Female Strong ®

2026 YEA! Investor Panel Recap

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:52:22 GMT

Congratulations to the YEA! Chicago Class of 2026!

On April 1, we gathered to recognize the accomplishments of our Young Entrepreneurs Academy students at the 12th annual YEA! Investor Panel, Presented by Encova Insurance . We are grateful to everyone who came out to the Fellowes Design & Experience Center to cheer on this year’s talented cohort as they pitched their creative business concepts to a panel of investors.

A heartfelt thank you to our Title Sponsor, Encova Insurance , and our investors Carilyn Carlson Anderson , President at Carlson Labs , Paola Sprenzel , Vice President of Business Development at Leopardo Construction , Angela Kim , Vice President of Marketing at Gallagher ,

Miaciah Manuel, CFP , Principal & Senior Advisor at Fiduciary Financial Partners, LLC , Alyssa Cunnington , Chief Commercial Officer at PATCO Products , Gail Scott , Director of Administration at Edlong Corporation , Justine Franchina , Chief Operating Officer at Synergy Flavors , Shannon Coco , Senior Sales and Marketing Director at Kerry , Morgan Agba , Head of Sales at Griffith Foods , and Adrianna Stasiuk , Partner and Family Wealth Advisor at Aaron Wealth Advisors for contributing to the seed funding pool and sharing their expertise. Thank you also to our gracious hosts at Fellowes & Level Reps , photographer Caitlyn Welty, and the Say Go! Media videography team for making this celebration so memorable and impactful!

2026 Seed Funding Awards

CYCLEBOUND: awarded $1,000 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp, YEA! Chicago Chapter Winner & Saunders Competition Competitor.
Name the Fin: awarded $700 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp
Nail Your Network: awarded $500 including 25 items and the Viewer’s Choice Award.
Brave Boxes: awarded $600 including 10 boxes.
Pop-In Parties: awarded $500 and National Student Leadership Conference Scholarships.
Restless Jewels: awarded $500 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp.
Animal Adventure: awarded $500 including 10 items.
Perch With Purpose: awarded $500 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp.
nosley: awarded $175.
Sticky Scents: awarded $300 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp.
Chatterclock: awarded $300.
SpellSmart Games: awarded $200.
flowstate: awarded $400.
CFCSI: awarded $255.
Scripture Pals: awarded $500 including 10 items to be included in Brave Boxes.

Thank you to those who attended this event!

We have an incredible community here at Female Strong, and we’re grateful for all of the support you’ve given us. We hope those of you who attended our Investor Panel were inspired by our YEA! Entrepreneur Girls and the panel of business leader Sharks.

Stay involved in our mission by nominating a middle or high school girl for the Entrepreneur Girls program here . For guest speaker, field trip host, or business mentor opportunities, contact Program Director Sarah Sleevi at Sarah@femalestrong.org .

Rituals for Resilience: A Night with Erin Coupe & Female Strong

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:23:20 GMT

On February 11, Female Strong welcomed 60 inspiring women from across Chicago for a special Galentine’s Day evening of connection, conversation, and community in support of our mission to build confidence in the next generation of female leaders.

Hosted at the Allsteel Showroom, the event featured Erin Coupe, former Fortune 150 executive and author of I Can Fit That In: How Rituals, Not Routines, Transform Your Life . In a thoughtful conversation moderated by Female Strong founder Emily Smith, Erin shared insights on shifting away from rigid routines and toward meaningful rituals that strengthen resilience, protect energy, and create clarity.

As we move into a new year, the discussion offered practical strategies for intentional living and leadership rooted in self-awareness. Attendees reflected on how small, purposeful rituals can help navigate growth, transition, and the full demands of modern life.

The evening was made possible by the generous support of Allsteel . Thank you to Erin Coupe for sharing her perspective with our community, and to Sugar Bliss , Grazing Table , and Salud Bartending for adding festive touches to the night.

Missed it? Order your copy of I Can Fit That In here .

2026 CEO Roundtable Highlights

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 20:44:25 GMT

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s CEO Roundtable, a signature YEA! Chicago event centered on leadership, confidence, and career growth. We are grateful to the incredible leaders who made the evening so impactful, including moderator Anne Rockey and panelists Mary Lee Schneider , Kari McGlinnen , and Beka Kohmescher .

