Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs: Conversation and Cocktails with Small Business Leaders in the District of Columbia

Women now own nearly 10 million small businesses across the United States that  significantly contribute to our economy's vitality, supporting more than 23 million jobs. And D.C. is ranked as one of the 10 fastest growing states for women-owned businesses, especially among women of color. Despite this progress, women entrepreneurs in the D.C. region face unique challenges in starting and running their businesses.

In honor of Women’s History Month, the National Women’s Business Council, the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Washington, D.C. Women’s Business Center, the National Action Network and Small Business Majority are excited to host a panel discussion and networking happy hour for women entrepreneurs. The panel discussion will feature a conversation about the impact of women small business owners in D.C. and the barriers women face when starting a business. U.S. Small Business Administration Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Michelle Christian will also provide opening remarks and the SBA will be hosting a booth to share information and resources.

Panelists include

• Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, United States House of Representatives
• Corinne Hodges, CEO, Association of Women’s Business Centers 
• Mary Gardner, Senior Manager of Government Affairs and Policy, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Waikinya Clanton, President & CEO, WJSC Enterprises, LLC
• Moderator - Angel Livas, President & CEO, DC Media Connection, LLC and Founder, "The Women Behind the Business" on DC Radio

Please join us to learn about resources for women entrepreneurs and network with fellow small business owners.