By Carissa Mosness
Every year on November 19, thousands of women gather at the United Nations in New York City to celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. Wendy Diamond, founder of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization, or #WEDO, created the event in 2014 and it serves as an inspiring day for women everywhere. It allows them to celebrate their accomplishments and discuss their hopes and dreams with like-minded people who want the same things out of life as they do.
First for Women recently sat down with Diamond to discuss the 2024 event, who inspired her, what to expect from next year and the touching ways the mission helps women all over achieve their entrepreneurial dreams
The 2024 Women’s Entrepreneurship Day event
Attended by talents like Victoria’s Secret supermodel Helena Christensen and political staffer Huma Abedin, the 2024 summit was the organization’s 10th-annual event, and according to Diamond, “This isn’t just an event—it’s our foundation, our purpose.”
Over the past 10 years, the summit has grown into a larger-than-life production that has been held in over 100 countries worldwide. It not only serves as a meeting place for women but also allows them to potentially earn money for their various business ventures. “Funding 1,000 impoverished women with microloans to launch their entrepreneurial dreams—offering them a hand up, not a handout. Through our partnership with Opportunity International, we’re transforming lives and communities by igniting entrepreneurial spirit,” Diamond said before sharing the new organization’s new project: “Unveiling our revolutionary WEDO AI Education Program, featuring the world’s leading AI experts. This initiative is set to empower 1,000,000 disadvantaged women, driving innovation and transforming their entrepreneurial journeys!
Diamond also shared that while the event might seem geared toward older women, they proudly welcome entrepreneurs of all ages. “Hosting students from our WEDO Arts/Entrepreneurship Program for disadvantaged young women, where they met and painted the award given to Pioneer Award Honorees. We are dedicated to equipping these ambitious young girls with the tools to make their dreams a reality and connecting them with inspiring role models and accomplished leaders.” And their generosity doesn’t stop there. Diamond also shared that along with young women, they welcome formerly incarcerated women to come and join the celebrations. “Supporting Defy Ventures’ 5th cohort at York Correctional Institution, where the EIT Entrepreneurship Program boasts an incredible 84% success rate,” the founder said. “This initiative is empowering incarcerated women to rebuild their futures and achieve extraordinary success.” “Their journeys are a testament to the power of purpose and passion in entrepreneurship,” she continued. “I hope they take away a profound lesson: the more you give to others, the more you will receive—just never give with expectations.”
Wendy Diamond shares who has inspired her
Diamond is no stranger to inspiring women. Thanks to her summit, people all over the world can see just how powerful and impacting entrepreneurial women can be. But creating an event that large is no small feat, and if it weren’t for Diamond’s grandmother, the founder doesn’t know if the organization and event would have happened.
What to expect from the 2025 Women’s Entrepreneur Day Summit
Mark your calendars: The 2025 Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WEDO) Summit promises to be just as much an unforgettable celebration of innovation and empowerment as this year’s event. Taking place on November 14, 2025, the event will mark the 11th anniversary of the globally recognized day. Attendees can participate in-person or virtually, making it accessible to women worldwide.The summit promises leaders, visionaries and trailblazers from an array of industries sharing their insights and strategies for success.
