, CTOs and CISOs as well as leaders in cyber\, AI\, data analytics are more important than ever as companies transform their technological capabilities to meet the needs of the future. Join us for a dynamic conversation about how corporate tech leaders are harnessing the power of technology and data to drive successful outcomes in their organizations. \n\nModerator: Johanna Jones\, President and CEO\, ITSMF\nJo-Anna Rubin-Berman\, Vice President of US HR Shared Services\, Munich RE\nJennifer Bryant\, Senior Director\, Chief of Staff\, Associate Experience and Engagement\, Capital One\nJennifer Jones\, USLI Chief Operating Officer\, Genworth Financial\n\n \n 3:15 – 3:35 PM ET\n \nTRAILBLAZER IN GENDER EQUITY AND DIVERSITY AWARD: LUCY SANDERS\n WBC is pleased to award Lucy Sanders\, Founder and Executive in Residence at The National Center for Women in Technology (NCWIT)\, our Trailblazer in Gender Equity and Diversity Award in recognition of her remarkable contributions to gender equity and diversity. \n\nLucy Sanders\, Founder and Executive in Residence at The National Center for Women in Technology (NCWIT)\nInterviewed by Gwen K. Young\, Chief Executive Officer\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\n \n 3:35 – 4:05 PM ET\n \nTRUST AND TRANSFORMATION: BUILDING A CULTURE OF BELONGING IN THE WORKPLACE\n More than ever\, building a workplace grounded in trust is critical to the success of a business. This is even more important as employees look to their companies to provide stability for them in an increasingly turbulent landscape. Building a culture of trust in belonging in the workplace is critical as organizations move into the next evolution of the workplace. \n\nModerator: Dr. Rachel-Yvonne Talton\, Founder and CEO\, Synergy\nDr. Joy Dettorre\, Global D&I Leader\, IBM\nChloe Lemelle\, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Diversity\, AT&T\nNathan C. Pierce\, Culture & Diversity Engagement Specialist\, Tata Consultancy Services – TCS\n\n \n 4:05 – 4:35 PM ET\n \nLEVERAGING INCLUSIVE GROWTH THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY\n As sustainability strategies shape the future of our world\, it is essential to prioritize inclusive growth in this agenda. As the world changes quickly\, ensuring that economic progress benefits everyone — especially those most vulnerable — is key to fostering a more resilient and equitable world. Hear from trailblazing leaders who are driving transformation in their industries\, as they share experience\, insights\, and practical strategies to create meaningful change from within.   \n\nModerator: Balaji Ganapathy\, Chief Social Responsibility Officer and Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility\, Tata Consultancy Service and WBC Board Member\nTequila Smith\, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer\, Reworld Waste\nMarika McCauley Sine\, Chief Sustainability Officer\, Mars Petcare and Board Member\, WBC\n\n \n 4:35  – 4:45 PM ET\n \nIMPACT TALK: THE SCIENCE OF TURNING IMAGINATION INTO REALITY\n \n\nTiffany Norwood\, Founder & CEO\, Tribetan\n\n \n 4:45  – 5:10 PM ET\n \nINCLUSION: TRANSFORMING OPERATIONS TO MEET THE REALITIES OF TODAY’S BUSINESS LANDSCAPE\n The current landscape of the workplace requires companies to be intentional in all aspects of building company culture and their operations. Without a strong commitment to equitable and inclusive employee engagement strategies and practices\, organizations cannot retain strong talent\, lose competitive advantage and are less likely to increase their customer base. Join our speakers to hear how companies are transforming their operations and their organizational narrative to meet the expectations of the next generation of talent and consumers. \n\nModerator: Amy LaBella Rossi\, Vice President\, Lead Business Execution Consultant Commercial Banking Diverse Segments\, Wells Fargo\nTracy Gee\, Chief People Officer\, NACD \nAshley Marchand Orme\, Director of Equity and Stakeholder Leadership\, Just Capital\nRyan Mitchell\, Global Director – Diversity\, Equity & Inclusion\, CBRE\n\n \n 5:10  – 5:20 PM ET\n \nCLOSING REMARKS – HARNESSING OUR COLLECTIVE MOMENTUM FOR THE PATH FORWARD\n \n\nGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\nSpeakers\nNo posts found. \n \nThank you to our Sponsors!\nFor more information on becoming a Sponsor\, click here. \nplatinum sponsors\nDiamond sponsors\n \n \nGold sponsors\n \nSilver sponsors\n \nGeneral sponsors URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/wbc-action-for-impact-summit/ LOCATION:Virtual CATEGORIES:Summit ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/WBC-Summit-Header-1920-x-800-px-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240925T173000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240925T200000 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20240829T153803Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241006T020528Z UID:37750-1727285400-1727294400@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:In the Arena: Women Leading Sports DESCRIPTION:\n\n \n“In the Arena: Women Leading Sports” is an exclusive VIP reception that brings together influential women from the sports industry\, policy-making\, journalism\, and business. This event is a part of the Women Business Collaborative’s (WBC) Action for Impact Summit. \nPanel Discussion: \nJoin us for a compelling discussion moderated by legendary sportscaster Lesley Visser\, featuring insights from Gwen Young\, Chryssa Zizos\, Briana Scurry\, and Kate Greenberg. These leaders will share their experiences and strategies for advancing women’s roles in sports and business. \nAbout WBC:\nThe Women Business Collaborative is a coalition of over 85 organizations and hundreds of business leaders committed to achieving equal position\, pay\, and power for all women in business. WBC advances this mission through collaboration\, advocacy\, action\, and accountability. \nKey Highlights: \n\nEngage with Leaders: Network with top professionals in sports\, business\, and policy.\nLearn from Experts: Gain insights from women who are leading the charge for gender equality.\nCelebrate Achievements: Honor the contributions of this year’s CEO and Trailblazer awardees.\n\nFor more information\, please contact us at events@wbcollaborative.org URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/in-the-arena-women-leading-sports/ LOCATION:National Press Club\, 529 14th St NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20045\, United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250204T190000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250204T210000 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20250123T214535Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250202T191734Z UID:46292-1738695600-1738702800@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:National Girls & Women in Sports Day Film Screening DESCRIPTION:Days Hours Minutes Seconds \nNational Girls & Women in Sports Day Film Screening: The Herricanes \nFebruary 4\, 2025 | Angelika Film Center Pop-Up550 Penn St NE\, Washington\, DC 20025\n \n Click Here to Register\n \nJoin Us for an Inspiring Screening on National Girls and Women in Sports Day! \nCelebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day with the Women Business Collaborative and the UFL DC Defenders as we honor the trailblazing women of the Houston Herricanes\, the first full-tackle women’s football team from the 1970s. \nEvent Details📅 Date: February 4\, 2025⏰ Time: 7:00 PM📍 Location: Angelika Film Center Pop-Up – 550 Penn St NE\, Washington\, DC 20002🎟️ Tickets: $25 \nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCnF9ReZrI8 \nThis event is part of the In the Arena Initiative by the Women Business Collaborative\, highlighting women’s leadership across the sports industry. Join us as we dive into the untold story of courage\, resilience\, and love for the game. Filmmaker Olivia Kuan explores the journey of the Houston Herricanes\, who defied odds\, stereotypes\, and challenges to pave the way for future generations of women in football. The Herricanes has been recognized with the Documentary Spotlight Audience Award and Special Jury Recognition at the 2023 South by Southwest Film Festival. \nTogether\, let’s celebrate the spirit of women in sports\, reflect on the progress made\, and explore how we can continue to champion women’s leadership in the nation’s most beloved game. \nDon’t miss this inspiring evening of film\, conversation\, and community. \nReserve your spot today! \n \n Click Here to Register URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/national-girls-women-in-sports-day-film-screening/ LOCATION:Angelika Pop-Up 550 Penn St NE\, Washington\, DC 20002\, USA\, 550 Penn St NE\, Washington\, DC\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Herricanes-Film-Screening-2.4.2025-v2-full-defenders-logo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250304T130000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250304T143000 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20250202T191033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T081342Z UID:46737-1741093200-1741098600@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Power Players: General Counsels Shaping the DMV’s Sports Landscape DESCRIPTION:Power Players: General Counsels Shaping the DMV’s Sports Landscape \nMarch 4\, 2025 | Paul Hastings LLP2050 M St NW Washington\, D.C.\n \n Click Here to Register\n \nJoin us on March 4\, 2025\, for an engaging panel discussion spotlighting women at the forefront of legal leadership in the DMV’s dynamic sports industry. Hosted by Women Business Collaborative (WBC) and Paul Hastings LLP in Washington\, D.C.\, this event celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 and the impactful contributions of leaders shaping the region’s sports landscape. \nFeaturing insights from top legal executives representing the Washington Capitals\, Wizards\, Mystics and Spirit\, the UFL DC Defenders\, and D.C. United\, the event will explore pivotal legal trends\, career journeys\, and the ongoing rise of women’s business leadership in sports. \nEnjoy networking opportunities\, thought-provoking discussion\, and a chance to connect with trailblazing leaders in sports law. Registration is open to WBC members and the public—space is limited. \nThe Agenda\nAll times are listed in Eastern Time (ET) Additional details will be provided as they become available.