Powerful takeaways from the conversation included the importance of setting high expectations while continuing to advocate for yourself early and often. The panelists spoke to the value of building strong teams by surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you, and choosing work that feels aligned with your passions and natural strengths. Creativity was also highlighted as an essential leadership skill, showing up through problem solving, innovation, and forward-thinking decision making. Attendees were encouraged to approach balance as a long game, to say yes to their highest priorities, embrace that no is a complete sentence, and stay curious by connecting with others on a human level.

Above all, the conversation reinforced that failure is part of success, and that grit, perseverance, and the ability to pivot are essential qualities of great leaders.

Thank you again to our generous sponsors, Heidrick & Struggles and Continua Interiors , for making this signature event possible.

Connect With the Speakers!

Veronica Beard Gives Back: Two Evenings of Style & Support for Female Strong!

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:55:57 GMT

This October, our community came together not once-but twice—to sip, shop, and style for a cause!

In October, Female Strong once again partnered with Veronica Beard for two evenings dedicated to fashion, connection, and community impact. Each event brought together remarkable women who share a commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders.

On October 2, hosts Liz Hayes, Adrianna Stasiuk, and Kathryn Homburger Mickelson welcomed guests to an evening that combined fall fashion with purpose. The following week, on October 9, Rachel Axelrod, Christy Clark, Margaret McWeeney, Courtney Sherrer, and Jill Silverstein hosted a second event that continued the celebration of women supporting women.

Attendees enjoyed personalized styling experiences and meaningful conversations that highlighted the importance of mentorship and empowerment. Veronica Beard expanded their generosity by including phone orders in the event proceeds, allowing supporters to participate and give back from anywhere. Together, both events raised $10,675 for Female Strong, directly supporting programs that help girls ages 8 to 18 build confidence, leadership skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

These gatherings demonstrated how fashion and philanthropy can work together to create lasting impact. The continued partnership between Veronica Beard, our hosts, and the Female Strong community reflects a shared belief in the power of women to lift one another and inspire the next generation of leaders.

If you’re inspired by the cause and want to get involved, there are several avenues to make a meaningful impact:

Sponsor a Female Strong Camp:

Consider hosting one-day camps for girls in 2026. With a contribution of $5,000, you can positively influence the lives of 30 girls aged 8 to 12 in your local community. This presents a wonderful opportunity to engage the daughters of your employees, clients, and budding community leaders.

Host a Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser:

Your company can champion a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign during the holiday season to support Female Strong’s national expansion.

Donate Directly:

Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a significant impact. Direct donations go towards scholarships and further program expansion, ensuring that more girls have access to life-changing opportunities.

Inaugural Pickleball Tournament Raises $20,000 for Female Strong's Programming!

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:55:56 GMT

Highlights from the 1st Annual Female Strong Pickle Ball Tournament

Despite the evening chill, more than 80 players gathered on October 23, 2025, for Female Strong’s inaugural Pickleball Tournament — a night filled with spirited competition, camaraderie, and community. Together, we raised over $20,000 to support Female Strong’s programming that empowers the next generation of confident, capable female leaders.

Congratulations to our top players who brought their best game to the court!

1st Place Champions: Hal Nagel & Mike Long from DSI
Runners-Up: John Kruer & Patrick Green from Reed Construction

A huge thank you to our generous sponsors — ECI , Bespoke , Continua , Leopardo , Level Reps , and Fellowes — for making this inaugural event such a success. Your partnership and commitment to Female Strong’s mission help us continue building confidence and leadership skills in young women across our community.

We hope you’ll join us again next year for an even bigger and better Pickleball Tournament!

In the meantime, stay connected with Female Strong to see your impact in action:

Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn .
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities like hosting a Female Strong Camp at your office on our website .
Nominate a young woman in your life to participate in an upcoming Female Strong program or volunteer at an event.

Help us finish the year strong by contributing to our Year-End Giving Campaign . Every donation fuels our mission to empower the next generation of female leaders and close the confidence gap. Please reach out if your company would be interested in supporting this fundraising campaign with a corporate match.

