Six Years of Impact. A Legacy That Continues.
Dear WBC Community,
Six years ago, Women Business Collaborative (WBC) was founded on a powerful belief: that by bringing together leaders, organizations, and companies around a shared purpose, we could accelerate progress toward equal position, pay, and power for all women in business.
Together, we built something extraordinary.
Today, WBC represents a remarkable legacy of collaboration, innovation, and collective action. We have connected corporate executives, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, advocates, and organizations across industries and sectors, creating opportunities to advance women’s leadership and economic empowerment.
As we celebrate all that we have accomplished together, we also share an important announcement: Women Business Collaborative will formally conclude its operations and dissolve effective November 30, 2026.
This decision follows a thoughtful assessment by our Board of Directors of the organization’s long-term financial sustainability. Despite our collective achievements and the strength of our network, we were unable to secure the sustained funding necessary to continue operations.
While this is a difficult decision, it does not diminish the impact of the work we have accomplished together or the importance of the mission we have advanced.
Celebrating Six Years of Collective Impact
Over the past six years, WBC has served as a powerful platform for thought leadership, advocacy, strategic partnerships, and innovative programming.
Together, we have:
- Advanced women’s leadership in business, elevating the voices and achievements of women executives and strengthening the conversation about women’s representation, advancement, and influence in corporate America.
- Expanded opportunities for women entrepreneurs and investors, connecting founders with capital, networks, and strategic relationships through initiatives such as the Women’s Capital Summit.
- Generated research and insights that helped inform conversations about women’s leadership, economic opportunity, and progress across industries.
- Created new pathways for women’s economic empowerment, including the Athlete Business Academy, which supports women professional athletes in developing business skills, networks, and opportunities beyond their playing careers.
- Elevated new opportunities for women veterans, advancing conversations about leadership, employment, and economic participation.
- Built a powerful collaborative network of partner organizations, corporate sponsors, Champions, and advocates working together to accelerate progress for women in business.
These accomplishments reflect the collective efforts of an extraordinary community committed to expanding opportunity and creating meaningful change.
The Power of Partnership
WBC’s greatest strength has always been its collaborative model.
Our corporate sponsors invested in a vision of greater economic opportunity. Our partner organizations brought expertise, reach, and innovative ideas. Our Champions contributed leadership, influence, and connections. Our Board members, staff, advisors, and volunteers gave their time, talent, and commitment to building and advancing this mission.
Each of you helped make WBC what it became.
We are deeply grateful for the trust, generosity, partnership, and commitment that have defined this journey.
A Legacy That Continues
While Women Business Collaborative as an organization is coming to a close, the need to advance women’s leadership and economic opportunity remains as important as ever.
The relationships forged, partnerships established, businesses supported, and opportunities created through WBC will continue to have an impact well beyond our organizational lifespan.
We are particularly proud of the innovative approaches and connections established through the Women’s Capital Summit and Athlete Business Academy, and we hope the momentum created through these initiatives will inspire continued collaboration and investment.
Our financial model could not be sustained, but our mission, impact, and collaborative model demonstrated what is possible when organizations and leaders work together.
As we conclude this chapter, we do so with enormous gratitude and pride in what we have built together—and with confidence in the leaders and organizations who will continue advancing this important work.
On behalf of the WBC Board of Directors and our entire team, thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for your leadership, your commitment, and your belief in the power of collaboration.
Together, we have helped create a foundation for continued progress toward equal position, pay, and power for all women in business.
The organization may be closing, but the movement and our collective commitment continues.
With gratitude,
Gwen Young
Chief Executive Officer
Women Business Collaborative
India Gary-Martin
Chair, Board of Directors
Women Business Collaborative