\n\n\n\n March 4\, 2025\n \n\n1:00 pm: Arrival and Registration \n\n1:20 pm: Welcome & Introduction \n\nGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative\n\n\n1:30 pm: Panel Discussion \n\nAbby Blomstrom\, Executive Vice President & General Counsel\, Monumental Sports & Entertainment\nShameeka Quallo\, Chief Legal Officer\, Washington Spirit\nJessica Wright\, General Counsel\, D.C. United and DC Power FC\nTara Giunta\, WBC Board Advisor (Moderator)\n\n\n2:05 pm: Audience Q&A \n\n2:15 pm: Closing Remarks \n \n Click Here to Register\n \nSpeakers\nAbby Blomstrom\nExecutive Vice President & General Counsel\, Monumental Sports & EntertainmentAs Executive Vice President & General Counsel for Monumental Sports & Entertainment\, Abby Blomstrom is responsible for advising senior management on key legal and strategic matters as well as managing all legal matters for the organization’s sports and business operations. \nPrior to joining Monumental Sports & Entertainment\, Blomstrom served as assistant general counsel at AOL Inc.\, where she was the lead attorney for mergers and acquisitions and venture investments and was responsible for corporate legal matters. She earned her undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law. \nShameeka Quallo\nVice President and Chief Legal Officer\, Washington SpiritShameeka Quallo\, Esq. is the Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the Washington Spirit\, where she leads Legal\, Human Resources\, and IT functions\, driving strategic vision and fostering a culture grounded in diversity\, equity\, and inclusion. As a business-savvy legal executive\, Shameeka provides strategic counsel to ownership and leadership on corporate decisions\, contracts\, and policy implications. \nShe is instrumental in negotiating major business contracts and developing policies that ensure compliance and mitigate organizational risk. Her leadership inspires high-performing teams and delivers measurable results. \nBefore joining the Spirit\, Shameeka held key legal and DEI roles across several sports organizations\, including Associate General Counsel and Senior Director of DEI for the Chicago Cubs\, Associate General Counsel and Director of DEI at International Speedway Corporation (motorsports)\, and Associate Counsel for the Ladies Professional Golf Association. In these roles\, she supported critical business initiatives across contract negotiation\, labor and employment\, compliance\, and litigation management. \nPreviously\, Shameeka spent a decade as an auditor with the National Futures Association\, conducting risk-based financial and compliance examinations to maintain market integrity in commodities\, options\, and forex trading. \nBeyond her professional roles\, Shameeka is committed to community service. She is Vice-Chair of the board of USA Weightlifting\, a board member of DC Scores\, and serves on the council of the James R. Jordan Boys & Girls Club. She formerly served as Board Chair of Junior Achievement of Volusia County and Vice-Chair of Delta House North. \nShameeka is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority\, Inc.\, and she serves as an arbitrator with FINRA. \nJessica Wright\nGeneral Counsel\, D.C. United\, DC Power FC\, Audi Field and Segra Field \nJessica Wright is General Counsel for multiple entities including D.C. United\, a Major League Soccer team; DC Power FC\, a USL Super League team; Audi Field\, a 20\,000-seat stadium in Washington DC; Segra Field\, a 5\,000-seat stadium in Loudoun County\, VA; the Inova Performance Complex\, a state-of-the-art training facility in Loudoun County that is home to D.C. United\, DC Power FC\, Loudoun United FC\, and the Washington Spirit. \nJessica’s responsibilities include matters related to the teams\, venues\, employees\, new investors\, mergers and acquisitions\, real estate\, and corporate governance across the entire organization. In her current role\, she has worked to bring the XFL back to Audi Field; open the FanDuel Sportsbook at Audi Field; secure four separate front of jersey deals including the first cryptocurrency related front of jersey sponsorship deal in MLS; open and handle the naming rights for the Inova Performance Complex; bring in some of the biggest names in the sport as players and coaches; and secure and execute the 2023 MLS All-Star Game as well as the Broccoli City Festival\, both at Audi Field. \nShe is also currently engaged in building a high-rise residential building with an entertainment venue on the ground floor adjacent to Audi Field\, investigating building another stadium in the DMV\, and creating/obtaining additional franchises. Prior to accepting her current role\, Jessica was an associate attorney at a small firm in Manhattan Beach\, CA where she practiced in the fields of business\, contracts\, intellectual property\, and real estate law. Jessica has been a mediator since 1997 and a trained arbitrator since 2015. \nIn addition to associates degrees in English\, Psychology\, and Transfer Studies\, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University\, J.D. from Southwestern Law School\, LL.M. in Entertainment and Media Law from Southwestern Law School\, and M.B.A. from California State University\, Monterey Bay. \nTara K. Giunta\nStrategic Risk Advisor\, Governance Expert \nTara K. Giunta recently retired as a partner in the global law firm\, Paul Hastings\, where she was Global Co-Chair\, ESG & Sustainable Finance practice and a member of the firm’s Investigations and White Collar Defense practice\, which is routinely recognized by the Global Investigations Review (GIR) as a leading investigations practice and one of a handful of global “elite” practice groups. Ms. Giunta is a recognized risk\, strategy and compliance expert and advisor to global companies on corporate governance and enterprise risk management. She advises C-suites and boards in identifying and mitigating risks\, developing and enhancing compliance programs\, investigating and remediating wrongdoing and/or internal control weaknesses\, conducting compliance-related due diligence in M&A and other commercial transactions\, and developing reporting and disclosure frameworks. \n \nAbout WBC’s In the Arena Initiative \nWomen Business Collaborative (WBC) is an unprecedented alliance of 85+ partner organizations\, 65+ corporate sponsors and hundreds of business leaders building a movement to achieve equal position\, pay\, and power for all women in business. \nIn the Arena builds a bridge between sports industries and the wider corporate arena\, empowers more women to step into leadership positions and creates a stronger\, more diverse workforce. \nBy being part of WBC’s Women’s Leadership in the Sports Industry Initiative\, your company will be making a strategic investment in the future of business and sports\, building an ecosystem for women to advance into leadership positions in not only the sports industry\, but in all business. \nThrough partnering with WBC\, your organization will be positioned to: \n\nEnhance brand reputation & corporate responsibility\nStrengthen your brand’s association with diversity and athletic excellence\nAttract & retain top women talent with athletic leadership skills\nNetwork with key stakeholders and influence policy & industry change\nBoost financial & cultural performance by supporting women leaders\nBe part of the movement shaping the future of sports & business URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/power-players-general-counsels-shaping-the-dmvs-sports-landscape/ LOCATION:Paul Hastings LLP\, 2050 M St NW\, Washington\, DC\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/IWD-power-players-featured-image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250306T160000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250306T173000 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20250304T224539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250306T072259Z UID:48253-1741276800-1741282200@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Accelerate Action: Empowering Women in Cybersecurity & AI DESCRIPTION:Days Hours Minutes Seconds \nAccelerate Action: Empowering Women in Cybersecurity & AI\nMarch 6\, 20254:30-5:30 PM  | Virtual\nRegister\n \nWomen Business Collaborative (WBC) and Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) are proud to present Accelerate Action: Empowering Women in Cybersecurity & AI\, a virtual event celebrating International Women’s Day 2025. \nThis program brings together two powerful organizations committed to advancing women’s leadership in technology and business\, combining WBC’s mission of achieving equal position\, pay\, and power for all women in business with ITSMF’s dedication to increasing Black representation in senior technology roles. \nThis public event will convene distinguished policy makers\, industry leaders\, and technology executives for an evening of meaningful dialogue and networking. The program will explore critical themes at the intersection of innovation\, security\, and inclusive leadership\, addressing how diverse leadership perspectives are essential for navigating the complex landscape of emerging technologies. \nRegister\n \n \nAgenda\nAll times are listed in Eastern Time (ET)\n\n\n\n March 6\, 2025\n \n\n4:00 pm: Stream Start \n\n4:05 pm: Welcoming Remarks \n\n4:10 pm: Fireside Chat \n\nAlicia Little; Chief Executive Officer\, AI InnoVision\nJohanna Jones; President & CEO\, ITSMF (Moderator)\n\n\n4:35 pm: Audience Q&A \n\n4:45 pm: Panel Discussion \n\nYasmin Banerjee; Director of Professional Services\, Akamai Technologies\nSherron Burgess; Global Senior Vice President and CISO\, BCD Travel\nGwen K. Young; CEO\, Women Business Collaborative\n\n\n5:10 pm: Audience Q&A \n\n5:25 pm: Closing Remarks URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/accelerate-action-empowering-women-in-cybersecurity-ai/ LOCATION:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IWD_ITSMFWBC-placeholder.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250307T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250308T180000 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20250302T230322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250613T052756Z UID:48041-1741334400-1741456800@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:WBC Entrepreneurs of Purpose Weekend Retreat DESCRIPTION:Days Hours Minutes Seconds \nEntrepreneurs of Purpose Weekend Retreat\nMarch 7-8 | Watergate Hotel2650 Virginia Ave NW\, Washington\, DC 20037\n  \nAgenda\nAll times are listed in Eastern Time (ET) Additional details will be provided as they become available.