About

Our Mission

Our mission is to elevate & empower women of color business owners, leaders and innovators with pathways to the capital customers, contracts and connections needed to close the gender and racial wealth gap.

It's my absolute pleasure to support events hosted by WCEO. Whether I'm on a planning committee or greeting guests at a live event, I take pride in knowing I'm part of a movement that empowers women to achieve their dreams.

~ Dana Reid, Member

Our Vision

WCEO will inform and inspire, connect and call to action,
elevate and empower to a higher economic status 25,000 women of color business owners, leaders and innovators
and create 225 jobs by 2025.

Our Services

Online Classes & Webinars
Business Mentoring
Business Acceleration
Access to Capital
Networking
Research & Data
DEI Consulting

We believe when ALL women are elevated simply as they are born and when empowered to define their futures, then, and only then, women will change the world.

Founded in 2013, the Women's Center for Economic Opportunity (WCEO or WCEO) advances racial, gender and economic equity. WCEO facilitates successful access to capital (knowledge and financial) and connections for African American women and other beloved women of color. WCEO is an advocate for the elimination of racism and closure of the racial and gender wealth gap. WCEO celebrates our allies who live and practice anti-racism.

Our Board of Directors

Hon. Tracy Heard, Executive Dir., Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence, Chair

Jerry Saunders, President & CEO, APDS, Vice Chair & Sec/Treasurer

Lisa Gutierrez, President & CEO, Dos Hermanos

Moniqua Spencer, Sr. Vice President, Advantage Capital

Laura M. Comek, Esq., Attorney, Comek Law

Barbara J. Smoot, President & CEO, WELD USA (Emeritus)

Our Staff

Keena M. Smith, Chief Executive Officer

Victoria Murray, Customer Relationship Manager