Sandra Eberhard Concludes 14 -Year Legacy at WBEC NY & WBEC DMV; Phala Mire Named New President & CEO

New York City, NY, and Washington, DC — November 18, 2024 — After 14 years of transformative leadership at the helm of the Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) NY & ( WBEC) DMV, Sandra Eberhard will leave her position as President & CEO at the end of the year. Eberhard, who expanded the organization's influence and reach across the New York, No. New Jersey, So. Connecticut, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia regions, leaves behind a legacy of innovation, growth, and community-building among women-owned businesses.

Phala Kimbrough Mire, previously President & CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South (WBEC South), will take over as the new President & CEO of WBEC Metro NY & WBEC Greater DMV, replacing Sandra Eberhard. A non-profit executive for over 25 years, Mire is a renowned advocate and thought leader on entrepreneurship, diversity, inclusion, and women in business.

Under Eberhard’s guidance, WBEC DMV experienced remarkable growth, with membership climbing over 200% — from just 338 to 1,019 certified women-owned businesses in the network , employing more than 59,000 workers in the territory. The organization boasts a thriving infrastructure, with a dynamic workforce and a strong board.

Over the last 4 years, certified WBEs in the NY, NJ, & CT territory increased by 35%, growing from 1,300+ to 1,900+ women-owned businesses. This expansion has had a profound impact on the economy, creating an estimated 10,000 new jobs of the 83,000 employed through the local WBE network.

Eberhard guided WBEC NY & DMV through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and positioned the organization for even greater success by implementing forward-looking strategies that expanded its reach and strengthened its support for women-owned businesses. Her leadership prioritized boosting and refining the certification process, making it more accessible and impactful for women entrepreneurs seeking to gain visibility and credibility with corporate and government partners. Today, WBEC NY & DMV facilitates support programs such as SAGE Advice, Amplify, Sustainability and others that empower women entrepreneurs–especially those who are also from marginalized groups and face additional barriers–simultaneously fueling economic growth in the region.

Reflecting on her journey, Eberhard said, "When women do well, everyone does well—women, families, communities, and businesses. Empowering women in business is not just the right thing to do; it's essential for societal progress. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with incredible women who have so much to offer, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

Looking toward the future, Eberhard expressed confidence in her successor, Phala Mire, who helped build WBEC South and will lead WBEC NY & DMV into its next chapter. "Phala will take the organization to new heights. It’s an exciting time for WBEC, and I’m confident the future is bright.”

Eberhard emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, "Women are starting to realize that when they work together, they can achieve anything. I've learned the value of networking, mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship in building strong women-owned businesses."

In a heartfelt message to the community, Eberhard concluded, "I want to express my gratitude to the board, the network, and everyone who has supported me during these past 14 years. It has been an honor to lead this organization, and I am proud of what we have built together."