Women Business Enterprise Center
July 2, 2008
Geri Swift
Director
“It is rare that one gets to see an accomplishment of a lifelong goal to have a national women business enterprise certification program. I am grateful for being asked to participate on the steering committee to create the Women’s Business National Council to achieve this goal. I am thankful for the access to opportunities for business growth that WBENC certification has provided for women business enterprises through the commitment of the corporations that believe in WBENC’s mission.”
Women’s Business Enterprise Council-Southeast
July 2, 2008
Linda Steward
Director
“My greatest contribution to the supplier diversity arena was and continues to be making a strong economic argument for WBE supplier diversity. I founded the OWBRN WBECSE and in addition to being one of the founding councils of WBENC and being among the group that developed the WBENC WBE standards and procedures, I assisted the state of Ohio with a Governors Executive Order to include women in all purchasing practices.”
Women’s Presidents’ Organization; Women’s Presidents’ Educational Organization
July 2, 2008
Marhsa Firestone, Ph.D.
President and Founder
“I am most proud of the success of both the Women Presidents’ Organization and the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization in accelerating the growth and enhancing the competitiveness of women’s businesses — both through peer advisory as well as through certification and increased access to Fortune 1000 corporations.”
The Women’s Business Development Center-Chicago
July 2, 2008
Carol Dougal and Hedy Ratner
Co-Presidents
“[Our greatest contribution has been] working diligently over the last 20 years to assure that WBEs and MBEs unite to make opportunities for both and informing and demonstrating to both governmental entities and corporations that doing business with WBEs and MBEs is a good business decision, not a social service activity.”
Women’s Business Enterprise Council South
July 2, 2008
Blanca E. Robinson
Executive Director
“Our council’s main focus is WBENC certification and my primary responsibility is to help WBEs and corporate members connect with one another, establish business relationships and ultimately secure mutually beneficial contracting opportunities. We achieve this through numerous venues — expos, networking events, educational seminars and personal coaching. Women-owned firms are such a critical component of our nation’s economy and if we do not promote their growth,we commit a vast disservice to all our communities.”