\n\n\n\n March 7\, 2025\n \n\n March 8\, 2025\n \n\nReflect and Recharge Together with Scale & Opportunity \n10:00 AM MILITARY WOMEN’S MEMORIALAn Inspirational Journey and Our Own InspirationBus departs from Watergate Hotel to National Memorial at 10:00 AM.Hosted by Diedre Windsor\, CEO\, Windsor Group LLC with Phyllis Wilson\, Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer and President\, Women in Military Service and the America Memorial Foundation Inc. and Edna W. Cummings\, Retired Army Colonel\, Author and 6888 Champion \n\n11:30 AM RETURN TO THE WATERGATE HOTEL AND LIBRARY \n\n12:00 PM LUNCH: From Purpose to CourageHosted by Joyce Salzberg\, CEO\, Sunny Days \n\nWELCOME – Amplifying our Collective Voices for PurposeDiscover the ‘Why\,’ Explore the ‘What\,’ and Amplify Our VoicesLed by Edie Fraser\, Chair\, WBC Board Directors and Sharon Reynolds\, CEO\, DevMar Manufacturing\, WBC Board Director\nImpact – Voices with Purpose\, Impact with ActionLed by Andrea Simon\, Founder and CEO\, SAMC\nThank you from WBC and Entrepreneurs with Purpose — Highlighting Why Collaboration Is Essential – Gwen Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\n\n12:30 PM COURAGE IS KEY – The Courage Gap – How Courage Fits All of Us!Dr. Margie Warrell\, Leadership Advisor\, Author\, SpeakerMargie Warrell\, in The Courage Gap\, explores how fear and doubt hold us back\, urging us to close the gap between where we are and where we want to be by summoning courage. She emphasizes that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in its presence\, empowering individuals to take bold steps toward their goals. Warrell’s insights remind us that courage is a universal trait that resides within all of us\, waiting to be tapped into as we face challenges and create meaningful change in our lives. \n\n1:00 PM PANEL: Voices of the Women of Entrepreneurs of PurposeLearn more about giving back to the community\, scaling your businesses\, implementing an integrated approach to purpose\, leaving a legacy and philanthropy\, and elevating our voices to show our contributions and commitment. \n\nEsther Aguilera\, Senior Advisor\, Altura Capital and Senior Advisor\, ALPFA\, WBC Board Director\nGerri Mason Hall\, Principal\, The P3 Team and Senior Advisor\, Astellara\, WBC Board Director\nJanice Migliore\, CEO & Chair\, PALCO\nJoyce Salzberg\, CEO\, Sunny Days\nModerator: Andrea Simon\, Founder and CEO\, SAMC\n\n\n2:00 PM PANEL: Purpose-Driven Leadership StrategiesExplore practical approaches from five women entrepreneurs on building team cultures\, sustaining purpose\, and scaling businesses with community impact. Gain insights on overcoming challenges\, fostering inclusivity\, and turning connections into contracts. \n\nCrystal Davis\, CEO\, The Lean Coach\, Inc.\nTheresa Harrison\, Senior Managing Partner\, George Street Services\nSandra Long\, Owner & CEO\, SLA Worldwide and Publisher\, HBCU News\nDr. Felicia Phillips\, CEO\, Heartland Solutions Incorporated\nSue Watkins\, CEO & President\, Telecom Transport Services\nModerator: Sharon Reynolds\, CEO\, DevMar Enterprises and WBC Board Director\n\n\n3:00 PM COLLABORATION ON PURPOSEHow entrepreneurs can align their ventures with meaningful impact\, partnerships\, innovation\, and shared values to drive both profit and positive change.Led by Sima Ladjevardian\, Chair\, National Women’s Business Council\, Entrepreneur Advocate \n\n3:15 PM BREAK \n\n3:30 PM MINDFULNESS SESSION: Purposeful Pause with Dr. Renette DallasGood healthy life and Guided mindfulness and journaling session\, helping participants reconnect with their inner motivation and energy. \nLed by Dr. Renette Dallas\, CEO\, Life by Dallas IncIntroduction by Andi Simon\, Founder and CEO\, SAMC \n\n4:00 PM PURPOSE AND IMPACTCommunicating the link between purpose and impact. A discussion with key entrepreneurs in the DMV on how they are driving\, inspiring\, and multiplying impact by elevating women. \n\nJenn White\, Host\, 1A\, NPR/WAMU\nErika Pulley-Hayes\, General Manager\, WAMU\nIndia Gary-Martin\, Founder and CEO\, Leadership For Execs and Relucent Learning\, WBC Board Chair Elect\nSharon Reynolds\, CEO\, DevMar Manufacturing\, WBC Board Director\nIlene Rosenthal\, CEO\, Footsteps to Brilliance\nHelen Stefan Moreau\, Founder & CEO\, The Midtown Group\nDiedre Windsor\, CEO\, Windsor Group LLC\nModerator: Edie Fraser\, Chair\, WBC Board Directors\n\n\n4:45 PM WORKSHOP: Balancing Purpose and Personal Well-BeingExplore strategies for maintaining mental and physical health while leading a purpose-driven business. Discuss resilience practices and the “Thrive” approach to fostering collective commitment for 2025.Led by Dr. Barbara Brown\, Founder and CEO\, CapitolHill Consortium for Counseling & Consultation (CCCC) \n\n5:15 PM WBC ENTREPRENEURS OF PURPOSERaising our voices and using communications. \nLed by India Gary-Martin\, Founder and CEO\, Leadership For Execs and Relucent Learning\, WBC Board Chair Elect and Gwen Young\, CEO\, WBC \n\n5:30 PM TOAST: Our Voices and Impact \n\nEdie Fraser\, Chair\, WBC Board Directors\nSharon Reynolds\, CEO\, DevMar Manufacturing\, WBC Board Director\n\n\n6:00 PM BREAK \n\n6:30 PM DINNER: Evening Reflections On Our Collective GlowAt the Watergate Hotel. \nTravel and Hospitality hosted by Gloria Bohan\, CEO and Founder\, Omega World Travel with Windstar and Delta\, with Edie Fraser\, Sharon Reynolds\, Gwen Young \n7:30 AM BREAKFASTHosted by Shoshana Grove\, CEO\, International Bridge \n\n8:00 AM SETTING INTENTIONS FOR JOY and BEING A WARRIOREach participant sets a personal intention to focus their energy and vision and how creating intention builds joy.Led by Bershan Shaw\, CEO\, Warrior Training\, Int’l Executive Leadership Trainer \n\n8:15 AM VOICES OF ENTREPRENEURS OF PURPOSEYour purpose in business\, life & legacy success deserves huge visibility. Are you ready to make headlines with Purpose? Join the media and marketing voices and celebrate the Proclamation from the Mayor. Signing of EOP commitment. Photos and Red Carpet!Hosted by Laura Fote\, CEO\, L&B Concepts \n\n9:30 AM WORKSHOP: Amplifying Purpose in Brand and Marketing for Entrepreneurs of PurposeParticipants can explore storytelling techniques\, digital presence\, and outreachmethods that align with their values. \n\nErika Baez-Grimes\, CM&AP – Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional\, Senior Business Broker – Transworld Business Advisors\nDonna Miller\, MBA\, SPHR-SCP\, Co-Founder and CEO\, Purse Power\nDelia Passi\, Founder and CEO\, MyCabinet\nIlene Rosenthal\, CEO\, Footsteps to Brilliance\nGlenda Thomas\, CEO\, Electrica Grid Solutions\nModerator: Dr. Rachel-Yvonne Talton\, Founder & CEO\, Synergy\n\n\n10:30 AM BOLD LEADERSHIPInvesting into leadership for big and bold outcomes. Invest in Women in Business to Accelerate Action\, Growth and ImpactLed by Monika Mantilla\, CEO and Founder\, Altura Capital \n\n10:45 AM COLLABORATIVE SESSION: Key Voices in Capital\, Innovation and Scale for PurposeParticipants share challenges and receive feedback from fellow entrepreneurs and core action ahead. \nCAPITAL – Kathie Okun\, President\, Okun Financial GroupINNOVATION – Susan Brennan\, President\, Susan Brennan LeadershipSCALING BUSINESS AND GIVING BACK – Joyce Salzberg\, CEO\, Sunny DaysModerator: Gwen Young\, CEO\, WBC \n\n11:30 AM BREAK AND CHECKOUT FROM HOTEL \n\n12:00 PM LUNCH & NETWORKINGInteractive networking designed to strengthen bonds and foster future collaborative Success.Hosted by Ilene Rosenthal\, CEO\, Footsteps to Brilliance \n\n1:00 PM LIght Her Way with Capital and Purposeful ActionJoyce Johnson\, Global Private Debt and Equity Investor\, introduction by Edie Fraser\, Chair\, WBC Board Directors and Sharon Reynolds\, Founder and CEO DevMar Manufacturing\, WBC Board Director \n\n1:15 PM PANEL: Beyond Profit – Creating a Legacy: Where you are now and what are your commitments?Entrepreneurs share how they have created long-term\, meaningful commitments and action with legacy. Participants can share their insights and actions\, fostering an engaging dialogue on personal and professional legacies. \n\nRashmi Chaturvedi\, Co-founder and President\, KAYGEN\, Inc.\nLynne Hardin\, Founder and President Justice4All\nNicole Loftus\, Founder & CEO\, Pop Venture\nDeborah Ward\, Founder and CEO\, UV BIOCLEAN\nModerator: Michael Norris\, CEO\, Urban Legacies\, WBC Board Director\n\n\n2:15 PM Our Commitment to Purposeful ActionGroup discussion and feedback on how we are moving forward together. Celebration of Legacy. \n\n3:00 PM Accelerating Our Voices and Purpose for ImpactCelebration of achievements and growth\, setting intentions to stay connected and support each other’s journey forward. Closing discussion on how to move forward collaboratively\, building on WBC Entrepreneurs of Purpose and purpose. \nLed by Edie Fraser\, Chair\, WBC Board Directors and Sharon Reynolds\, CEO\, DevMar Manufacturing\, WBC Board Director \n\n4:00 PM FASTER TOGETHER WITH PURPOSE URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/wbc-entrepreneurs-of-purpose-weekend-retreat/ LOCATION:Watergate Hotel\, 2650 Virginia Ave NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20037\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/EOP-Retreat-Promo.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250326T121500 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250326T130000 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20250314T233109Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T010742Z UID:48685-1742991300-1742994000@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Deliberately Different Leadership DESCRIPTION:Days Hours Minutes \nDeliberately Different Leadership: A Conversation on Timeless Traits and Modern Challenges\nMarch 26\, 2025\n12:15–1:00 PM | Virtual Webinar\n \n Zoom Webinar Registration\n \nJoin Women Business Collaborative (WBC) for an engaging conversation with Judee von Seldeneck\, Founder and Chair Emeritus of founding WBC sponsor\, Diversified Search Group (DSG)\, and Aileen Alexander\, DSG’s current CEO\, as they discuss their new book\, Deliberately Different: Fifty Years. Two Generations. Leading in a Changing World.  \nModerated by WBC CEO Gwen K. Young\, Judee and Aileen will share their leadership journeys\, the evolving role of executives in today’s business landscape\, and the power of mentorship across generations. From the early days of breaking barriers to leading through transformation\, this discussion will offer invaluable insights on how leaders can adapt\, inspire\, and drive change in an increasingly complex world. \nThis is a must-attend event for executives\, emerging leaders\, and anyone interested in the future of leadership. Participants will gain insights from 50 years of leadership and transition\, exploring how leadership qualities have evolved while key principles remain timeless.  \nFor more about Deliberately Different\, visit deliberatelydifferentbook.com. \n \n \n Zoom Webinar Registration\n \nAgenda\n\n\n March 26\, 2025\n \n\n12:15 pm: Webinar Begins \n\n12:20 pm: Moderated Discussion \n\n12:45 pm: Audience Q&A \n\n12:55 pm: Webinar Concludes \nSpeakers\n  \n\nAileen Alexander\, CEO\, Diversified Search Group\nJudee von Seldeneck\, Founder and Chair Emeritus of Diversified Search Group\nGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative (Moderator)\n\n On Deliberately Different: Fifty Years. Two Generations. Leading in a Changing World:\n  \n“You need the incredible insights from this conversation between two of the world’s top multi-dimensional leaders\, so that you learn how to lead with integrity\, practice effective strategy\, and adapt easily to innovation.”  \n— Mel Robbins\, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning host of The Mel Robbins Podcast \n“In navigating the complexities of modern business\, understanding CEO succession\, executive leadership development\, and strategic Diversity and Inclusion consulting is crucial. Deliberately Different eloquently captures these elements through the insights of Judee von Seldeneck and Aileen K. Alexander. Their compelling road map makes this book an indispensable resource for leaders committed to fostering inclusive and dynamic leadership.” \n— Michael C. Hyter\, President and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) \nSpeakers\n \nAileen K. Alexander\, whose career spans the public and private sectors\, is CEO of Diversified Search Group (DSG). She advises boards and executives from Fortune 500 to private-equity-backed and mid-market companies. Beginning her career in the military\, she became a US Army captain. She’s also served in government\, working on national security policy at the Department of Defense and in the US House of Representatives. Aileen is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School and Johns Hopkins University. She has received numerous awards and has been quoted as a thought leader in various publications\, including Barrons\, Bloomberg\, Forbes\, and Fortune. \n  \n  \nJudith M. “Judee” von Seldeneck\, Founder and Chair Emeritus of Diversified Search Group (DSG)\, was executive assistant to US Senator Walter F. Mondale before buying into and then acquiring a small Philadelphia firm founded to help women find professional roles. Over five decades\, Judee built it into a national top ten executive search firm and the largest such woman-founded one in the world.  \nA longtime advocate for women entrepreneurs\, she recently established the JVS Philadelphia Fund for Women. She’s served on numerous public company boards\, has been named to the 2022 Forbes 50 Over 50 list\, and is the only two-time Lifetime Achievement Award winner from the Association of Executive Search Consultants.  URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/deliberately-different-leadership/ LOCATION:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DeliberatelyDifferentLeadership.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250521 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250523 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20250111T231623Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250804T151719Z UID:45702-1747785600-1747958399@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Women's Capital Summit 2025 DESCRIPTION:2025 WBC Women’s Capital Summit\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIIe_SSE-R8 \nInvesting for Impact: Connecting Leading Women Entrepreneurs and the Investors Who Fund Them\n \nThe third annual Women’s Capital Summit was held in New York\, NY\, on May 21-22\, 2025. The two-day event convened nearly 240 entrepreneurs\, investors\, partners\, and stakeholders for a dynamic two-day event focused on unlocking capital for women-led businesses. The Summit provided a strategic platform to educate attendees on the evolving capital landscape in 2025 and explore how capital influences growth at every stage of a company’s journey. \nSummit Highlights and Outcomes\n\nA Capital Community\, Connected: The 2025 Women’s Capital Summit had a total of 237 participants\, representing 235 unique organizations. Among the attendees were 102 entrepreneurs\, 83 capital providers\, and 50 speakers\, while WBC also welcomed industry experts\, WBC Partner Organizations\, Sponsors\, and Champions to the program.\n\n \n\nEntrepreneurs Across Industries: The Summit attracted a broad and diverse range of entrepreneurs from various industries. Technology led as the top industry focus (24.49%)\, followed by Healthcare (14.29%) and Finance (12.24%). “Other” represents sectors such as Education\, Retail\, Manufacturing\, and Real Estate\, highlighting a broad but tech-forward entrepreneur base.\nCapital Matchmaking & Deal Flow: The Summit facilitated nearly 40 curated investor-founder meetings\, fostering real-time feedback\, connections\, and capital conversations\, with ongoing follow-up to track funding outcomes.\nExpert-Led Business Workshops: Eight interactive breakout sessions delivered actionable insights on funding\, scaling\, and strategic exits—equipping attendees with practical tools from top legal\, finance\, and private equity experts.\nMarketplace & Reception: The WCS Marketplace featured 17 women-led businesses\, offering visibility and networking during a high-energy reception that connected founders\, funders\, and partners in a celebratory close to the day\nEvery Kind of Capital: Participating capital providers spanned the spectrum of capital with debt\, venture\, private equity firms. These investors show a strong interest across a diverse range of industries\, including leading sectors like Technology & Software\, Financial Services & Banking\, and Healthcare\, as well as emerging areas such as Renewable Energy and CleanTech.\n\n \n\nOpportunity for All-Sized Ventures: The typical investment range of providers is under $500\,000\, with investors seeking to fund in mid-sized investments\, primarily in the $1–10 million range\, indicating a focus on early to growth-stage funding rounds.\n\nSummit Gallery\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nSpeakers Include:\nNo posts found. \n \nSummit Agenda\n\n\n\n May 21\, 2025\n \n\n May 22\, 2025\n \n\n12:30 pm: Arrival and Registration\, Capital Matchmaking Participants \n\n12:45 pm-2:00pm: Capital Matchmaking (exclusively for participating entrepreneurs and investors; spots are limited) \n\n1:30 pm: Arrival and Registration\, General Admission \n\n2:15 pm: Welcome Remarks \n\n2:30 pm: Breakout Sessions: Navigating Capital \nRound 1 (45 mins) – 2:30–3:15 \n\nAre you Angel Curious? Angel Investing 101This session will focus on what angels look for in investments\, and what entrepreneurs need to consider when raising funding from angels. The discussion will also provide an overview of what angel investing is and why it’s so important to get more women involved. This session will be relevant for both entrepreneurs and investors who may be considering becoming angel investors. Hosted by Lisa Friedlander and Stephanie Marshall\, co-founder of Citrine Angels\, an angel group of women investing in women.\n\n\n\nLisa Friedlander\, Chief Revenue Officer\, NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers\nStephanie Marshall\, Board President and Co-Founder\, Citrine Angels\n\n\n\n\nBank Lending – Alternatives to a Cash Flow LoanWhen traditional cash flow lending is not the right fit or not sufficient\, there are other bank financing options available to support business growth and working capital needs. This session will highlight three alternatives – Asset Based Lending (ABL)\, SBA Lending\, and Equipment Finance – each offering unique benefits depending on a company’s financial profile and capital requirements. Attendees will gain insights into: how asset-based lending leverages receivables\, inventory\, and other collateral; the advantages and eligibility requirements of SBA-backed loan programs; and how equipment financing can help preserve cash / provide liquidity.\n\n\n\nAlexandra (Allie) Cavallaro\, Director\, Loan Originations\, Wells Fargo\nLaurie Hartman\, Vice President\, SBA Lending\, Wells Fargo\nJames E. Frantz\, Executive Director\, Lead Credit Product Sales Specialist\, Wells Fargo & Company\n\n\n\n\nStrategic Decision-Making for Women Entrepreneurs: Navigating Ownership\, Corporate Governance\, and Legal Complexities\nThis breakout panel session is your chance to gain invaluable insights into making informed decisions that align with your business goals. We’ll dive into critical considerations for women-owned businesses\, including the implications of different business structures (LLC\, partnership) on scaling\, capital raising\, and ownership. We’ll also explore the importance of WBENC certification and how it can impact your business’s growth and control. Plus\, you’ll walk away with essential legal insights on protecting your interests during negotiations and shaping the future of your business from now through to exit. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to optimize your business strategies and achieve your goals. \n\n\n\nPhala Kimbrough Mire\, President & CEO\, WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV\nLaFonda Willis\, Securities Lawyer\, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\nThe Role of Accelerators: Catalyzing Business GrowthIn this breakout session\, leaders from top accelerator programs will share how they support and grow high-potential entrepreneurs. Participants will gain a behind-the-scenes look at how accelerators provide founders with critical resources — including mentorship\, funding access\, and strategic guidance — to accelerate growth and scale with confidence. Through real-world insights and examples\, attendees will learn what makes a successful accelerator experience\, how to identify the right program\, and how to fully leverage the opportunities these platforms offer. Whether you’re exploring accelerators for the first time or looking to deepen your engagement\, this session offers practical guidance from the experts who run them.\n\n\n\nKrista Covey\, CEO & President\, First Flight Venture Center\nDr. Shakenna Williams\, Executive Director of the Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL)\, Babson College\n\n\n\n\n\nRound 2 (45 mins) – 3:30–4:15 \n\nBeyond the Bank: Unlocking GrowthWhether you’re just getting started or preparing for your next stage of growth\, securing the right kind of capital can make all the difference. In this interactive session\, our panel of seasoned funding experts will introduce you to practical financing pathways beyond traditional bank loans\, including asset-based lending\, equipment leasing\, and revenue-based financing. You’ll learn when each option is most appropriate\, how to assess the risks and benefits\, and what it takes to position your business to qualify. Together\, we’ll break down key financial considerations in plain language\, giving you the clarity and confidence to pursue capital that aligns with your growth goals. Join us to discover how you can unlock new opportunities and fund your future—beyond the bank.