[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 195 (Wednesday, November 19, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 19, 2025

  Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 12th 
Anniversary of Women's Entrepreneurship Day, celebrated globally on 
November 19.
  In the United States alone, over 14 million of our Nation's 36.2 
million small businesses are owned by women, employing around 10.7 
million workers and contributing an astounding $2.1 trillion in 
revenue. These women-led businesses are a cornerstone of our economy, 
and I extend my deepest commendation to the women behind them.
  Today, I celebrate the Women's Entrepreneurship Day movement, founded 
by Wendy Diamond. Twelve years ago, Wendy launched the Women's 
Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) with an unyielding commitment 
to elevate and empower women in entrepreneurship at a time when then 
vital role in the global economy was still underappreciated.
  Since its inception, WEDO has led transformation initiatives, 
including providing microloans to over 10,000 women in need and 
launching the WEDO Entrepreneurial Arts Education Program for 
disadvantaged female students. WEDO also launched a groundbreaking AI 
education program with world-renowned experts, aimed at empowering 1 
million disadvantaged women entrepreneurs with cutting-edge skills.
  WEDO has also partnered with Defy Ventures to drive the Entrepreneurs 
in Training (EIT) program, achieving an outstanding 84 percent success 
rate among formerly incarcerated women by providing them with a path to 
opportunity and reintegration.
  This year, WEDO welcomed iHeartMedia as a national partner iHeart's 
influential broadcast and digital network will promote Women's 
Entrepreneurship Day, highlight local women entrepreneurs across the 
country, and amplify this movement's impact in communities nationwide.
  In recognition of this extraordinary milestone, the Women's 
Entrepreneurship Day Organization Pioneer Awards honor exceptional 
leaders who have pioneered new frontiers across various fields.
  I include in the Record this year's honorees:

       Angelina Jolie, Humanitarian, Artist, and Entrepreneur; 
     Rachel Drori, Founder of Daily Harvest; Howard Morgan, 
     Cofounder of Renaissance Technologies, Chairman of B Capital, 
     and Cofounder of First Round Capital; Chloe Ting, Global 
     Fitness and Wellness Entrepreneur, Gloria Allred, Civil 
     Rights Attorney and Founding Partner of Allred, Maroko & 
     Goldberg, Jesse Draper, Founder of Halogen Ventures, Sheila 
     Lino Marcelo, Cofounder and CEO of Ohai.ai, and Founder of 
     Proof of Learn and Care.com.

  As we celebrate this profound milestone, let us be resolute in our 
commitment to providing the essential tools and programs that enable 
young women not only to survive but to truly flourish in the dynamic 
world of entrepreneurship.

                          ____________________