Congrats to 2025 Jean Shuman Scholarship Awardee

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:24:25 GMT

Congratulations to Stefanie Giurcanu, YEA! Chicago Class of 2024!

We’re thrilled to share that Stefanie Giurcanu has been selected as this year’s scholarship recipient, earning a $3,000 award! The judges were so impressed with all of the applicants that they also granted $300 each to the two other finalists. Stefanie, a graduate of our 2024 YEA! Chicago cohort, will be pursuing a degree in Engineering at Purdue University this fall—congratulations, Stefanie!

"I was in my junior year of high school when I graduated from YEA! I am currently a rising freshman at Purdue University, majoring in Engineering. One of the most valuable things this program gave me was a sense of direction. I learned how to merge something I am truly passionate about with something that matters and can make an impact. Through YEA!, I was introduced to incredible opportunities - one of them being the Jean Shuman Scholarship. I feel deeply honored to be recognized in a way that reflects Jean Shuman’s own dedication to both the arts and sciences, and to know that my work embodies that spirit. For me, this scholarship is more than just a way to jumpstart my college finances; it’s a powerful reminder that the work I put in is important and that someone out there is cheering me on every step of the way. One day, I hope to give back to young aspiring entrepreneurs, just as others have invested in me."

The Jean Shuman Memorial Scholarship was established by Edgar Shuman and his family as a tribute to his late wife. Jean, a Pittsburgh, PA native, attended the Julliard School of Music. Following graduation, she appeared at Radio City Music Hall and in Broadway shows. Later, while raising her children, she continued to touch thousands of people with her deep love and understanding of classical and popular music, performing at festivals, supper clubs, and concerts throughout the United States and Canada. Jean had a lifelong commitment to education – and even started saving for her future children's’ college education on her honeymoon. She was recognized by all that knew her as a truly kind and compassionate person and was appreciated for her lifelong commitment to her family and art. Read more about the Jean Shuman Scholarship for YEA! Chicago graduates HERE .

As this year’s scholarship honoree, Stefanie has shown the integrity, courage, and skills that reflect the YEA! values and will help her succeed in both business and life. Congratulations again, Stefanie!

2024 YEA! Graduate Stefanie Giurcanu Attends NSLC at Oxford

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 14:50:31 GMT

From YEA! Chicago to Oxford: 2024 Graduate Stefanie Giurcanu Attends NSLC

At Female Strong, we’re proud to support young women as they grow into confident leaders. We’re excited to share that Stefanie Giurcanu, a 2024 graduate of our Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program, recently attended the National Student Leadership Conference at Oxford University. We love seeing YEA! graduates continue to seek out opportunities that fuel their growth and future goals.

Learn more about the YEA! Chicago program, our 6 month entrepreneurship intensive for girls in 6th-12th grade, at https://femalestrong.org/program/entrepreneur-girls/ . In October, we are kicking off a new cohort in Downtown Chicago. We encourage you or a passionate girl in your life to apply today!

YEA! Graduate Mia Lane Attends 2025 National Leadership Conference

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:41:02 GMT

Future Leader: YEA! 2025 Graduate Mia Lane Joins NSLC at American University

At Female Strong, we’re committed to empowering young women by providing opportunities that support their growth and potential. We’re excited to highlight the accomplishments of Mia Lane, a standout alum of our Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program. Mia was recently awarded a scholarship to attend the National Student Leadership Conference, which takes place at top universities across the country. Her achievement reflects the value of hard work, education, and the support she’s received through Female Strong.

4th Annual Golf Outing Recap

Thu, 22 May 2025 16:00:26 GMT

Highlights from the 4th Annual Female Strong Golf Outing

On Monday, May 19 we hosted our 4th Annual Female Strong Golf Outing, and despite the unseasonably cold weather, the day was filled with energy, generosity, and community spirit. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who participated—whether you played, volunteered, sponsored, or simply showed up to support the mission.

The outing brought together over 150 golfers and supporters to raise critical funds that help Female Strong deliver confidence-building programming to over 400 girls each year. From our entrepreneurship academy for middle and high school students to our camps for girls as young as eight years old, the impact of this day will ripple far beyond the fairways.