\n\n\n\nKim Storbeck\, Director\, CSC Leasing\nTerry Keating\, Managing Partner\, Donald J. Keating & Sons\nLe’Jean Thompson\, Regional Business Manager – Northeast\, Founders First\n\n\n\n\nCapital Ready: Building Financial InfrastructureAt this session\, attendees will learn what’s important in building the kind of financial infrastructure that makes their business attractive to investors and buyers. We’ll cover the financial systems\, forecasting tools\, and internal controls that signal readiness and scalability. Attendees will gain insight into how to shape a compelling financial narrative that highlights the company’s strengths\, growth potential\, and value drivers—key elements that influence valuation. The session will also highlight the legal and governance framework that underpins investor confidence—ensuring that ownership\, financials\, and decision-making authority are all properly aligned. Ultimately\, this session will equip women business owners with the tools to be capital ready and investment-worthy.\n\n\n\nStephen Amdur\, Partner – Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Lead\, Pillsbury\nKaren A. Artasanchez\, Shareholder\, WilkinGuttenplan\nKathleen Reynolds\, CFO and Principal\, ProCFO Partners\n\n\n\n\nThe Current Landscape of Public Funding for BusinessesGain insights into the current landscape of public funding for businesses from a panel of national leaders in grassroots advocacy\, program development\, and community support for women-owned enterprises. Hear from leadership at Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)\, Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) in discussion with Women Business Collaborative (WBC). This session will offer practical perspectives on current discussions within nonprofit organizations that support women entrepreneurs\, key developments in the social\, economic\, and political climate\, and strategies for navigating public funding opportunities in 2025. It is essential for entrepreneurs seeking to access and effectively leverage public resources to grow and sustain their businesses.\n\n\n\nAngela Dingle\, President and CEO\, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)\nCorinne Goble\, CEO\, Association of Women’s Business Centers\nGwen K. Young\, CEO\, WBC\n\n\n\n\nPower Moves & Smart Exits: Mergers\, Acquisitions\, and Ownership TransitionsThis breakout session is designed for founders\, owners and aspiring entrepreneurs thinking about what’s next. This dynamic session will unpack real-world strategies for positioning you to enter Entrepreneurship through Acquisition or prepare your enterprise for a strong exit—whether through a sale\, merger\, or internal succession. Erika & Allegra will share insights from the front lines of the M&A world\, including how to avoid common pitfalls and create value buyers can’t ignore. If you’re planning or ready to move now\, this session will equip you with actionable steps to navigate your transition with clarity and confidence.\n\n\n\nErika Baez-Grimes\, CM&AP Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional | Senior Business Broker – Transworld Business Advisors\nAllegra Stennett\, Co-Founder and Managing Partner\, New Majority Capital\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4:15 pm: Break \n\n4:30 pm: In the Arena Fireside Chat – Women Investors in SportsFramed by WBC’s In the Arena: Women in Sports Business initiative\, this fireside chat will explore the rapidly growing leadership of women investors in the sports industry\, highlighting the vital role they play in shaping the landscape for major organizations such as the WNBA\, USL Super League\, and the NWLS. With a focus on the intersection of sports and capital\, the panel will provide insights into how to navigate this emerging and dynamic industry and spotlight the expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs and leaders in the business of sports. \n\nModerator: Jocelyn Moore\, Independent Board Director\, DraftKings; Minority Owner\, USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FC\nPanelists:\n\nLucy Dobrin\, Managing Partner\, Providence Equity Partners\nBetsy Morgan\, Co-Founder\, Magnet Companies\, and Board Member\, TOGETHXR\nAnne Sempowski Ward\, Chairwoman of the Board\, SPS Commerce\, Vanda Pharmaceuticals\, Curio Brands\, and The Lip Bar; Minority Owner\, WNBA Chicago Sky and USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FC\n\n\n\n\n5:30 pm: Opening Reception and Women’s Business Marketplace \n\n7:00 pm: Reception Concludes \n8:00 am: Arrival\, Breakfast and Networking \n\n9:00 am: Building an Ecosystem: Connections and CapitalWelcome remarks from Women Business Collaborative CEO\, Gwen K. Young \n\n9:05 am: From Kernel to Empire: Building a Successful BrandA Fireside Chat with Angie Bastian\, Founder of BoomChickaPop led by WBC CEO Gwen K. YoungIn this candid keynote conversation moderated by WBC CEO Gwen K. Young\, BoomChickaPop Founder Angie Bastian will tell the story behind the creation and growth of her snack empire—from the early days of popping corn in her garage to a major acquisition by Amplify Snacks. Attendees will gain insight into the unique challenges women face in scaling consumer brands\, the realities of navigating acquisition\, and the mentorship that exist for women entrepreneurs in today’s competitive market. \n\n9:40 am: Navigating the Landscape of CapitalAccessing capital is critical for growth\, but navigating the array of available options can be challenging. This session will provide clarity on selecting the right capital provider for your business\, understanding investor goals\, and making decisions based on your company’s strategy. Join our panel as they explore the diverse funding paths and discuss strategies for scaling your business with the right investments. \n\nModerator: Andrea Stevenson Conner\, Ecosystem Development Director\, First Flight Venture Center\nPanelists:\n\nDebt Segment\n\nCatherine Frazier\, National Senior Loan Officer\, Momentous Capital\nEmily Reeves\, Vice President\, Capital Solutions\, Bridge\nLori Avedikian\, Head of Women’s Segment\, Commercial Banking\, Wells Fargo\n\n\nCapital Segment\n\nKelley Arena\, Founder\, Golden Hour Ventures\nLoretta McCarthy\, Co-CEO and Managing Partner\, Golden Seeds\nBlessy Thomas\, Partner\, Innovate Capital Growth Fund\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10:45 am: Coffee Break \n\n11:00 am: Setting the Table: Understanding Early-Stage CapitalEarly-stage capital is key to setting the right foundation for your business’s long-term growth. This session will delve into how to structure your business for investment from the beginning\, with a focus on building traction for accelerating growth. \n\nMico-Panel 1:\n\nAli Kaminetsky\, Founder\, Modern Picnic\nKelly O’Connell\, Managing Partner\, 360 Venture Collective\nRamona Ortega\, Co-Founder and CEO\, WealthBuild\n\n\n\n\nMico-Panel 2:\n\nJoley Michaelson\, President & CEO\, The Sun Company\nKelly Ann Winget\, Founder and CEO\, Alternative Wealth Partners\n\n\n\n\n11:50 am: The Power of Women-Owned BusinessesPresenting Sponsor Remarks from Wells Fargo \n\nRuth Jacks\, Executive Vice President\, Head of Diverse Segments\, Commercial Banking\, Wells Fargo\n\n\n12:00 pm: Networking LunchJoin us for a facilitated Networking Lunch where you will have the chance to engage in thematic conversations around the Summit’s key topics. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs\, exchange insights\, and forge meaningful relationships. \n\n1:15 pm: Midday Fireside Chat – Building the Future Business Landscape \n\nDamien Dwin\, Founder and CEO\, Lafayette Square Capital\nArsha Jones\, Co-Founder and CEO\, Capital City Mambo Sauce\n\n\n2:00 pm: Growth Capital Unlocked: Funding Your Next StageScaling a business requires strategic use of capital\, smart decision-making\, and the right financial partnerships. In this session\, our panel of experts will explore how to leverage growth capital effectively\, maximize investment impact\, and navigate the challenges of scaling. Learn how entrepreneurs and investors can align strategies to drive sustainable expansion and long-term success. \n\nModerator: La Keisha Landrum-Pierre\, Co-Founder & General Partner\, Emmeline Ventures\nAnouck Gotlib\, CEO\, Belgian Boys\nAlex Jung\, Managing Partner and Co-Founder\, Amateras Capital\n\n\n2:25 pm: “Stretch” Break \n\n2:35 pm: Mergers & Acquisitions as a Growth StrategyMergers and acquisitions (M&A) can be powerful tools for scaling women-owned businesses. This session will explore how M&A strategies can unlock transformational growth and create new opportunities for expansion and market penetration. \n\nModerator: Christina Bresani\, Managing Director and Head of Mid-Cap Mergers & Acquisitions\, Wells Fargo\nPanelists:\n\nNadia Damouni\, Partner\, Prosek Partners\nNorah Drummey\, Partner\, EY\nMichelle Gasaway\, Partner – Capital Markets\, Skadden\nCate Luzio\, Founder and CEO Luminary\n\n\n\n\n3:15 pm: Engineering Your Exit: Envisioning the Future of Your Company While Building ItAs your business grows\, it’s essential to think about its future. This session will discuss the importance of planning your exit strategy early and how to integrate it into your company’s broader growth plan. \n\nModerator: Eda Henries\, Founder and Managing Principal\, Henries & Co.\nPanelists:\n\nNorma Kuntz\, CEO\, Gordon Brothers\nAllison London Brown\, Co-Founder\, LUMINELLE\n\n\n\n\n3:55 pm: Closing Fireside Chat: Building the Future Business Landscape \n\nJesse Draper\, Founder and CEO\, Halogen Ventures\n\n\n4:20 pm: Closing RemarksGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n\n5:15 pm: Closing Reception Concludes \nThank You!\nThank you to our 2025 WCS Steering Committee\, speakers\, attendees\, WBC Partner Organizations\, Sponsors and Champions for making this event possible and impactful. \nWCS 2025 generated an overwhelming wave of gratitude\, energy\, and purpose from its attendees. Each session\, every meeting\, and every panel was crafted to elevate the funding readiness of women entrepreneurs and expose capital providers to investable\, scalable\, high-performing ventures. URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/womens-capital-summit-2025/ LOCATION:Wells Fargo Connections\, 150 East 42nd Street\, New York\, New York CATEGORIES:Investment,Summit ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/WCS-2025-Slider-Register.