Center for Women & Enterprise

By founding Safo Hair, Ellana transformed her personal journey as a physician navigating thyroid and fertility challenges into a mission rooted in healing—creating clean, herbal-infused haircare designed to support women through life’s hormonal transitions, especially those long overlooked by the beauty industry. Through Safo, she carries forward a legacy of care that bridges science, culture, and wellness, while embracing the purpose, freedom, and fulfillment that come with building a business grounded in impact and empowerment.

Learn more about Ellana>> https://cweonline.org/news/ellana-stinson-safo-hair-boston-ma?x-craft-preview=c6132652aca8991aba4610...

You need to take the first step.

If you're a Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC or veteran certified business, position yourself for consideration in our exclusive one-on-one matchmaking program, which connects you directly with corporations and organizations seeking qualified suppliers. DEADLINE: September 7, 2026

Step 1: Click the event link https://cweonline.org/about-us/event-the-2026-business-summit

Step 2: Click the "Get Your Early Bird Tickets Today" link

Step 3: Fill out the registration form making sure to add "yes" to the matchmaker participation question

Join entrepreneurs, business leaders, corporate supplier diversity professionals, and government representatives for a day focused on growth, opportunity, and meaningful connections.

🗓 October 7, 2026
📍 College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
⏰ 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Register today and secure your spot. Early bird registration ends August 7th.

✨ CWE Board Spotlight ✨

We're incredibly grateful for Priya Iyer, serial entrepreneur and professor of entrepreneurship, for her leadership on the CWE Board of Directors. Named New England Entrepreneur of the Year and recognized as one of the top women CEOs in SaaS, Priya has founded and scaled multiple technology companies and knows firsthand how education, mentorship, and the right network can make the difference between a promising idea and a thriving business. She brings that founder's perspective to CWE's board, where it directly supports the women entrepreneurs CWE is built to serve.

WHY CWE?

Priya believes CWE's emphasis on education, access to capital, and community building doesn't just empower individual women but strengthens the economy as a whole, and she is eager to help expand CWE's reach and impact for the next generation of women founders.

Thank you, Priya, for your dedication and service to CWE.

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." — Mother Theresa

CWE is proud to lift up the women who lift up the world. Learn more about our mission to increase women's economic empowerment through entrepreneurship: https://cweonline.org/

For Lei, business ownership is both deeply personal and purpose-driven. Inspired by her work as a high school teacher, she founded Wise Mouth USA to bring healthy, delicious beverages to her students and reshape how people understand the connection between food, mind, and body. Rooted in ancient Eastern herbal medicine and informed by modern Western food science, Wise Mouth reflects Lei’s calling to create something good for people and the world. With CWE’s long-standing support and community, Lei has navigated the challenges of building a beverage business as a single mother, finding strength, connection, and encouragement along the way. Today, she continues to grow Wise Mouth with intention and heart—proving that when women support one another, their impact can reach far beyond individual dreams.

Learn more about Lei on our website.

Expand Your IMPACT at the 2026 Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC National Conference, June 15–18 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This isn’t just another business event—it’s where meaningful connections, collaboration, and opportunity come together to fuel growth and innovation.

Each year, WBENC raises the bar with fresh, dynamic experiences designed to spark relationships that lead to real results.

Join us as we pursue our shared ethos: Join Forces. Succeed Together.

Learn more and stay tuned for what’s NEW in 2026: http://wbenc.org/conference

Networking is good. Meeting the right people is better.

If you're a Women's Business Enterprise National Council - WBENC or veteran certified business, position yourself for consideration in our exclusive one-on-one matchmaking program, which connects you directly with corporations and organizations seeking qualified suppliers. DEADLINE: September 7, 2026

Step 1: Click the event link https://cweonline.org/about-us/event-the-2026-business-summit

Step 2: Click the "Get Your Early Bird Tickets Today" link

Step 3: Fill out the registration form making sure to add "yes" to the matchmaker participation question

Join entrepreneurs, business leaders, corporate supplier diversity professionals, and government representatives for a day focused on growth, opportunity, and meaningful connections.

🗓 October 7, 2026
📍 College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
⏰ 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Register today and secure your spot.

After two decades leading mission-driven organizations, Meagan saw the environmental toll of single-use gift wrap and decided to launch Shiki Wrap, creating beautiful, reusable wraps that save time, reduce waste, and inspire sustainable living.

Learn more about Meagan on our website.