Think globally, act locally.
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) was founded in 2013 by Wendy Diamond, an entrepreneur and humanitarian, with the aim of celebrating, supporting, and empowering women entrepreneurs worldwide. She recognized the unique challenges faced by women in business and the need to promote gender equality in entrepreneurship, and thus WEDO became a catalyst for positive change. Inspired by a deep belief in the transformative power of women’s entrepreneurship, WEDO’s mission is to create opportunities, break down barriers, and uplift women in the entrepreneurial sphere.
https://www.joinwedo.org/about-us/our-story/
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day was founded with a mission to bring awareness to girls living in poverty worldwide and empower women across the globe! By celebrating, supporting, and uplifting women entrepreneurs worldwide, we’re creating a more equitable world for women through the power of entrepreneurship. Join us in celebrating the 11th anniversary of this internationally recognized day, proclaimed on November 19th!
In honor of this day we have curated a list of female focused organizations and events that meet in person to support the work of female entrepreneurs in cities where Hera Hub has locations.
San Diego, California
Athena Pinnacle Awards – www.athenasd.org
The annual Athena Pinnacle Awards recognize extraordinary women, men, companies/organizations and educators who personify the mission of fostering the personal and
professional growth of women through mentoring, education, recognition, and leadership training, thereby enhancing competitiveness and opportunity for women in the San Diego business community. This elegant event typically draws over 700 people.
NAWBO BRAVA Awards – www.nawbo.org/san-diego
The San Diego chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners hosts its annual event to recognize women who have exemplified their mission, which is to empower women business owners to reach their highest potential, both professionally and economically, and to help others in doing the same. This evening event includes great networking opportunities and a notable keynote speaker.
Connected Women of Influence – connectedwomenofinfluence.com
CWI is a private invitation-only membership organization chartered exclusively for professional and executive women looking for high-level business relationships and like-focused connections with business women who are product and service providers to organizations. Through a series of exclusive, invitation-only events, CWI members meet and build strong partnerships with other like-minded professionals. You will be connected with small-business owners, CEO’s, principals, partners, sales executives and solopreneurs from a diverse cross-section of industries who represent small businesses, large organizations and middle-market firms.
Women’s Venture Summit – www.WomensVentureSummit.com
Every year the Women’s Venture Summit brings together female founders and female funders (who fly in from all over the world) for a full day of learning and collaboration. The event is designed to inspire women to explore becoming an angel investor as well as prepping female entrepreneurs for the potential of equity investment as they grow their business. This is a must attend event!
San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women Event – sandiegomagazine.com/magazine-event/celebrating-women-summit-2024/
Each year, the magazine honors dynamic local women who work tirelessly to affect positive change and enhance the community. This multifaceted event begins with a networking hour with hosted bites and beverages and live entertainment. Guests enjoy an inspiring discussion with panelists from various business sectors.
SCORE Women’s Success Lab – www.score.org/sandiego/local-workshops
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Their Women’s Networking Series takes place monthly. Their outstanding guest speakers share their knowledge and experience, providing timely and useful information to inspire you and help your business grow.
Women’s Business Center – www.sandiegowbc.org
The WBC offers free one-one-one consulting to no-or low-cost workshops, programs, and networking events. They focus on providing opportunities so you can kickstart, operate, or expand your business. They offer business counseling, as well as online training in both English and Spanish. The Women’s Business Center often partners with SCORE San Diego for the Women’s Success Lab events and with Hera Hub to host the Virtual Launch Academy. Learn more at www.LaunchAndGrow.org.
Women in Business – www.wibsd.org
Women in Business is a “no guilt” group of fun, professional, hard-working women who like to get together to connect and socialize. WIB San Diego prides itself on the fact that it is NOT a chapter focused on networking. Monthly events include dinner and a featured speaker – a woman who’s an expert in her field – but can sometimes be an “outing” of interest. Typical speakers educate on anything from forensic science to feng shui; an “outing” of interest might be a box lunch at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, or a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old Globe Theatre.
Orange County, California
Ellevate Network – www.ellevatenetwork.com/chapters/71-us-orange-county
Ellevate is a global professional women’s network, and dedicated to the economic engagement and advancement of women worldwide. Ellevate Network believes in the positive impact of women in business. The organization hosts a variety of monthly events in Orange County that are accessible to members and non-members.