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250915 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250920 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20250519T135745Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251206T002046Z UID:51820-1757894400-1758326399@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Action for Impact Summit 2025 DESCRIPTION:WBC Action for Impact Summit\non LinkedIn\nThis was a weeklong virtual experience celebrating innovation\, leadership\, and equity in business. From September 15–19\, 2025\, we brought together trailblazing business leaders\, changemakers\, and innovators from across industries to spotlight the top business trends shaping the future for women in leadership. We are pleased to be able to share those sessions with you here to watch at your convenience. \n \n View the Program\n \n \nNew! Impact Talks on Spotify\nThe insights from WBC’s Action for Impact annual summit are now available\, weekly! \n \n Listen on Spotify\n \n \nSummit Themes\, Agenda & Session Recordings \n \n12:00 PM | Impact and Action: Workforce in 2025A4I Kick-Off with Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n12:02 PM | Leading Companies and Workplaces in 2025 \n\nModerator: David Chun\, Founder and CEO\, Equilar\nCheryl Rosario\, Head of DEI and CSR\, Munich Re\nKhalil Smith\, Vice President\, Inclusion\, Diversity\, and Engagement\, Akamai Technologies\n\n12:22 PM | Building the Workplace of the Future \n\nModerator: Dr. Rohini Anand\, DEI Advisor\, Author\, Board Member\, & Esteemed Speaker\nSubha Barry\, President\, Seramount\nNadine Bullock-Pottinga\, Senior Advisor\, Paradigm for Parity\nJennifer McCollum\, President and CEO\, Catalyst\n\n12:42 PM | Impact Talk: Leveraging Technology and Community to Address Disparities in Care \n\nInterviewer: Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative\nDr. J. Nwando Olayiwola\, President Advocate National Center for Clinical & Community Impact & Senior Vice President Advocate Health; Professor\, Wake Forest School of Medicine\n\n12:52 PM | Corporate Responsibility in Crisis: How Businesses Lead Disaster Response \n\nModerator: Cid Wilson\, President & Chief Executive Officer\, HACR\nBalaji Ganapathy\, Sustainability Advisor\, WBC Board Director\nClaude Zukowski\, Senior Director\, Community Impact\, Procter & Gamble\n\n1:12 PM | Leading Today’s Workforce: From Governance to Operations \n\nModerator: Laine Gandy\, Director\, Adecco Group US Foundation\nKendra Cato\, Director of Strategic Partnerships\, Advance Partners\nMolly Day\, Chief Operating Officer\, Moms First\nMegan Shattuck\, Vice Chair and Global Managing Partner\, Corporate Business\, DSG Global\n\n \n12:00 PM | Impact and Action: Innovation and Technology in 2025Introduction with Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n12:02 PM | Building the New Operating Environment \n\nModerator: Kevin Cirilli\, Founder and President\, Meet the Future\nEries Mentzer\, Colonel USAF (Ret.) Principal\, The Freedom to Serve Solutions\nMary O’Brien\, Lt Gen USAF (Ret.)\, CEO\, Mary O’Brien Strategies LLC\n\n12:15 PM | Women Leading in Technology \n\nModerator: Kurt Merriweather\, Co-Founder and VP of Marketing\, The Diversity Movement\nChristine Bongard\, President\, The WIT Network\nRashmi Chaturvedi\, Co-Founder and President\, Kaygen\, Inc.\nJoyce Hunter\, Executive Director for Collaboration & Education\, Mission Critical\nMelissa Moreno\, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer\, Lindsay Corporation\n\n12:35 PM | From Startup to Scale: Funding and Exiting Women-Led Tech Ventures \n\nErika Baez-Grimes\, Certified M&A Professional & Founder of THE BPH Group\nTheresa Harrison\, Managing Partner\, George Street Services; Founder\, Misinformant\n\n12:50 PM | Demystifying AI: Practical Applications for Business Growth \n\nModerator: Rona Bunn\, Chief Information Officer\, NACD\nSoribel Feliz\, AI Governance Policy Advisor\, US Dept. of Homeland Security\nAlicia Lyttle\, Founder and CEO\, AI Innovision\n\n1:10 PM | Risk and Response: How Companies Are Protecting Our Future \n\nModerator: Johanna Jones\, President & CEO\, ITSMF\nMary Chaney\, Chairwoman\, CEO and President\, Minorities in Cybersecurity Inc.\nTara Giunta\, Board Vice Chair\, Invest Ahead; ESG and Sustainable Finance Lawyer; WBC Board Director\nAlexandra Whittington\, Futurist\, Tata Consultancy Services\nMeredith Wilson\, Founder and Chief Executive Officer\, Emergent Risk International LLC\n\n \n12:00 PM | WBC Legacy Award – Edie Fraser \n\nInterviewer: India Gary Martin\, Founder and CEO Leadership for Execs & Relucent Learning; WBC Board Chair\nEdie Fraser\, Honorary Chair and Founder\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\n\n12:10 PM | Women Business Owners Fueling the Economy \n\nModerator: Enid Doggett\, CEO\, INSPR Media\nAngela Dingle\, CEO\, WIPP\nMyla Skinner\, CEO\, C200\nLaura Taylor\, Sr. VP\, Strategic Financial Services & WBE Engagement\, WBENC\n\n12:30 PM | Scaling with Support: Women Entrepreneurs and Public Funding Opportunities \n\nModerator: Mignon Clyburn\, Principal\, MLC Strategies\nSima Ladjevardian\, President\, Women’s Entrepreneurship Institute\nNicole Venable\, Senior Vice President\, Invariant\n\n12:45 PM | Entrepreneurs of Purpose – Entrepreneurs\, Driving Big Change \n\nModerator: Edie Fraser\, Honorary Chair and Founder\, Women Business Collaborative (WBC)\nBrittany N. Cole\, CEO\, Career Thrivers\nKathie Okun\, President\, Okun Financial Group\nCiemone Sheppard\, CEO\, Ciemone Inc.\nJudi Sheppard Missett\, Founder and Executive Chair\, Jazzercise\nSue Watkins\, President and CEO\, Telecom Transport Services\n\n1:05 PM | Fashion Forward: Equity and Innovation Fueling Sustainable Impact \n\nInterviewer: Lynda Erkiletian\, President\, T•H•E Artist Agency\nFelita Harris\, Co-Founder and Executive Director\, RAISEfashion\n\n1:15 PM | Supplier Opportunity in Action: Building Partnerships with Entrepreneurs \n\nModerator: Sharon Reynolds\, CEO and Founder\, DevMar Manufacturing; WBC Board Director\nDr. Barbara Brown\, Founder and CEO\, CapitolHill Consortium for Counseling & Consultation (CCCC)\nSharina Perry\, Founder\, Utopia Plastix\nDr. Felicia Phillips\, CEO\, Heartland Solutions\nDiedre Windsor\, CEO\, Windsor Group LLC\n\n \n12:00 PM | Impact and Action: Access to Capital in 2025Introduction with Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n12:02 PM | Investing in the Future: Women as Catalysts for Scalable Change Fireside Chat \n\nInterviewer: La Keisha Landrum Pierre\, General Partner and Co-Founder\, Emmeline Ventures\nErin Harkless Moore\, Vice President and Managing Director\, Investments\, Pivotal Ventures\n\n12:17 PM | Advancing Capital to Secure the Future of Business \n\nModerator: Jen Earle\, CEO\, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)\nMelissa Bradley\, Co-Founder\, New Majority Ventures\nJoy Fairbanks\, Managing Principal\, Fairbanks Venture Advisors\n\n12:37 PM | The Future Is Funded: Working #FasterTogether \n\nInterviewer: Victoria Pettibone\, CIO and Managing Director\, Astia\nJesse Draper\, Founding Partner\, Halogen Ventures\n\n1:00 PM | Meeting Market Demand \n\nModerator: Peter Abrahams\, Director – New Business\, Associates International\nMarianne Markowitz\, President and CEO\, First Women’s Bank\nJosephine Moran\, President and CEO\, Ledyard Bank\n\n1:15 PM | Women Leading Markets: Early Stage Capital \n\nInterviewer: Kelly Ann Winget\, Founder and CEO\, Alternative Wealth Partners\nJoley Michaelson\, Founder and CEO\, The Sun Company\n\n \n12:00 PM | Impact and Action: 2025 In the Arena \nIntroduction with Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n12:05 PM | Impact Talk: Women in Sports Leadership \n\nLois Cook\, CEO\, FootballHer; Vice President\, WFA D.C. Divas\nRich Daniel\, Owner and Team President\, WFA D.C. Divas\n\n12:15 PM | Game Changers: Advancing Equity in the Business of Sports \n\nModerator: Thayer Lavielle\, Managing Director – The Collective\, Wasserman\nPeter Giorgio\, Global and US Sports Practice Lead\, Deloitte\nDanette Leighton\, CEO\, Women’s Sports Foundation\nDr. DeRetta Rhodes\, Executive Vice President & Chief Culture Officer\, Atlanta Braves; WBC Board Director\nNancy K. Stewart\, VP\, People & Culture\, San Diego Wave Fútbol Club\n\n12:35 PM | Title IX Beyond Compliance: Bridging Sports Equity and Business Leadership \n\nSarah Axelson\, Vice President – Advocacy\, Women’s Sports Foundation\nHon. Cheri Bustos\, Partner and Co-Chair; Mercury Public Affairs; Former US Representative\, IL-17\nHon. Charles T. (Tom) McMillen\, Partner\, Moran Global Strategies; Former US Representative\, MD-4\n\n12:50 PM | Coaching Beyond the Game: Building the Next Generation of Leaders \n\nModerator: Beth Twomey\, Chief Operating Officer\, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation\nPaul Caccamo\, Founder and CEO\, Coach Across America\nSandi James\, Head Coach\, Flag Football\, Mount St. Mary’s University; Player\, WFA D.C. Divas\nKatie Ritchie\, Club Liaison\, San Diego Wave FC; Girls Coaching Director\, SD Force FC; Former Professional Soccer Player\nKelsey Trainor\, Consultant\, Athena Global Advisors\n\n1:10 PM | Here Comes the Boom: Investing in Women’s Sports \n\nModerator: Gwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative\nMonika Mantilla\, Co-Founder\, Altura Capital\nAnne Sempowski Ward\, Chairwoman of the Board\, SPS Commerce\, Vanda Pharmaceuticals\, Curio Brands\, and The Lip Bar; Minority Owner\, WNBA Chicago Sky and USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FC\n\nThank you to our Sponsors!\nReview more information about becoming a sponsor. \nNo posts found. \n \nGold sponsors\nNo posts found. \n \nSilver sponsors\nNo posts found. \n \nGeneral sponsors\n No posts found. \n \n \n Relive A4I 2024 URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/action-for-impact-summit-2025/ LOCATION:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/A4I-2025-Featured-Image-e1748356922865.