International Women's Entrepreneurial Challenge Foundation

The International Women's Entrepreneurial Challenge Foundation, commonly known as the IWEC Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs globally. Headquartered in New York City, the foundation focuses on connecting and developing a global network of successful women business owners.

Mission and Objectives

The IWEC Foundation's mission is to empower women entrepreneurs by providing market intelligence, networking, educational, and mentoring opportunities. These resources aim to help women-owned businesses gain and expand access to international markets, grow their visibility, and enhance their brands. The organization collaborates with international chambers of commerce and women's business organizations to achieve its goals.

Key Pillars

The IWEC Foundation operates under four key pillars:

• Market Intelligence: Providing insights into global markets to aid women in making informed business decisions.
• Education: Offering educational resources to enhance business skills and strategies tailored for international growth.
• Connections: Facilitating networking opportunities that foster collaboration and partnerships among women entrepreneurs worldwide.
• Visibility: Promoting the achievements and visibility of women business owners in the global marketplace.

Programs and Activities

One of the foundation's notable activities is the annual IWEC Awards, which recognize successful women entrepreneurs who have excelled in international business ventures. These awards are conferred during the IWEC Annual Conference, a platform that brings together influential businesswomen from around the world to share best practices, network, and explore new business opportunities.

Reach and Impact

The IWEC Foundation's network comprises over 538 successful women business owners from 48 countries, making it a vibrant community of entrepreneurs who are shaping the global economic landscape. The organization believes that its efforts not only drive economic growth but also contribute to the social and cultural empowerment of women.

Leadership

Nancy Ploeger serves as the Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the IWEC Foundation, providing strategic leadership and vision. The foundation has a strong leadership team, including co-founder Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (ret.), who has been instrumental in shaping the organization's mission and impact over the years.