Doyenne Group Inc

Overview

Doyenne Group Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage, scalable ventures led by women and marginalized gender(s) entrepreneurs. Founded in 2012 by Heather Wentler and Amy Gannon, it aims to fill the gap in resources and support for these underrepresented groups.

Mission

The organization's mission is anchored on three core strategies:

1. Develop the Entrepreneur: Doyenne provides professional development workshops and webinars to enhance entrepreneurial skills. It also organizes public programs to highlight its entrepreneurs, fostering a sense of community and visibility for its members.

2. Fund the Ventures: By allocating funds to underrepresented entrepreneurs, Doyenne creates pipelines for diverse classes of individuals to invest in each other, thereby promoting economic growth and equality.

3. Transform the Narrative: It seeks to change the face of entrepreneurship by collectively voicing the needs and contributions of women and marginalized gender(s) entrepreneurs within entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Structure and Governance

• Board of Directors: As of 2024, the board includes Heather Wentler, Jessica Boling, Pooja Shah, Allie Huber, Jillana Kelly, Sagashus Levingston, and Alicia Armstrong.
• Governance Practices: The organization ensures ethical transparency and maintains a diverse and inclusive board composition. New board members undergo a formal orientation, and all members sign agreements outlining their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, the organization conducts assessments of its CEO and reviews its conflict-of-interest policy annually.

Impact and Activities

Doyenne's efforts focus on mobilizing a community around economic growth for early-stage ventures. By celebrating and empowering its members, the organization aims to create truly diverse and gender-equal entrepreneurial ecosystems across the United States. It collaborates with volunteers and contracted team members to ensure the delivery of its mission.

Equity and Inclusion

The organization is committed to racial equity and diversity. It employs strategies such as reviewing compensation data, analyzing race disparities in programs, and ensuring community representation at the board level. Furthermore, it seeks leaders from diverse racial backgrounds for key positions.

Conclusion

Doyenne Group Inc stands as a beacon of support for underrepresented entrepreneurs, working towards a more equitable and vibrant entrepreneurial landscape. Through its strategic focus on development, funding, and narrative transformation, it endeavors to make a lasting impact on the communities it serves.