The annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Week (WEW), hosted by She Stands Tall, returns May 5-9. The annual conference spans five days, with workshops, networking opportunities and talks featuring over 80 speakers to inspire the next generation of woman and nonbinary people to lead and innovate.
This is She Stands Tall’s third year of hosting the event. Founder Stephanie Melnick says that through her law firm, which represents woman-owned businesses, she realized these entrepreneurs need a community where people could learn from each other.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
“We started out with our speaker series events and a group where people meet monthly and talk about issues facing them and issues related to entrepreneurship generally,” says Melnick, “So, when the opportunity arose to take on entrepreneurship week, it fit in perfectly to bring this bigger event to the community for education and inspiration.”
WEW’s theme this year is “Radiant ‘88,” which honors the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, a landmark moment that changed the game for women entrepreneurs.
This act prohibited state laws requiring women to have a male co-signer on business loans, established Women’s Business Centers to provide mentorship and resources, and expanded opportunities for women to own their businesses.
“1988 was not that long ago. We decided it was time to recognize what things looked like before, how far we have come since that year, what is still left to do and how to get it done within the community,” says Melnick.
Melnick is most excited for the panel on May 6, featuring five panelists, two of which were around before the act was passed and have first hand experience living in a world without it.
Each day includes at least three morning workshops, at least three afternoon workshops, and a fun workshop such as guided yoga, monoprinting workshop, and a pottery and ceramic experience.
There are various ticket packages, ranging from an all-access pass to single event tickets. Find more information and tickets here.
Melnick encourages attendees to bring a notebook or computer to take notes, and an entrepreneurial friend.
A few event highlights include:
Meet & Eat
MONDAY, MAY 9, 8-10 A.M. | STORY HILL FIREHOUSE
Kick off WEW with connection, inspiration, and breakfast. Set tone and intention for the week with:
- Venice Williams | Alice’s Garden, Fondy Food Center
- Dana Spandet | Flour Girl & Flame
Together We Thrive: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs, Past, Present, & Future
TUESDAY, MAY 6, 5:30-8:30 P.M. | DENIZEN
A celebration of the women who fought for change and a call to action for those shaping the future:
- Wendy Baumann | Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
- Terese Caro | Legacy Redevelopment Corporation
- Margaret Henningson | Retired
- Val Lucks | Honeypie, SmallPie, Comet Cafe
- Ana Simpson | Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast
Storytelling In The Digital Era: Marketing That Connects
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 8-10 A.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY CENTRAL
A panel discussion about crafting authentic, compelling narratives that turn followers into raving fans:
- Nydia Maurás-Jones | Odvant Creative
- Betty Allen | Seadog Creative
- Chloe Longmire | Chase My Creations
- Laura Markewicz | Lotza
Radiate And Celebrate
THURSDAY, MAY 8, 5:30-8:30 P.M. | THE IVY HOUSE
A celebration of and for women entrepreneurs featuring
- Food stations by women-owned businesses
- Interactive makers market featuring customizable products
- Music by DJ Lolo
Brand Aid Workshop
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 1-2:15 P.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY CENTRAL
Close out the week with strategizing your business’s logo. If you want to stand out, connect, and build something unforgettable, Brand Aid is your workshop for brand clarity and impact. In this hands-on session, branding pros, experienced entrepreneurs, and a trademark lawyer will break down what makes an effective brand.
- Teju Aluko | Branperience
- Mara Natkin and Gloria Ramirez | Artery Ink
- Brandy Riley | Riley Design Studio, LLC
- Katie Soyka | Elevate Brand Photography
- Sam Smith | One Smith Studio