Golf Game Winners

Redmond Construction: Winning Foursome - AM Competitive Round ($2,000 Cash Prize, Donated by Female Strong)
TW Chicago: Winning Foursome - PM Social Round (Golf @ Ravinia Green Country Club, Donated by Ravinia)
Courtney Theo: Longest Drive ($100 Golftini Gift Card, Donated by Golftini)
Tommy Snyder: Closest to the Hole ($100 Golftini Gift Card, Donated by Golftini)
Molly Beer: Longest Putt ($100 Golftini Gift Card, Donated by Golftini)
Charlie Fink: Beat the Amateur (Barbados Trip 10 Nights The Club – Value $3,225, Donated by Emily Smith)
Heidi McClenahan: Pink Ball Game (Antigua Trip – 10 Nights Galley Bay – Value $5,700, Donated by Emily Smith)

Raffle Winners

Allison McWeeney: 2 Tickets to the Cubs vs Kansas City Royals Game on July 23rd - Value $220 (Donated by Heidrick & Struggles)
Bree Falcon: Wurkwel Wellness Day - $250 Spa Gift Certificate @ Ina Spa (Donated by Wurkwel Ventures)
Sheila Sipes: Golftini Gift Card - Value $500 (Donated by Susan Hess)
Carly Zapernick: Golf @ Ravinia Green Country Club - Value $600 (Donated by Ravinia)
Melissa Clark: 4 Tickets to the Cubs vs Pirates Game on June 14th – Value $700 (Donated by Redmond)
Kristin Cavaleri: Golf @ Horseshoe Bay Golf Club in Door County - Value $1500 (Donated by Diane Krapf)
Justyna Grabowski: Antigua Trip – 10 Nights Pineapple Beach Club – Value $3,150 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Molly Hull: Barbados Trip 10 Nights The Club – Value $3,225 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Alanna Ollinger: Antigua Trip – 10 Nights St. James’s Club – Value $3,600 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Jessica Bennett: Antigua Trip – 10 Nights The Verandah – Value $4,200 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Stephanie Fodor: Panama Trip 7-10 Nights Los Establos – Value $4,350 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Emily Miller: Antigua Trip – 10 Nights Hammock Cove – Value $5,700 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Kyle Galarneau: Antigua Trip – 10 Nights Pineapple Beach Club – Value $3,150 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Kate Fus: Antigua Trip – 10 Nights St. James’s Club – Value $3,600 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Lauren Bagull: Antigua Trip – 10 Nights The Verandah – Value $4,200 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Alicia Rucinski: Panama Trip 7-10 Nights Los Establos – Value $4,350 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Denise Horsley: Antigua Trip – 10 Nights Hammock Cove – Value $5,700 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Dinna Yap: Antigua Trip – 10 Nights Galley Bay – Value $5,700 (Donated by Emily Smith)
Maggie Maloney: Fall Weekend Stay for Up to 12 in Union Pier Michigan Lake House – Value $6,000 (Donated by Liz Hayes)

We wouldn’t be where we are without the continued support of our event sponsors—your commitment fuels our mission and ensures that more girls gain the tools they need to lead with confidence and strength. A heartfelt thank you also goes to our incredible event co-chairs, Danielle Terrell and Kristen Davis, whose dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm made this event possible. We’re already looking forward to next year’s outing. Thank you again for championing Female Strong and helping us empower the next generation of bold, confident leaders.

Want to see where your support goes? Watch highlights from our most recent Young Entrepreneurs Academy cohort at the Investor Panel Pitch Competition .

2025 YEA! Investor Panel Recap

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 18:38:48 GMT

Congratulations to the YEA! Chicago Class of 2025!

On March 19, we celebrated the incredible achievements of our Young Entrepreneurs Academy students at the 11th annual YEA! Investor Panel. Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Allsteel showroom to support this year’s brilliant cohort as they presented their innovative business ideas to a distinguished panel of investors.

