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Women's Capital Summit - May 21-22 - New York - Sponsored by Wells Fargo

Investing for Impact:
Connecting Leading Women Entrepreneurs and the Investors Who Fund Them

Registration is Closed – Stay Tuned for WCS 2026 announcements!
 

The 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.

Summit Highlights and Outcomes

  • A 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.
  • Entrepreneurs 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.
  • Capital 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.
  • Expert-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.
  • Marketplace & 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
  • Every 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.
  • Opportunity 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.

Speakers Include:

Stephen Amdur

Stephen Amdur

Partner – Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Lead, Pillsbury
Kelly Arena

Kelly Arena

Founder, Golden Hour Ventures
Karen A. Artasanchez

Karen A. Artasanchez

Shareholder, WilkinGuttenplan
Erika Baez-Grimes

Erika Baez-Grimes

CM&AP Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional | Senior Business Broker – Transworld Business Advisors
Angie Bastian

Angie Bastian

Co-Founder, Angie’s BOOMCHICKAPOP
Christina Bresani

Christina Bresani

Managing Director and Head of Mid-Cap Mergers & Acquisitions, Wells Fargo & Company
Alexandra (Allie) Cavallaro

Alexandra (Allie) Cavallaro

Business Development Officer, Wells Fargo Capital Finance
Krista Covey

Krista Covey

CEO & President, First Flight Venture Center
Nadia Damouni

Nadia Damouni

Partner, Prosek Partners
Angela Dingle, President and CEO of Women Impacting Public Policy

Angela Dingle

President and CEO of Women Impacting Public Policy
Lucy Dobrin

Lucy Dobrin

Managing Director, Providence Equity Partners
Jesse Draper

Jesse Draper

Founding Partner, Halogen Ventures
Norah Drummey

Norah Drummey

Partner, EY
Damien Dwin

Damien Dwin

Founder and CEO, Lafayette Square
Catherine Frazier

Catherine Frazier

National Senior Loan Officer, Momentous Capital
Lisa Friedlander

Lisa Friedlander

Chief Revenue Officer, NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers
Michelle Gasaway

Michelle Gasaway

Partner – Capital Markets, Skadden
Corinne Goble

Corinne Goble

CEO, Association of Women's Business Centers
Anouck Gotlib

Anouck Gotlib

CEO, Belgian Boys
Laurie Hartman

Laurie Hartman

Vice President and Senior Small Business Administration Sales Officer, SBA Lending Group, Wells Fargo & Company
Eda Henries

Eda Henries

Founder and Managing Principal, Henries & Co.
Ruth Jacks

Ruth Jacks

Executive Vice President, Head of Diverse Segments, Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo & Company
Joyce Johnson

Joyce Johnson

Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, Pacific Gate Capital
Arsha Jones

Arsha Jones

Co-Founder and CEO, Capital City
Alex Jung

Alex Jung

Board Director, Investor and Strategic Advisor (former Partner and Head of Europe at Oak Hill Advisors)
Ali Kaminetsky

Ali Kaminetsky

Founder, Modern Picnic
Terry Keating

Terry Keating

Managing Partner, Donald J. Keating & Sons
Phala Kimbrough Mire

Phala Kimbrough Mire

President and CEO, WBENC, Metro NY and Greater DMV
Norma Kuntz

Norma Kuntz

CEO, Gordon Brothers
La Keisha Landrum-Pierre

La Keisha Landrum-Pierre

General Partner and Co-Founder, Emmeline Ventures
Allison London Brown

Allison London Brown

CEO/Co-Founder, LUMINELLE
Cate Luzio

Cate Luzio

Founder and CEO, Luminary
Stephanie Marshall

Stephanie Marshall

Board President and Co-Founder, Citrine Angels
Loretta McCarthy

Loretta McCarthy

Co-CEO and Managing Partner, Golden Seeds
Joley Michaelson

Joley Michaelson

Founder and CEO, The Sun Company
Jocelyn Moore

Jocelyn Moore

CEO, Jocelyn Moore Consulting LLC; Board Member: DraftKings, OppFi, FirstNet
Betsy Morgan

Betsy Morgan

Co-Founder & Board Member, TOGETHXR, Magnet Companies
Kelly O’Connell

Kelly O’Connell

Managing Partner, 360 Venture Collective
Ramona Ortega

Ramona Ortega

Co-Founder and CEO, WealthBuild
Emily Reeves

Emily Reeves

Vice President – Capital Solutions, Bridge Capital Management
Kathleen Reynolds

Kathleen Reynolds

CFO and Principal, ProCFO Partners
Lori Ross-Avedikian

Lori Ross-Avedikian

Head of Women’s Segment – Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo & Company
Anne Sempowski Ward

Anne Sempowski Ward

Chairwoman of the Board; Minority Owner, Curio Brands; WNBA Chicago Sky and Fort Lauderdale United
Allegra Stennett

Allegra Stennett

Co-Founder and Managing Partner, New Majority Capital
Andrea Stevenson Conner

Andrea Stevenson Conner

Ecosystem Development Director, First Flight Venture Center
Blessy Thomas

Blessy Thomas

Partner, Innovate Capital Growth Fund
Le'Jean Thompson

Le’Jean Thompson

Regional Development Manager, Founders First
Dr. Shakenna Williams

Dr. Shakenna Williams

Executive Director of the Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL), Babson College
Kim Storbeck

Kim Storbeck

Capital Consultant
LaFonda Willis

LaFonda Willis

Securities Lawyer, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Kelly Ann Winget

Kelly Ann Winget

Founder and CEO, Alternative Wealth Partners
Gwen Young 1X1 1 e1632007754474

Gwen K. Young

Chief Executive Officer, WBC

Summit Agenda

12:30 pm: Arrival and Registration, Capital Matchmaking Participants


12:45 pm-2:00pm: Capital Matchmaking (exclusively for participating entrepreneurs and investors; spots are limited)


1:30 pm: Arrival and Registration, General Admission


2:15 pm: Welcome Remarks


2:30 pm: Breakout Sessions: Navigating Capital

Round 1 (45 mins) – 2:30–3:15

  • Are you Angel Curious? Angel Investing 101
    This 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.
      • Lisa Friedlander, Chief Revenue Officer, NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers
      • Stephanie Marshall, Board President and Co-Founder, Citrine Angels
  • Bank Lending – Alternatives to a Cash Flow Loan
    When 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.
      • Alexandra (Allie) Cavallaro, Director, Loan Originations, Wells Fargo
      • Laurie Hartman, Vice President, SBA Lending, Wells Fargo
      • James E. Frantz, Executive Director, Lead Credit Product Sales Specialist, Wells Fargo & Company
  • Strategic Decision-Making for Women Entrepreneurs: Navigating Ownership, Corporate Governance, and Legal Complexities

    This 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.

      • Phala Kimbrough Mire, President & CEO, WBEC Metro NY and Greater DMV
      • LaFonda Willis, Securities Lawyer, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
    •  
  • The Role of Accelerators: Catalyzing Business Growth
    In 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.
      • Krista Covey, CEO & President, First Flight Venture Center
      • Dr. Shakenna Williams, Executive Director of the Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (F&E CWEL), Babson College

Round 2 (45 mins) – 3:30–4:15

  • Beyond the Bank: Unlocking Growth
    Whether 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.
      • Kim Storbeck, Director, CSC Leasing
      • Terry Keating, Managing Partner, Donald J. Keating & Sons
      • Le’Jean Thompson, Regional Business Manager – Northeast, Founders First
  • Capital Ready: Building Financial Infrastructure
    At 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.
      • Stephen Amdur, Partner – Mergers & Acquisitions and Private Equity Lead, Pillsbury
      • Karen A. Artasanchez, Shareholder, WilkinGuttenplan
      • Kathleen Reynolds, CFO and Principal, ProCFO Partners
  • The Current Landscape of Public Funding for Businesses
    Gain 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.
      • Angela Dingle, President and CEO, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP)
      • Corinne Goble, CEO, Association of Women’s Business Centers
      • Gwen K. Young, CEO, WBC
  • Power Moves & Smart Exits: Mergers, Acquisitions, and Ownership Transitions
    This 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.
      • Erika Baez-Grimes, CM&AP Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional | Senior Business Broker – Transworld Business Advisors
      • Allegra Stennett, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, New Majority Capital

4:15 pm: Break


4:30 pm: In the Arena Fireside Chat – Women Investors in Sports
Framed 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.

  • Moderator: Jocelyn Moore, Independent Board Director, DraftKings; Minority Owner, USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FC
  • Panelists:
    • Lucy Dobrin, Managing Partner, Providence Equity Partners
    • Betsy Morgan, Co-Founder, Magnet Companies, and Board Member, TOGETHXR
    • Anne 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

5:30 pm: Opening Reception and Women’s Business Marketplace


7:00 pm: Reception Concludes

8:00 am: Arrival, Breakfast and Networking


9:00 am: Building an Ecosystem: Connections and Capital
Welcome remarks from Women Business Collaborative CEO, Gwen K. Young


9:05 am: From Kernel to Empire: Building a Successful Brand
A Fireside Chat with Angie Bastian, Founder of BoomChickaPop led by WBC CEO Gwen K. Young
In 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.


9:40 am: Navigating the Landscape of Capital
Accessing 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.

  • Moderator: Andrea Stevenson Conner, Ecosystem Development Director, First Flight Venture Center
  • Panelists:
    • Debt Segment
      • Catherine Frazier, National Senior Loan Officer, Momentous Capital
      • Emily Reeves, Vice President, Capital Solutions, Bridge
      • Lori Avedikian, Head of Women’s Segment, Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo
    • Capital Segment
      • Kelley Arena, Founder, Golden Hour Ventures
      • Loretta McCarthy, Co-CEO and Managing Partner, Golden Seeds
      • Blessy Thomas, Partner, Innovate Capital Growth Fund

10:45 am: Coffee Break


11:00 am: Setting the Table: Understanding Early-Stage Capital
Early-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.

  • Mico-Panel 1:
    • Ali Kaminetsky, Founder, Modern Picnic
    • Kelly O’Connell, Managing Partner, 360 Venture Collective
    • Ramona Ortega, Co-Founder and CEO, WealthBuild
  • Mico-Panel 2:
    • Joley Michaelson, President & CEO, The Sun Company
    • Kelly Ann Winget, Founder and CEO, Alternative Wealth Partners

11:50 am: The Power of Women-Owned Businesses
Presenting Sponsor Remarks from Wells Fargo

  • Ruth Jacks, Executive Vice President, Head of Diverse Segments, Commercial Banking, Wells Fargo

12:00 pm: Networking Lunch
Join 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.


1:15 pm: Midday Fireside Chat – Building the Future Business Landscape

  • Damien Dwin, Founder and CEO, Lafayette Square Capital
  • Arsha Jones, Co-Founder and CEO, Capital City Mambo Sauce

2:00 pm: Growth Capital Unlocked: Funding Your Next Stage
Scaling 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.

  • Moderator: La Keisha Landrum-Pierre, Co-Founder & General Partner, Emmeline Ventures
  • Anouck Gotlib, CEO, Belgian Boys
  • Alex Jung, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Amateras Capital

2:25 pm: “Stretch” Break


2:35 pm: Mergers & Acquisitions as a Growth Strategy
Mergers 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.

  • Moderator: Christina Bresani, Managing Director and Head of Mid-Cap Mergers & Acquisitions, Wells Fargo
  • Panelists:
    • Nadia Damouni, Partner, Prosek Partners
    • Norah Drummey, Partner, EY
    • Michelle Gasaway, Partner – Capital Markets, Skadden
    • Cate Luzio, Founder and CEO Luminary

3:15 pm: Engineering Your Exit: Envisioning the Future of Your Company While Building It
As 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.

  • Moderator: Eda Henries, Founder and Managing Principal, Henries & Co.
  • Panelists:
    • Norma Kuntz, CEO, Gordon Brothers
    • Allison London Brown, Co-Founder, LUMINELLE

3:55 pm: Closing Fireside Chat: Building the Future Business Landscape

  • Jesse Draper, Founder and CEO, Halogen Ventures

4:20 pm: Closing Remarks
Gwen K. Young, CEO, Women Business Collaborative


5:15 pm: Closing Reception Concludes

Thank You!

Thank you to our 2025 WCS Steering Committee, speakers, attendees, WBC Partner Organizations, Sponsors and Champions for making this event possible and impactful.

WCS 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.