What to Expect at Women’s Entrepreneurship Week 2024

Each year, Women’s Entrepreneurship Week brings together Milwaukee women and nonbinary business owners and professionals for a week of workshops, keynote events and network-building.

The annual series returns May 6-10 with the theme “Building the Table,” which celebrates women creating their own spaces as opposed to “demanding a seat at their table,” according to its website.

The mission behind this year’s theme is “fostering connections, empowering innovation and encouraging growth within our community.”

Stephanie Melnick, founder of She Stands Tall, which organizes WEW, said the week stems from a speaker series where women entrepreneurs in the community share their stories.

“We’re really excited for this year’s daytime events and to partner with the Charles Allis Art Museum,” Melnick said. “All of the daytime events we’re planning will be at the museum, and we have access to the whole museum. What’s really exciting is that people can look at the art while learning about different topics related to entrepreneurship.”

Melnick said she’s looking forward to the energy and the feel of the event and the opportunity to learn from other women.

“We get that every month on a small scale at our speaker series events,” she said. “But the feeling of people sincerely just wanting to lift each other up, wanting to learn from each other, looking for help and support – for me, that energy and inspiration is what I’m genuinely most excited about.”

Each day includes two morning workshops, at least two afternoon workshops and evening keynote events. Over 65 women and nonbinary speakers are expected to attend the week.

Milwaukee Magazine editor-in-chief and publisher Carole Nicksin will also be one of the featured speakers at the “Building Goods” panel on May 7 at The Ivy House.

Highlighted events include:

“Building Community”

MONDAY, MAY 6, 5-8 P.M. | ANODYNE COFFEE IN WALKER’S POINT

A panel discussion with women who are fostering, amplifying and celebrating diverse and inclusive Wisconsin communities:

• Lauren Feaster | Professional Dimensions
• Kelsey Kaufmann | Cactus Club
• Katie Avila Loughmiller | LUNA (Latinas Unidas en las Artes)
• Christy McKenzie | Pasture and Plenty
• Cree Myles | All Ways Black

“Building Goods”

TUESDAY, MAY 7, 5-8 P.M. | THE IVY HOUSE

Women who make iconic Made in Milwaukee products share their years of collective wisdom:

• Abby Janiszewski | Strike Bridal Bar and Rare Bridal Bar
• Alesia Miller | Soul Brew Kombucha
• Carole Nicksin | Milwaukee Magazine
• Elizabeth Rees | Chasing Paper
• Daniela Varela | Ruby’s Bagels

“Building Change”

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 5-8 P.M. | THE BOX

A panel discussion from women entrepreneurs on a mission to build change in the community.

• Dasha Kelly Hamilton | Performance Artist
• Monique Liston | UBUNTU Research and Evaluation
• Dana Spandet | Flour Girl & Flame
• Melissa Tashjian | Compost Crusader
• Ashley Valentine | Rooted MKE

“Building Art”

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 5-8:30 P.M. | ENLIGHTENED BREWING COMPANY

Artists specializing in media of all kinds discuss the intersection of art and entrepreneurship. There’ll also be a mini makers market featuring over 20 women-owned businesses.

• Nicole Acosta | Artist
• Steph Davies | The Waxwing and Dear Darlington
• Kim Eckroth | Covet and Ginger
• Whitney Anderson Nettles | Wit & Co.
• Rosy Petri | Paradise Home

“Toasting the Builders”

FRIDAY, MAY 10, 5-8 P.M. | PALOMINO BAR

Close out the week with a happy hour at woman-owned Palomino.

Show Her the Money Screening

FRIDAY, MAY 10, 10:30 AM-1 P.M. | ORIENTAL THEATRE

A screening of the film Show Her The Money, followed by a discussion about financing for women founders.

• Wendy Baumann | WWBIC
• Julie Spitzack | Summit Credit Union
• Heather Wentler | Doyenne Group
• Catherine Gray | Producer, Show Her The Money
• Sherry Zhang | GenoPalate

For a full list of events and registration, visit She Stands Tall.