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251118T121500 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20251113T032837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251116T210807Z UID:64970-1763465400-1763468100@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Supporting Women Veterans in Career Transition DESCRIPTION:Days Hours Minutes \nSupporting Women Veterans in Career Transition\nNovember 18\, 2025 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM ET\nVirtual Webinar\n\n \n Zoom Webinar Registration\n \n \nEvery year\, thousands of women transition out of military service\, bringing with them a wealth of leadership experience\, discipline\, and mission-driven focus. Despite these strengths\, many face challenges in translating military experience into the civilian workforce\, navigating career options\, and building networks. \nWomen veterans\, in particular\, often lack tailored resources that address both gender and service-related transition hurdles. Join Women Business Collaborative (WBC) for an insightful panel discussion on Supporting Women Veterans in Career Transition. \nDiscover how to bridge the gap between military leadership and civilian roles\, reframe accomplishments for the business world\, and leverage mentorship for accelerated career growth. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower successful transitions and connect with a community dedicated to equal position\, pay and power for all women in business. \nAgenda\n\n\n November 18\, 2025\n \n\n11:30 AM | Webinar Begins\, Welcome & Moderator Introduction \n\nGwen K. Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative\n\n\n11:35 AM  | Panel Introduction & Discussion \n\nNancy Lacore\, Former Vice Admiral at the United States Navy Reserve\nEries Mentzer\, Retired Colonel in the United States Air Force and Principal\, Freedom to Serve Solutions\nMary O’Brien\, Retired Lieutenant General\, United States Air Force and CEO\, Mary O’Brien Strategies\nDr. Linda Singh\, Retired Major General\, Maryland National Guard and CEO and President\, Kaleidoscope Effect\nCandice E. Frost (Moderator)\, Retired Army Colonel and Senior Director of the Cyber Warfare Command\, Parsons Corporation\n\n\n12:00 pm: Audience Q&A \n\n12:15 pm: Webinar Concludes \nThe Speakers\n No posts found. URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/supporting-women-veterans-in-career-transition/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Supporting-Women-Veterans-in-Career-Transition-Panel-Horizontal-e1763004492625.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260309T140000 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20260225T031403Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260307T185656Z UID:68861-1773059400-1773064800@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:From Service & Sport to the C-Suite: Women Leaders in Transition DESCRIPTION:Days Hours Minutes \nFrom Service & Sport to the C-Suite: Women Leaders in Transition\nWomen Business Collaborative invites you to an exclusive panel reception bringing together women athletes and women veterans as they transition into the next chapter of their leadership journeys—business\, entrepreneurship\, and corporate leadership. \nWomen athletes and veterans possess extraordinary leadership capabilities: discipline\, resilience\, strategic decision-making\, and the ability to perform under pressure. Yet\, too often\, these skills are undervalued or misunderstood in traditional hiring and advancement pathways. WBC is working to change that. \nThrough initiatives such as the Athlete Business Academy and Women Veterans Lead\, WBC is building structured pathways that translate high-performance experience into business leadership—connecting women to coaching\, career opportunities\, and corporate networks that accelerate their success. \nThis event will showcase the leadership stories of women athletes and veterans\, highlight the business case for investing in these talent pipelines\, and provide opportunities for companies and partners to engage directly in building the next generation of leaders. \nJoin us to learn how investing in these leaders strengthens organizations\, expands talent pipelines\, and drives a more inclusive and high-performing economy. \nMarch 9th\, 2026 | 12:30–2:00 ETPaul Hastings\, 2050 M St\, NWWashington DC\n \n Register\n \nSpeakers\n\nLori Reynolds\, Chief Executive Officer\, LEReynolds Group\nSally Roberts\, Co-Founder and CEO\, Wrestle Like A Girl; Board Member\, Hire Heroes USA\nMelissa Dawn Simkins\, CEO\, Velvet Suite and Founder\, Athleadership\nDr. Linda Singh\, CEO and President\, Kaleidoscope Effect\nMarycate Walsh\, Vice President\, External Affairs\, Monumental Sports and Entertainment\nModerator: Porche D. Grant\, Major Account Executive-HOA\, Republic Services; Chair\, Sponsorship and Partnership Committee\, WISE DC\n\n“When we invest in women who have already led under pressure\, we unlock extraordinary leadership for business.” \nNo posts found. URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/from-service-sport-to-the-c-suite-women-leaders-in-transition/ LOCATION:Paul Hastings\, 2050 M St NW\, Washington DC\, DC\, 20036\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/From-Service-Sport-to-the-C-Suite.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T140000 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20260314T213606Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T143431Z UID:69480-1774443600-1774447200@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:The State of the Workforce in 2026: Leadership\, Talent\, and Opportunity DESCRIPTION:The State of the Workforce in 2026: Leadership\, Talent\, and Opportunity\n\nHosted by: Women Business Collaborative\nMarch 25\, 2026 1-2 p.m. ET\nFeaturing: \nNo posts found. \n \nModerated by: Gwen Young\, CEO\, Women Business Collaborative \n​Join Subha Barry\, President of Seramount; Cid Wilson\, President of HACR And Cheryl Rosario head of D&I and CSR at Munich Re for a conversation on the evolving workplace and what leading companies are doing to advance women’s leadership and opportunity in 2026.  \nDrawing on Seramount’s latest research and insights from top employers\, we will explore the trends shaping talent\, culture\, and leadership in the years ahead and how companies are translating these insights into real organizational change. Join us for a discussion on what forward-thinking organizations must do now to build stronger\, more inclusive workplaces where women leaders can thrive. \nhttps://youtu.be/c6tYpjRKD28 \n​As organizations navigate rapid technological change\, demographic shifts\, and evolving expectations around leadership and workplace culture\, the question facing business leaders is clear: what does the workforce of 2026 look like—and how must companies adapt to remain competitive? \n​Recent workforce trends suggest the stakes are higher than many leaders realize. In the first half of 2025 alone\, nearly half a million women left the U.S. workforce—the steepest decline in more than forty years—quietly weakening leadership pipelines across industries. What often appears as a slow pipeline challenge is\, in reality\, a growing retention and succession risk. Today’s debates about return-to-office policies\, flexibility\, and caregiving aren’t just workplace preferences—they are shaping who stays\, who advances\, and ultimately who becomes tomorrow’s leaders. \nThis timely conversation will bring together ​t​he most influential voices in workplace equity and corporate leadership to discuss the trends reshaping talent\, opportunity\, and leadership pipelines across industries. \nDrawing on new research and insights from corporate partners\, the discussion will explore how companies are building resilient organizations that attract diverse talent\, develop leaders\, and respond to the realities of a rapidly changing economy. URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/the-state-of-the-workforce-in-2026-leadership-talent-and-opportunity/ LOCATION:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/The-State-of-the-Workforce-in-2026-032526-1pm-800px.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T164500 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20260321T023122Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T190019Z UID:69698-1774972800-1774975500@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Service to Strategy: Veteran Leadership and the Value of Diverse Boardrooms DESCRIPTION:Overview\nThis conversation highlighted the value that military veterans bring to corporate governance and how diverse leadership—including gender\, cultural\, and service backgrounds—strengthens boards in 2026. \nThe discussion also spotlighted pathways for veteran leaders to serve on corporate boards and the importance of expanding representation across boardrooms. It also focused on the key trends and issues facing boards in 2026. \nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVXStNMmg38&t=1s \nFeatured Speakers\nMichael Montelongo\, Council Member\, Council on Global Competition and Innovation \nLinda Singh\, CEO\, Kaleidoscope Affect\, LLC; Board Member \nLinda Urrutia-Varhall\, Major General (Ret)\, Board Director/Trustee \nModerator: Heather Spilsbury\, CEO\, 50/50 women on boards URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/service-to-strategy-veteran-leadership-and-the-value-of-diverse-boardrooms/ LOCATION:Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/webinar-033126-1000px.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261006T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261007T170000 DTSTAMP:20260430T131159 CREATED:20260409T072956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T145757Z UID:69205-1791289800-1791392400@www.wbcollaborative.org SUMMARY:Women's Capital Summit 2026 DESCRIPTION:Register: Investors\n \n \n Apply: Entrepreneurs\n \n \n Re-live WCS 2025\n \nThe Women’s Capital Summit returns to New York City on October 6–7\, 2026—and it is designed to be the place where entrepreneurs and capital providers meet\, align\, and activate capital across every stage of the business lifecycle. \nThis is not just another convening. It is where capital moves. \nOver two high-impact days\, the Summit will bring together a curated group of 150 investors and 150 high-growth women entrepreneurs—creating a powerful\, balanced ecosystem intentionally designed to drive real outcomes. From early-stage funding to growth equity\, debt\, and exit strategies\, the Summit connects founders to the right capital\, at the right time\, with the right partners. \nAt its core\, the Women’s Capital Summit is about building capital pathways—not just conversations. \nEntrepreneurs will engage directly with investors\, financial institutions\, and strategic advisors to refine their capital strategies\, explore diverse funding options\, and unlock new opportunities for scale. Capital providers will gain access to a strong pipeline of vetted\, high-potential companies while contributing to a more dynamic and inclusive investment landscape. \nThe Summit is built for those who are serious about