[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 191 (Friday, November 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            COMMEMORATING WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAY 2023

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 17, 2023

  Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the 10th 
Anniversary of Women's Entrepreneurship Day, a global celebration 
observed annually on November 19th.
  In the United States, the staggering statistic reveals that women own 
nearly 13 million out of the 33.2 million small businesses, employing 
approximately 10 million workers and contributing an awe-inspiring $1.8 
trillion in revenue. My heartfelt commendation goes out to these women 
and their economically indispensable enterprises.
  I extend my enthusiastic applause to the Women's Entrepreneurship Day 
movement, led by the remarkable Wendy Diamond. A decade ago, Wendy 
founded the Women's Entrepreneurship Day organization, dedicating 
herself to empowering women entrepreneurs and tirelessly advocating for 
the prominence of women in business and entrepreneurship when the world 
was not fully recognizing their importance in the economy. Over the 
years, the organization has been unwavering in its efforts, providing 
microloans to 20,000 impoverished women, sponsoring disadvantaged 
female students to attend the United Nations, supporting the ReStart 
Academy for 13 to 21-year-old students in transitional settings, and 
spearheading WEDO's groundbreaking initiative, the ``Women's Disability 
Startup Cohort,'' the pioneering Accelerator Program for disabled women 
in business.
  In collaboration with Defy Ventures, WEDO has catalyzed a 
transformative EIT entrepreneurship program boasting an exceptional 84 
percent success rate, propelling incarcerated women to unprecedented 
heights of achievement. Reflecting on a decade of profound impact, the 
Women's Entrepreneurship Day organization has not only initiated a 
global movement but has also garnered over 300 ambassadors worldwide, 
making a substantial impact in 144 countries, 65 international 
universities, and colleges.
  As we mark this remarkable 10th anniversary, the Women's 
Entrepreneurship Day Organization Pioneer Awards take center stage, 
honoring distinguished women who have emerged as leaders and innovators 
across multiple fields. Notable awardees include Sue Wagner, a co-
founder of BlackRock and a member of Apple's board of directors, 
receiving the Financial Pioneer Award; Fran Weissler, Tony Award-
winning Broadway producer of Pippin and Chicago, esteemed with the 
Broadway Pioneer Award; Jenny Just, co-founder and managing partner at 
PEAK6, earning the Technology Pioneer Award; Dr. Ruth, a pioneer in the 
psychology of human sexuality and world-renowned sex therapist, 
receiving the Psychology Pioneer Award; and Nancy Brinker, founder of 
the Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Promise Fund of Florida, 
acknowledged with the Philanthropy Pioneer Award, Carol Reiley, co-
founder of Drive.ai and DeepMusic.ai, will be honored with the Science 
Pioneer Award. Furthermore, Bonnie Anderson, founder of Veracyte, Inc. 
and Pink Dx, will receive the Health Pioneer Award.
  As we celebrate this profound milestone, let us be resolute in our 
commitment to providing the essential tools and programs needed for 
young women to not only survive but to truly flourish in the dynamic 
world of entrepreneurship.

                          ____________________