In a world where pace and pressure are constant, one timeless truth remains: we rise higher when we lift each other. For women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and every step of the professional journey, building strong, like-minded communities isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategy for success, mental well-being, and impact.

Nowhere was that more evident than at the 2025 WBENC National Conference, where thousands of women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders came together in New Orleans to accelerate not just business, but belonging.

What the Data—and the Women—Say

Study after study confirms what so many of us already feel: the emotional and business benefits of connection are real and measurable.

• Women with strong inner-circle networks are 2.5x more likely to land leadership roles
• Women supported by a professional community report 45% fewer anxiety-related symptoms
• Belonging correlates with a 63% greater likelihood of describing life as “thriving”

(Sources: HBR, APA, Gallup 2022)

And this week at WBENC 2025, we saw those numbers come alive.

WBENC 2025: Collective Energy in Action

With over 4,800 attendees, including more than 2,500 certified women-owned businesses, the national conference embodied the power of women supporting women.

ACCELERATE in Action

The theme wasn’t just a slogan—it was a lived experience. From the dynamic Business Fair Expo that sparked new partnerships with Fortune 500s to peer-to-peer mentoring that led to growth strategies, sustainability pivots, and leadership breakthroughs, the momentum was undeniable.

“I walked in with a business card and walked out with a joint venture.”

 Event Attendee

Celebrating and Elevating One Another

WBENC’s WBE Star Awards recognized trailblazers who’ve built businesses that impact not just bottom lines, but communities. These stories reminded us that when one woman breaks through, she often holds the door open for many others.

Connection = Mental Resilience

Beyond the business deals, the WBENC community created a space where women could be seen, supported, and celebrated. That kind of emotional safety fuels confidence, reduces stress, and reinforces a sense of purpose.

Investing in the Next Generation

For the Collegiate Accelerator Pitch Competition, I was honored to Mentor Angel Chuang, Founder of MindMunch. Angel is an innovative student entrepreneur and a current sophomore at UC Berkeley studying Economics and Cognitive Science, minoring in Data Science. She is passionate about the intersection between technology, health, and entrepreneurship in spaces like edtech and biotech. 

The event reinforced that empowerment isn’t just for today’s leaders—it’s a torch passed forward to future changemakers.

Why Collective Power Matters

Individually, we move the needle. Collectively, we move mountains.

Every time women join forces—whether in national spaces like WBENC or local meetups, virtual circles, and professional communities—we create ecosystems where:

• Innovation accelerates
• Mental well-being improves
• Leadership becomes more inclusive
• Barriers are broken, together

As we learned this week, these connections aren’t just inspiring—they’re strategic. They scale businesses, build mental resilience, and make room at every table.

How You Can Harness the Power

• Be intentional with your network—curate relationships with people who reflect your values and ambition
• Offer support without expectation; the best networks are rooted in trust and generosity
• Celebrate collective wins—because one woman’s success lifts all of us
• Keep showing up—at events, in conversations, in community

Final Thought

The 2025 WBENC Conference reminded us what’s possible when we gather with purpose: visibility becomes opportunity, connection becomes resilience, and support becomes strength.

The power of networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about what we can build together.

So here’s your reminder: keep connecting, keep showing up, and keep lifting others as you climb. Because when women support women, we all rise.

Want to connect with like-minded women ready to grow, lead, and support one another? Join our network at Women Impact Business.