Women MEAN Business NY Summit: Our Unity is our Strength
On March 12, 2025, the Wells Fargo Conference Center in NYC was abuzz with energy as WBEC Metro NY hosted the highly anticipated annual Women MEAN Business Summit. This sold-out event brought together WBEs, corporate members, and industry leaders for a full day of networking, strategic matchmaking, business insights, and a vibrant marketplace showcasing WBE products and services.
The main focus of the Summit, though, was how WBEs can adapt to the evolving business landscape we are witnessing – from business growth and strategic partnerships to seizing opportunities in an evolving economy.
Three powerful themes emerged throughout these discussions:
1. Collaborate and Invest in Other WBEs
A recurring message across panels and conversations was the importance of collaboration among WBEs. Speakers encouraged WBEs to work together by forming partnerships, bidding for contracts collectively, and investing in each other's businesses. These strategies not only work to strengthen individual businesses but also contribute to the broader WBE ecosystem and our collective success.
Discussions highlighted that these strategic alliances we can form within the network not only strengthen our sense of unity and belonging but can lead to new business opportunities, increase credibility with corporate partners, and foster long-term growth. Attendees left with a renewed commitment to seeking out fellow WBEs for potential partnerships and investment opportunities.
2. Open Doors for Others
Throughout the Summit, speakers emphasized the value of mentorship, introductions, and advocacy in creating opportunities for fellow WBEs. By leveraging their networks and resources, more established WBEs can help those newer to the business world—or new to a specific sector—navigate challenges and secure meaningful business opportunities.
Panelists encouraged attendees to be intentional about opening doors for others whenever possible—whether by making key introductions, providing guidance, or advocating—for example, for more diverse supplier opportunities within corporations. Our success is only amplified when we actively uplift and support each other!
3. Consider International or Regional Expansion
The business landscape is becoming increasingly global, and WBEs were also urged to explore growth opportunities beyond their local markets. Whether expanding into new regions within the U.S. or tapping into international markets, looking outward was presented as another strategic way to scale businesses and stay competitive.
Speakers discussed global business trends, the importance of market research, and strategies for making international expansion a feasible and successful endeavor. This left attendees with actionable insights on how to position their businesses for regional and global growth.
Key Panels and Speaker Insights
The Summit featured impactful discussions led by industry experts:
WBE Town Hall: The Changing Landscape
- Panelists: Liz Whitehead (12PointFive), Teri Coaxum (Coaxum Connects), Angela Dingle (WIPP)
- Moderator: Phala Mire (WBEC NY DMV)
- This panel explored how WBEs can navigate shifts in the business environment and remain competitive.
Navigating the Changing Landscape
Panelists: Robert Schapira (Wells Fargo), Javette Hines (Citigroup), Avis Yates Rivers (TCGI), Geri Stengel (Ventureneer)
This discussion focused on business growth, strategic partnerships, and opportunities in an evolving economy.
There were also additional discussions which covered a variety of useful areas, from leveraging technology, to balancing innovation with risk, and maintaining mental wellness while scaling a business.
Stay Connected with WBEC Metro NY
The Women MEAN Business NY Summit may be over, but together, we can ensure that the momentum continues. Whether or not we got to welcome you in person this time, stay engaged with WBEC Metro NY by attending upcoming events, joining mentorship programs, and leveraging the vast network of corporate partners and fellow entrepreneurs.
Let’s keep the conversation going and continue building a thriving community of women business leaders. Follow WBEC Metro NY for more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow.
