WE Connect: Breaking Barriers in Built Environment and Trade

Join Women Entrepreneurship New York City (WE NYC) for an inspiring event that shines a spotlight on the journey of women entrepreneurs navigating MWBE certification and celebrates the transformative role of mentorship during National Mentorship Month. This special event will feature firsthand accounts from certified business owners who have successfully leveraged mentorship to achieve their goals. Learn actionable insights into the certification process, discover how to tap into mentorship opportunities, and understand the broader impact of a strong support network. Whether you're considering certification or seeking to grow your entrepreneurial circle, this event offers the tools, connections, and inspiration to empower your next steps. Together, let’s honor the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of women-led businesses.

The agenda is as follows:

5:30 – 5:45 PM: Welcome and Keynote

• Opening remarks by NYC SBS Commisioner Dynishal Gross
• About WE Connect and NYWIB by Maria Paula Otero
• Remarks by Allison Lane, nycoba|NOMA

5:45 – 6:00 PM: M/WBE Certification Process Overview with Anna Yakubova

6:00 – 6:40 PM: Panel Discussion and Q&A

• Speakers include Dena Prastos, Shachi Pandey, Ruth Ro, Daphany Rose Sanchez, and Jelena Matic

6:45 – 7:00 PM: Open Mic, open invitation for making 1 minute pitch to fellow participants

7:00 – 8:00 PM: Networking

This event will be live streamed—stay tuned for the link to register for the virtual component.

Note: We will close registration for in-person attendance on Monday, January 27, at 12 pm due to space limitations. You can still register for the livestream at link forthcoming.

Women Entrepreneurship New York City (WE NYC) is committed to promoting diverse women's leadership in the green economy ecosystem with a particular focus on women-centered groups. This large event will bring together aspiring and early-stage women and minority entrepreneurs, corporations, accelerators and incubators, policy-makers, and thought leaders to discuss how we can hold a space for more diversity in the entrepreneurial space.