Women's Business Leaders And Policymakers Gather In Washington For International Women's Day
On March 4, more than 150 entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business leaders came together at Union Station in Washington, D.C., for the fourth annual International Women's Day Reception, an evening that was equal parts celebration and call to action.
Author:Dexter CookeReviewer:Hajra ShannonMar 24, 202624 Shares7.9K Views
On March 4, more than 150 entrepreneurs, policymakers, and business leaders came together at Union Station in Washington, D.C., for the fourth annual International Women's Day Reception, an evening that was equal parts celebration and call to action.
Hosted by the Association of Women’s Business Centers(AWBC) and sponsored by T-Mobile, the event drew small business owners, Women's Business Center directors, corporate partners, and elected officials from across the country. Founded in 1998, AWBC represents a nationwide network of more than 140 Women's Business Centers operating in all 50 states, providing free counseling, training, and mentorship to entrepreneurs – particularly those in underserved communities where few other resources exist.
Who Was In The Room
The evening featured remarks from Elizabeth Habib, Assistant Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Women's Business Ownership; Emma Looney, Public Affairs Manager of T-Mobile; Carolyn Currie, CEO of Women's Enterprise Scotland; and representatives from Women's Business Centers in Massachusetts, the Northern Mariana Islands, and New Jersey.
Speakers consistently returned to three priorities: expanding public-private partnerships, improving access to capital and training, and advancing policy advocacy that gives women entrepreneurs a real shot at long-term success.
The Economic Case
AWBC CEO Corinne Goble made the argument directly: supporting women's entrepreneurship is not charity. It is an economic strategy with measurable returns.
"By connecting entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and networks, we help them grow their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen communities," Goble said.
The numbers support that case. According to AWBC, Women's Business Centers created or sustained 340,000 jobs in 2024 alone and generated $16 billion in wages nationwide. Every taxpayer dollar
invested in the WBC program produced roughly six dollars in new business revenue. Women now launch nearly half of all new U.S. businesses – a share that has grown dramatically since 2019 and represents the highest rate ever recorded.
Scotland Comes Calling
One of the evening's announcements came from across the Atlantic. AWBC revealed a new memorandum of understanding with Women’s Enterprise Scotland, a partnership aimed at deepening international collaboration and expanding opportunities for women-led businesses on both sides of the ocean.
CEO Carolyn Currie described the agreement as something her organization had been working toward for years, noting that Women's Enterprise Scotland has long studied the U.S. Women's Business Center model and is eager to explore how the two organizations can open up more economic opportunities for the businesses and communities they serve.
The partnership signals that interest in the federally supported, locally operated WBC structure is no longer confined to the United States.
Keeping The Momentum Going
The evening closed with a shared sense of urgency. The infrastructure behind entrepreneurship, speakers reiterated, matters as much as entrepreneurship itself – and right now, that infrastructure needs defending.
With women launching businesses at record rates and Women's Business Centers delivering outsized returns on federal investment, the case for sustained and expanded support has rarely been stronger. The gathering at Union Station made clear that for the leaders in that room, advocating for that investment is not a side project. It is the mission.
Dexter Cooke
Author
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
Hajra Shannon
Reviewer
Hajra Shannona is a highly experienced journalist with over 9 years of expertise in news writing, investigative reporting, and political analysis.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and has contributed to reputable publications focusing on global affairs, human rights, and environmental sustainability.
Hajra's authoritative voice and trustworthy reporting reflect her commitment to delivering insightful news content.
Beyond journalism, she enjoys exploring new cultures through travel and pursuing outdoor photography
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