A heartfelt thank you to the investors from Griffith Foods, Xenon arc, Edlong Flavor Solutions, BEAR Construction, Kerry North America, Fiduciary Financial Partners, Synergy Flavors, and Aaron Wealth Advisors for contributing to the seed funding pool and sharing their expertise. Thank you also to our gracious hosts at Allsteel and the Say Go! Media videography team for making this celebration so elegant & enjoyable!

2025 Seed Funding Awards

– Lost Oddballs Crochet: awarded $2000 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp, YEA! Chicago Chapter Winner & Saunders Competition Competitor.

– Greenify: awarded $750.

– Untangled: awarded $1500 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp in collaboration with Inner Hue.

– PSC Books: awarded $750 and 100 books to be donated by Female Strong.

– Simple Ingredients: awarded $907 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp.

– TweenSits: awarded $750.

– Inner Hue: awarded $500 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp in collaboration with Untangled.

– EXTRA!: awarded $1200 and a National Student Leadership Conference Scholarship.

– Spark Work: awarded $500.

– The Karma Kit: awarded $500 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp and a National Student Leadership Conference Scholarship.

– Unbeadable: awarded $500 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp.

Thank you to those who attended this event!

Stay involved in our mission by nominating a middle or high school girl for the Entrepreneur Girls program here . For guest speaker, field trip host, or business mentor opportunities, contact Program Manager Sarah Sleevi at Sarah@femalestrong.org .

Save the Date! This October, Female Strong will host an All-Star Investor Panel at Continua Interiors , offering an additional round of funding to YEA! Chicago alumnae who are still running their businesses. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details!

Female Strong Hosts First-of-Its-Kind Camp with Eisenhower High School

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:12:46 GMT

Female Strong’s camp at Eisenhower High School, themed “Turn Your Passion into Action and Share it with the World!”, was a day of creativity, self-discovery, and empowerment. As our first-ever camp held at a high school during a school day—rather than a corporate location—it provided a unique opportunity to engage with a group of young girls who already had connections with one another. This familiar setting fostered deeper conversations and collaboration as participants explored the meaning of confidence, reflected on their strengths, and learned strategies to assert themselves in various situations. Through interactive discussions and role-playing exercises, they tackled real-world challenges, gaining valuable tools to navigate conflict with self-assurance and empathy.

The camp also encouraged entrepreneurial thinking, as students worked together to develop innovative solutions to everyday problems. They brought their ideas to life by designing products and services, refining their concepts, and presenting them to their peers. The hands-on approach fostered collaboration, critical thinking, and a sense of ownership over their ideas.

Beyond business and leadership skills, the day emphasized personal growth. Students created vision boards to represent their aspirations, mapping out their goals in a tangible and inspiring way. Through every activity, the camp provided a supportive space for young women to embrace their voices, step into leadership, and turn their passions into action.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated volunteers, the Female Strong team, and board member Jen Tadin for their leadership and support throughout the day. We are also grateful to Eisenhower High School for hosting this inspiring event and for their commitment to empowering the next generation of female leaders.

Female Strong Selected as 2025 Charity Partner for ARCO/Murray and Heidrick & Struggles

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:37:32 GMT

We’re excited to share that Female Strong has been selected as a 2025 charity partner by both ARCO/Murray and Heidrick & Struggles . These collaborations will further support our efforts to equip young girls with the skills, confidence, and mentorship they need to thrive as future leaders.

ARCO/Murray will begin their partnership on March 6 with the WIC 2025 Women in Construction Celebration event , which will explore ways to support women in the construction and engineering industries. All proceeds from the event will benefit Female Strong. On July 30, they will host their third Female Strong Camp for girls aged 8 to 12. A consistent advocate for our mission, ARCO/Murray raised over $20,000 in 2023, significantly contributing to the expansion of our programming.

Heidrick & Struggles , a Mighty Sponsor of the 2025 Golf Outing, will host an engaging Career Camp on June 18, offering participants valuable career skills, mentorship from industry leaders, mock interview practice, resume reviews, one-on-one career mentorship, panel discussions, networking, and more. We’re also proud to add that Liz Hayes, Partner at Heidrick & Struggles, joined the Female Strong Board in 2024, further cementing the company’s commitment to empowering future generations.

