Women–especially single moms and women of color–are bearing the brunt of this recession. Many have experienced closed schools and day care facilities, forcing primary caretakers to juggle between childcare and work. In addition, women have been disproportionately affected by the decline in female-dominated service jobs. They are likely to experience layoffs, drop out of the labor force, or have their hours cut.
Care.com estimates that the American workforce could lose 4.5 million women. The National Bureau of Economic Research found that between February and April 2020, female unemployment increased 12.8 percent compared to a 9.9 percent increase for men.
Given the mountain of issues that women are facing –what does this mean for women entrepreneurs?
Join our September meetup as we explore how women entrepreneurs are being affected by the current “female recession”. A panel of colleagues who work closely with women entrepreneurs will discuss what trends they are seeing and how they are pivoting to support women-owned businesses. Then, we will open the floor for participants to ask questions and share their resources and strategies.
Program
- Welcome: EA Purpose and Introductions
- Feature Topic: Panel on Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in a Female Recession
- Q&A and Discussion
Speakers
Dr. Pamela Williamson
President and CEO, Women’s Business Enterprise Council – West (WBEC-West)
Dr. Williamson has served as the CEO of SABA 7 a consulting firm, overseen quality control at a Psychiatric urgent care facility of a National Behavioral Health Care Organization where she served as Vice President and Deputy Director, and has served as the CEO of WBEC-West, since 2008. Her extensive experience in developing and implementing innovative alliances with key stakeholders has enabled the organizations to reach new levels of growth and stability. Her ability to lead and empower staff members creates a strong team environment which filters throughout the entire organization. Dr. Williamson takes an active role in facilitating connections between corporations and women business enterprises and sees a promising future for WBEC Certified women-owned businesses.
Schenae Rourk
Vice President, National Association for Women Business Owners California (NAWBO-CA)
Schenae Rourk is President and CEO of Redwood Resources, a strategic procurement, diversity and inclusion consulting firm. The firm develops, implements, manages and oversees programs including mentor protégé, youth and community investment / corporate social responsibility programs that are innovative and inclusive to benefit impacted communities. Ms. Rourk is the Advocacy Co-Chair Committee of BizFed, is on the Caltrans IOAI task force for small and diverse business growth, as well as a member of the Los Angeles Business Council. She also serves as a Board of Director for the National Association of Women Business Owners – California and is the immediate past President of the local chapter of National Association of Women Business Owners Los Angeles.
Swann Do
Director of Women’s Business Center, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE)
Swann Do joined PACE in 2006 as a Business Development Counselor and has been at the forefront of serving entrepreneurs in the county of Los Angeles ever since providing innovative business training, one-on-one business consulting, Procurement assistance and access to capital. Swann has played a role in launching over 100 businesses while serving over 3000 clients, with a focus on supporting women and people with low income. Since 2010, Swann has overseen the administration of the SBA Women’s Business Center funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Women’s Business Ownership. The Women’s Business Center provides all prospective entrepreneurs and existing business owners educational tools necessary for business success such as courses, workshops, and personal counseling on business startup, business expansion, Procurement services and SBA loan assistance.
To learn more about Entrepreneurship Advantage, visit our website or contact Melissa Cruz.