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The significance of female leaders in fostering increased representation of women of color in leadership positions across every phase of their careers in marketing, media, and technology cannot be overstated. She Runs It puts its whole energy and resources into paving a way for women to lead at every level!
Taking on the duty to realize stronger concepts and budding business ideas from women of color, the inception of the START Accelerator program occurred in June 2022. Lynn Branigan, the CEO of She Runs It and together with the She Runs It Foundation Board collaborated with digitalundivided to introduce this program in response to findings from the #Inclusive100 study. The research exposed an unequal decrease in Black and LatinX representation, which was already at a minimal level within the industry. Female leaders of color play a pivotal role in dismantling barriers, fostering inclusivity, and paving the way for more women of color to thrive at every stage of their careers in marketing, media, and tech. Their influence not only benefits individuals but also enhances the industry's innovation, creativity, and overall success.
She Runs It is an organization with a history spanning over a century, originating from a community that shares a common goal of promoting women's leadership. Established in 1912, a remarkable eight years prior to the ratification of the 19th amendment, under the name "League of Advertising Women," She Runs It has transformed into a worldwide entity dedicated to facilitating increased women's leadership across all stages of their careers. These networks foster a sense of community and collaboration, helping individuals navigate the challenges they might face.
Applications were sought via press and social media platforms, leading to the selection of a group of ten individuals for participation. This cohort was subsequently paired with mentors, including Lynn and members of the She Runs It Foundation Board, as well as industry experts. They embarked on an 8-week program tailored for innovators in the technology, marketing and media sectors. The program encompassed personalized training modules, workshops conducted by industry luminaries, individual coaching sessions, access to an Entrepreneur in Residence for business guidance, and the opportunity for cohort members to connect with a community of similarly motivated women.
The cohort underwent training in foundational narratives, lean startup business models, shaping assumptions, testing hypotheses, pinpointing optimal revenue models, honing pitch development, and practicing presentation skills. The program reached its apex with a demo day in early December 2022, during which the ten chosen entrepreneurs showcased their business plans and pitches to an esteemed panel of industry leaders. All participants secured a startup grant, while the entrepreneur with the most promising proposal received supplementary funding. To engage a wider audience, video pitches were shared online for a People's Choice segment, attracting numerous views and votes that translated into an additional grant for the winning concept. Although it's still early to gauge the success of the presented business ideas, the initiative successfully introduced new perspectives and infused the marketing industry with innovative ideas.
Credits
Entry Title: Paving the Way for Women to Lead at Every Level
Entrant Company: She Runs It
Winning Category: Female Executive of the Year – Non-profitable Organization
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