Columbus Chamber | Women's Collective Newsletter April 2025

Welcome to the Women's Collective Newsletter!

The Women’s Collective is a dynamic community united by a shared purpose: to celebrate and support women in the workforce at every career stage. We seek to inform, connect, champion, and advocate for women across the Columbus Region, offering diverse resources and opportunities for all backgrounds.

Thank you all for your passion and support — you’re what makes the Women’s Collective so special!

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Brave Enough to Hope. Bold Enough to Act.

The Matriots

Brave Enough to Hope. Bold Enough to Act.

This year, Ohio reached a groundbreaking milestone: nearly 35% of our state legislature is now composed of women—up from just 22% seven years ago. While this marks meaningful progress, women remain significantly underrepresented across all levels of elected office.

Although women make up 51% of Ohio’s population, their representation in government tells a different story. From city councils to statewide executive offices, the numbers are far lower. For example, research by Dr. Barbara Palmer for the Matriots Education Fund found that only 6% of township trustees in Ohio are women and that Ohio women run less often than men.

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Women's Collective Featured Organization

The Women's Center for Economic Opportunity & Aspire Women's Book of Business

Our Mission

We equip, elevate and empower socially and economically disadvantaged women to access the knowledge & resources they need to create generational wealth and a legacy of economic impact while staying well. We elevate all women entrepreneurs.

How did it come to be?

I worked in local government community economic development for over 20 years. It was a pleasure to work alongside some great people who were trying to ease access to capital for our underserved entrepreneurs. Women were always the most underserved. I researched the market and lending practices and came away with the sense that women, especially women of color who have always had micro-businesses, could increase their chances of success of building business credit with business financial education so I launched The Women's Center for Economic Opportunity and started our first cohort in 2013 over on the near Southside in the APDS building. We have expanded over the years and now the Aspire cohorts conclude with a well-attended public pitch competition. We are proud of our research on entrepreneurial economic mobility and now a publisher. Our vision is that every woman will achieve her full economic potential.

Inspired by panelist Shannon Isom at our Women in Leadership Luncheon, we encourage you to keep the conversation going by conversation by submitting a "Note of Empowerment"—a message of encouragement, impact, or gratitude that highlights the incredible contributions of women in our community. Your voice matters, and your words have the power to inspire! These notes will be shared on our social media platforms and featured on the Women’s Collective page, amplifying the voices that drive meaningful change. Whether it’s a reflection, a shoutout, or a personal story, your words can make a difference. Submit your Note of Empowerment today and help us celebrate the strength and resilience of women shaping our future!

Submit Your Note!