deploying\, raising\, and scaling capital—including investors\, banks\, private equity and venture leaders\, corporate partners\, and founders. Together\, participants will not only exchange insights—but actively shape deals\, partnerships\, and pathways that extend well beyond the room. \nWhat sets this Summit apart is its intentional design for connection and action. Through curated introductions\, structured engagements\, and intimate conversations\, the experience fosters meaningful relationships that translate into real capital flow and long-term business growth. \nIf you are building\, investing\, or shaping the future of capital—this is where you need to be. \nSponsored by: \n \n \nAgenda\n\n\n October 6\, 2026\n \n\n October 7\, 2026\n \n\n12:30 PM: Arrival and Registration\, Capital Matchmaking Participants \n\n12:45 – 2:00 PM: Capital Matchmaking (exclusively for participating entrepreneurs and investors; By application only) \n\n1:30 PM: Arrival and Registration\, General Admission \n\n2:15 PM: Welcome Remarks \n\n2:30 PM: Breakout Sessions: Upgrading Your Capital Strategy \n\nRound 1 (45 mins) – 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM \nFrom Angel Curious to Angel Confident: The New Era of Early-Stage InvestingAngel investing is evolving—with more women stepping in as both founders and funders. This session explores how early-stage investing works in 2026\, what angels are prioritizing (AI-enabled companies\, capital efficiency\, diverse leadership)\, and how founders can strategically position themselves. Participants will also learn how to build angel portfolios\, join syndicates\, and leverage networks to access high-quality deal flow. \nBeyond Cash Flow: Smart Debt Strategies for Growth in 2026Traditional lending is no longer the only path. This session explores modern debt strategies—including asset-based lending\, SBA programs\, and equipment financing—alongside how data\, AI underwriting\, and alternative credit models are reshaping access to capital. Learn how to align the right debt product with your growth stage while preserving equity and flexibility. \nStructuring for Scale: Ownership\, Control & Long-Term ValueHow you structure your company determines your ability to raise\, scale\, and exit. This session covers ownership strategy\, governance\, and legal frameworks through a 2026 lens—including QSBS\, cap table strategy\, and investor alignment. Learn how to protect value while positioning your company for growth\, acquisition\, or long-term profitability. \nAccelerators\, Platforms & Ecosystems: Where Growth Happens NowAccelerators are no longer just programs—they are gateways into capital\, customers\, and ecosystems. This session explores how accelerators are evolving to integrate capital access\, corporate partnerships\, and AI-driven growth tools. Learn how to choose and leverage the right ecosystem to accelerate traction and scale. \n\nRound 2 (45 mins) – 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM \nRethinking Capital: Alternative Funding Strategies for Founders From revenue-based financing to venture debt and embedded finance\, founders have more options than ever. This session demystifies non-dilutive and hybrid capital solutions\, helping entrepreneurs understand when and how to use them. Walk away with a clear framework for aligning capital strategy with your growth model. \nCapital Readiness in the AI Era: Building a Fundable CompanyInvestors expect more than a great idea—they expect data\, systems\, and scalability. This session explores how founders can use AI\, financial infrastructure\, and storytelling to present a compelling\, investment-ready business. Learn how to build dashboards\, forecasts\, and narratives that drive valuation and investor confidence. \nFounder Wealth: Building Personal and Business Capital TogetherEntrepreneurs are increasingly thinking beyond business success to personal wealth strategy. This session explores how founders should approach liquidity\, equity\, and long-term wealth creation—while building their companies. Learn how top advisors guide entrepreneurs in integrating business growth with personal financial strategy. \nThe Network Effect: How Relationships Drive Capital & Growth In 2026\, capital extends beyond funding—it’s relational. This session explores how peer networks\, CEO communities\, and membership ecosystems unlock access to relationships\,  partnerships\, and influence. Learn how to strategically build relationships that accelerate growth. \n\n4:15 PM: Break \n\n4:30 PM: Opening Panel \n\n5:30 PM: Opening Reception and Women’s Marketplace \n\n7:00 PM: Reception Concludes \n8:00 AM: Arrival\, Breakfast and Networking \n\n9:00 AM: Building an Ecosystem: Connections and Capital – Welcome Remarks \n\n9:05 AM: Keynote Fireside ChatCandid conversation with a successful entrepreneur who built and scaled a business-topic to be determined  \n\n9:40 AM:  Capital Strategy 2026: Navigating a Complex Funding LandscapeToday’s funding landscape spans equity\, debt\, CDFIs\, family offices\, and strategic capital. This session provides a clear framework for selecting the right capital partners based on your business model\, growth stage\, and long-term vision. \n\n10:45 AM: Coffee Break \n\n11:00 AM: The New Capital Playbook: Platforms\, AI & the Future of FundraisingFundraising is being transformed by technology. This session explores emerging tools and models—including AI-driven investor matching\, crowdfunding\, rolling funds\, tokenization\, and blockchain-enabled capital. Learn how founders are raising smarter\, faster\, and more efficiently in 2026. \n\n11:50 PM: Networking LunchFacilitated networking with thematic conversations around the Summit’s key topics. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and forge meaningful relationships. \n\n12:50  PM: Live Capital Strategy Clinic:  An interactive session connecting founders directly with capital providers. Get real-time feedback on funding strategy\, business model\, and growth plans from investors\, lenders\, and advisors—designed for practical\, actionable insights. \n\n1:35  PM: Founder-Funder Alignment: Building High-Impact PartnershipsThis curated conversation brings founders and funders together to explore what drives investment decisions today. Learn how alignment on vision\, growth strategy\, and outcomes shapes successful partnerships. \n\n2:20 PM Break \n\n2:35 PM: M&A for Growth: Strategic ScalingM&A is no longer just an exit strategy—it’s a growth tool. This session explores how founders can use acquisitions to expand capabilities\, enter new markets\, and accelerate scale\, while preparing to be both a buyer and a target. \n\n3:05 PM: Exit by DesignExits are no longer one-size-fits-all. From acquisitions to secondary sales and long-term ownership models\, founders have more options than ever. Learn how to plan early\, align stakeholders\, and maximize value while maintaining flexibility. \n\n3:35 PM  Making the Myth a Reality: From Founder to UnicornA candid conversation with a founder who has scaled to a significant valuation. Learn what it takes to move from early traction to high-growth scale\, including capital strategy\, leadership decisions\, and navigating key inflection points. \n\n4:20 PM: Closing Remarks \nEvent FAQs\n When and where will the 2026 Women’s Capital Summit be held? \nThe Summit will take place in New York on October 6-7\, 2026 at Wells Fargo Connections – 150 East 42nd Street\, Concourse Level\, New York\, NY 10017. \n What is the registration fee for the summit? \nRegistration for the 2026 summit is $749 USD per participant. \n Who should apply/register for the Women’s Capital Summit? \nFor Entrepreneurs: WBC welcomes women entrepreneurs in all industries who are prepared to scale their businesses and learn about capital investment opportunities. WBC will screen applicants based on criteria outlined in the registration form to assess if a business’ participation is a good fit for the Summit. \nFor Investors: WBC welcomes all investors to join WCS. Particularly firms that are interested in investing at all stages of a business growth (early stage to exit). \n What are the benefits of attending the Summit? \nThe Summit offers a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders\, gain actionable connections and insights\, and explore funding paths essential for business growth. You’ll connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and investors\, enabling you to grow capital for your business. \n What is the agenda for the event? \nYou can review our tentative agenda on the 2026 Women’s Capital Summit webpage. A detailed final agenda will be available closer to the event date. Stay tuned for updates. \n Will there be opportunities to network with investors? \nYes! The Summit offers various networking opportunities including Capital Matchmaking sessions and informal gatherings like the opening reception and marketplace. \nThe Summit will include a variety of investors from debt to equity\, venture\, angel and more. \n Are there breakout sessions? \nYes\, we have designed several breakout sessions for participants. Please see the agenda on this page.  \n Can I attend if I am not a woman entrepreneur? \nThe Summit is focused on empowering and connecting women entrepreneurs with investors. We welcome investors and attendees who share our mission of advancing women-led businesses and fostering diverse business ecosystems. \n Who do I contact to exhibit my business at the women’s marketplace at the 2026 WCS? \nPlease indicate your interest via the registration form. For additional inquiries or questions\, please contact Carolyn Howell\, Carolyn@eventsusa.com. \n How do I get updates on the event? \nTo stay up to date with the latest information on the 2026 Women’s Capital Summit\, please subscribe to WBC’s newsletter or follow us on social media. We will share event details\, speaker announcements\, and registration information there. \nSteering Committee\n\nJudith Goldkrand Vistage Coach\, Vistage Worldwide\, Inc.; WBC Board of Directors Co Chair\, Nom-Gov Committee\nGwen Young CEO\, WBC\nDamien Dwin Founder and CEO\, Lafayette Square\nEda Henries Founder and Managing Principal\, Henries & Co.\nAmy Rice  Founder\, Alumni Emporium\nLaura Taylor Senior Vice President\, Strategic Financial Services & WBE Engagement URL:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/womens-capital-summit-2026/ LOCATION:Wells Fargo Connections\, 150 East 42nd Street\, New York\, New York ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.wbcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/WBC_WCS25_COVER_1920x1080-1.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR