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From Insight to Impact: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in the U.S.

On June 3, 2025, the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) co-hosted an inspiring convening that drew over 60 individuals from varied backgrounds, including researchers, policymakers, practitioners, funders, and women entrepreneurs. This event was not just another meeting; it was a day filled with meaningful conversations and collaborative efforts aimed at advancing women’s entrepreneurship in the U.S.

The thoughtfully curated agenda, led by Lucia Sanchez, the VP of Impact & Learning at CWE, set the tone for an engaging exchange of ideas and experiences. Participants had the opportunity to bridge the gap between research and practice, sharing valuable insights from their unique perspectives. 

Program Overview

Welcome Remarks

The day was kicked off with inspiring welcome remarks from Mary-dith Tuitt, Chair, MCSW, and Gaby King Morse, President & CEO, CWE, who set the tone by emphasizing the critical importance of cross-sector collaboration and the need to center women entrepreneurs in all aspects of research, policy, and programming. 

Using Data and Evidence to Support Women’s Entrepreneurship (Session 1) 

In the first session, attendees delved deep into the power of data and evidence with presentations that illuminated the current landscape and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

Moderated by Gaby King Morse (CWE)

Policy and Practice Panel (Session 2) 

The second session featured a panel discussion, where panelists reflected on the earlier research findings and offered their real-world insights into the support ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. 

Moderated by Priya Iyer, Adjunct Professor, Carroll School of Management, Boston College

Building the Future Together (Session 3) 

During a collaborative lunch, participants joined small breakout discussions facilitated by Carol Campbell, Commissioner, MCSW, Entrepreneur. These intimate groups explored ideas and strategies for future collaboration, allowing attendees to reflect on the morning sessions and identify actionable steps toward building a stronger support network for women entrepreneurs. Attendees shared insights, identified missing elements in the current support ecosystem, and discussed how cross-sector collaboration could help fill those gaps.

Closing reflections 

As the event drew to a close, Lucia Sanchez returned to emphasize the importance of maintaining momentum in connecting research, policy, and practice to advance women’s economic empowerment. Participants left not just with knowledge but with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to advocate for women entrepreneurs.

Key Outcomes

The event represented an important step toward building a shared agenda for change. Throughout the day, speakers and panelists emphasized that bridging research and practice is essential to designing systems that truly work for women entrepreneurs. Participants expressed appreciation for the rare opportunity to engage across silos and to elevate the voices of women business owners themselves in these conversations. Some important outcomes that resulted from this event:

Stay connected with CWE as we build on this momentum and strive to elevate women’s entrepreneurship across the nation!

For more information, please email Lucia Sanchez, VP of Impact and Learning.