Diversity & Inclusivity

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. While WEV's focus is on women, we welcome people of all gender identities into our community and network. WEV proudly serves a diverse audience with 45% of clients identifying as Latinx or other minorities.

The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards are presented by WEV to celebrate and highlight the contributions of outstanding women business owners in our community. To ensure that WEV’s programs empower the diverse business community in our region, we are committed to reviewing our offerings for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

As we kickoff the 2021 awards, we are taking steps to make sure the awards recognize the tremendous achievements of women of color in our entrepreneurial community. As part of that process, we have reviewed and revised the application process and judging criteria and increased the diversity of our volunteer committee and panel of judges.

Beginning this year, the criteria for judging the awards are being adjusted to include a larger focus on why the nominees choose to start a business, understanding the hurdles and challenges they have faced along the way, recognizing what each business brings to the community, and the growth, resiliency, and perseverance that the business owners are demonstrating. It is our hope that the expanded criteria will help us to better capture the spirit of entrepreneurship these awards were created to celebrate.

Additionally, this year, we will be providing increased support and encouragement throughout the application process so that all our nominees can be empowered to claim their successes and share their stories. We are also thrilled to welcome additional volunteers to our judging panel and to be expanding our committee.

WEV is committed to being part of the much needed, positive change our country is seeking and ensuring we are serving our vibrant and diverse community of women.