NAWBO Remarkable Woman Awards – www.nawbo-oc.org
Every May the Orange County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners hosts its annual event to recognize women who have exemplified their mission, which is to empower women business owners to reach their highest potential, both professionally and economically, and to help others in doing the same. This evening event includes great networking opportunities and a notable keynote speaker.
eWomen Network – www.ewomennetwork.com/chapters/orange-county-651
This organization is the premier success system for women entrepreneurs. With over 500,000 members and an Orange County Chapter, the eWomen Network conducts nearly 2,000 events and hosts the #1 women’s entrepreneur conference in North American annually. If you are looking to launch, grow and scale your business this is the ultimate resource.
Women’s Business Connection – www.wbcorangecounty.com
Women’s Business Connection is a warm and friendly business networking group of female entrepreneurs and executives based in Orange County, California. The group meets twice monthly over breakfast and exchanges marketing ideas, referrals, and genuine support for the growth and management of each member’s business in a relaxed, non-competitive environment.
OCBJ Women in Business Awards – www.ocbj.com/bizevents
Each year the Orange County Business Journal holds a luncheon and an awards ceremony to recognize five outstanding professional women who have made significant contributions to their organizations, their professions and the Orange County community as determined by the journal’s judging panel. You can even nominate yourself for the award! This is a great opportunity for networking and getting to know the powerful women of Orange County.
South Orange County Women’s Network Group – www.SOCWNG.org
Like other networking groups, this one seeks to generate business through referrals. It also provides business education for its members, which is a good thing. No matter how much you know, you can always stand to learn more. This group also looks to help less fortunate people throughout the county with service or donations. The group meets in Laguna Hills every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month.
SCORE Women’s Networking Breakfast – www.orangecounty.score.org
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Their Women’s Networking Breakfast series happens every other month. Their outstanding guest speakers share their knowledge and experience, providing timely and useful information to inspire you and help your business grow. SCORE also holds an annual Women Business Owner Conference, which is another fantastic networking opportunity.
Wine, Women & Wealth – www.meetup.com/Wine-Women-Wealth-SJC
The title says it all, this community of women feel GREAT about money, and want you to be a part of it. The evening consists of wine tasting while networking and gives you a great opportunity to build relationships with successful women. Their free events have featured speakers and time for introductions to promote your business, and more wine. The group meets monthly in San Juan Capistrano.
Temecula, California
Inland Empire Women’s Business Center – iewbc.org
The Inland Empire Women’s Business Center (IEWBC) offers comprehensive support for women entrepreneurs through training programs, business counseling, and access to funding resources. They focus on helping women start and grow their businesses by providing essential tools and knowledge. Their services include workshops on business planning, marketing strategies, and financial literacy, all tailored to the unique challenges faced by women in business.
Professional Women’s Roundtable – pwronline.org
The Professional Women’s Roundtable (PWR) is dedicated to empowering women through professional development and community involvement. They offer scholarships to graduating senior girls and women returning to college, emphasizing support for those who have overcome adversity. PWR hosts monthly meetings featuring guest speakers, networking opportunities, and various programs designed to foster personal and professional growth among its members. Their commitment to philanthropy includes events that raise funds for scholarships and community service initiatives.
Women’s Professional Collective – members.temecula.org/events
Women’s Professional Collective is a local initiative that focuses on creating a supportive network for women entrepreneurs. They provide resources such as workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events to help women develop their businesses. The collective aims to foster collaboration among women in various industries, encouraging them to share experiences and strategies for success. Their community-oriented approach helps build strong relationships that empower women in the Temecula Valley. The Women’s Collective meets monthly.
Professional Women’s Toastmasters – Temecula – professionalwomen.toastmastersclubs.org
Professional Women’s Toastmasters is part of the international Toastmasters organization, focusing on empowering women through public speaking and leadership training. This organization provides a supportive environment where women can develop their communication skills, gain confidence, and enhance their leadership abilities. Regular meetings allow members to practice speaking in front of an audience while receiving constructive feedback from peers. This skill development is crucial for women entrepreneurs looking to effectively present their ideas and lead their businesses.
Women in Business Annual Event – members.temecula.org/events/Details/18th-annual-women-in-business-993809
The Women In Business event organized by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce is an annual conference that celebrates and empowers women entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region. This event features a full day of networking opportunities, educational speakers, and a business expo. Attendees can participate in engaging sessions led by prominent women leaders, enjoy a continental breakfast and lunch, and enter a designer handbag raffle. The conference aims to foster an inclusive environment where women can connect, share experiences, and gain valuable insights to enhance their professional journeys.
Chicago, Illinois
Athena Pinnacle Awards – www.athenasd.org
The annual Athena Pinnacle Awards recognize extraordinary women, men, companies/organizations and educators who personify the mission of fostering the personal and
professional growth of women through mentoring, education, recognition, and leadership training, thereby enhancing competitiveness and opportunity for women in the San Diego business community. This elegant event typically draws over 700 people.
NAWBO BRAVA Awards – https://www.nawbo.org/san-diego
The San Diego chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners hosts its annual event to recognize women who have exemplified their mission, which is to empower women business owners to reach their highest potential, both professionally and economically, and to help others in doing the same. This evening event includes great networking opportunities and a notable keynote speaker.
San Diego Startup Week – www.startupsd.org/sandiegostartupweek
An extensive team of volunteers puts together an amazing week of packed content to support the San Diego startup ecosystem. This unique event pulls together the community to showcase exciting local innovation, share resources and knowledge, and strengthen connections. With 3,000+ attendees and 150+ events, there is something for everyone!
Connected Women of Influence – www.connectedwomenofinfluence.com
CWI is a private invitation-only membership organization chartered exclusively for professional and executive women looking for high-level business relationships and like-focused connections with business women who are product and service providers to organizations. Through a series of exclusive, invitation-only events, CWI members meet and build strong partnerships with other like-minded professionals. You will be connected with small-business owners, CEO’s, principals, partners, sales executives and solopreneurs from a diverse cross-section of industries who represent small businesses, large organizations and middle-market firms.
Women’s Venture Summit – www.WomensVentureSummit.com
Every year the Women’s Venture Summit brings together female founders and female funders (who fly in from all over the world) for a full day of learning and collaboration. The event is designed to inspire women to explore becoming an angel investor as well as prepping female entrepreneurs for the potential of equity investment as they grow their business. This is a must attend event!
San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women Event – www.sandiegomagazine.com/events
Each year, the magazine honors dynamic local women who work tirelessly to affect positive change and enhance the community. This multifaceted event begins with a networking hour with hosted bites and beverages and live entertainment. Guests enjoy an inspiring discussion with panelists from various business sectors.
SCORE Women’s Success Lab – www.score.org/sandiego/local-workshops
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Their Women’s Networking Series takes place monthly. Their outstanding guest speakers share their knowledge and experience, providing timely and useful information to inspire you and help your business grow.
Women’s Business Center – www.sandiegowbc.org
The WBC offers free one-one-one consulting to no-or low-cost workshops, programs, and networking events. They focus on providing opportunities so you can kickstart, operate, or expand your business. They offer business counseling, as well as online training in both English and Spanish. The Women’s Business Center often partners with SCORE San Diego for the Women’s Success Lab events and with Hera Hub to host the Virtual Launch Academy. Learn more at www.LaunchAndGrow.org.
Women in Business – www.wibsd.org
Women in Business is a “no guilt” group of fun, professional, hard-working women who like to get together to connect and socialize. WIB San Diego prides itself on the fact that it is NOT a chapter focused on networking. Monthly events include dinner and a featured speaker – a woman who’s an expert in her field – but can sometimes be an “outing” of interest. Typical speakers educate on anything from forensic science to feng shui; an “outing” of interest might be a box lunch at the Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park, or a behind-the-scenes tour of the Old Globe Theatre.
Bizz Bitch – www.jazmincornejo.com/bizz-bitch-membership
A fierce community of diverse female entrepreneurs who blend grit with grace. Our mission? To empower each other with the resources, mindset, and strategies to accelerate our businesses to the next level. We’re not just about the hustle. We value building a bold, unapologetic community of badass women who lift each other up. One where vulnerability meets ambition, and success is fueled by consistency, connection, community and a whole lot of fun.