We appreciate the dedication of both ARCO/Murray and Heidrick & Struggles in supporting our mission and creating meaningful opportunities for the young girls we serve. Stay tuned for more details and registration links for these incredible events! Interested in joining these industry leaders by becoming a 2025 Female Strong charity partner? Reach out to us at info@femalestrong.org to learn how your company can make a lasting impact.

2025 CEO Roundtable Highlights

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 21:34:41 GMT

On behalf of the Female Strong and YEA! Chicago team, we extend our heartfelt thanks for making this year’s CEO Roundtable an engaging, inspiring, and unforgettable experience. This year’s panel centered on Women in Finance, exploring themes of resilience, self-advocacy, and leadership while highlighting the evolving role of women and their growing influence on innovation and decision-making in the industry. Powerful takeaways included believing in yourself when others do and leaning into opportunities, seeking game-changing mentors, and advocating for yourself even when results take time. Attendees were reminded to know their value, always make the ask, and lead with delegation, vulnerability, and accountability. Perhaps most importantly, they were encouraged to accept that an unfinished to-do list is part of the journey—and that’s okay.

We are especially grateful to Dawn, Melissa, Brittany, and Brenda for sharing their invaluable insights and to our generous sponsors— BMO , JSI , and LevelReps —for making this impactful event possible!

Special thanks to our amazing photographer Caitlyn Welty , who perfectly captured the energy of the evening. Find her on Instagram @brain.pets .

Connect With the Speakers!

VB Gives Back: Veronica Beard Events Raise Over $8k!

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 21:34:40 GMT

Raising $8,000+ for Female Strong: Veronica Beard Gives Back

Renowned fashion brand Veronica Beard , recently hosted two remarkable #VBGivesBack events to support the expansion of Female Strong’s confidence-building programming in 2025. Attendees had the opportunity to update their Fall wardrobes while also investing in the future of trailblazing female leaders and entrepreneurs. It was a night where fashion and philanthropy seamlessly intertwined, leaving a lasting impact.

Fashion’s Uplifting Partners

Emily Smith, Jen Tadin, Courtney Wright, Margaret McWeeney, & Florence Ann Romano, along with numerous guests, came together for an evening filled with style, camaraderie, and the shared vision of female empowerment. If you were in attendance, your support is deeply appreciated, as you played a pivotal role in changing the lives of young girls.

Gratitude to Veronica Beard

The private shopping event organized by Veronica Beard turned out to be a tremendous success, raising an impressive $8,036.80 (and counting!) for Female Strong’s programming. These funds will be instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of Female Strong’s initiatives in 2025.

We would like to sincerely thank Veronica Beard for their generosity in hosting and donating 15% of all sales toward our efforts to uplevel the female economy. Additionally, we want to express our gratitude for artist Kelli DePaolis , whose limited edition prints were a highlight of the event.

If you’re inspired by the cause and want to get involved, there are several avenues to make a meaningful impact:

Sponsor a Female Strong Camp:

Consider hosting one-day camps for girls in 2025. With a contribution of $5,000, you can positively influence the lives of 30 girls aged 8 to 12 in your local community. This presents a wonderful opportunity to engage the daughters of your employees, clients, and budding community leaders.

Host a Peer-to-Peer Fundraiser:

Your company can champion a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign during the holiday season to support Female Strong’s national expansion.

Donate Directly:

Congrats to 2024 Jean Shuman Scholarship Awardee

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:45:08 GMT

Congratulations to Erica Williams, YEA! Chicago Class of 2019!

After careful consideration, Erica Williams has been selected as this year’s scholarship recipient! Erica has been granted $3000. The Scholarship judges were so impressed with everyone’s submissions, they awarded $300 to each of the 8 other applicants as well. Lauren is a graduate of our 2019 YEA! Chicago cohort and will be studying Industrial Engineering at the University of Southern California this fall, which is considered one of the best schools in the country for this area of study.

“ I am extremely honored to be the recipient of the Jean Shuman Memorial Scholarship, as it not only provides me with the financial support to help me achieve my goals as I head into college but it also serves as a reminder of the important values instilled in me through my participation in YEA! Chicago. To me, YEA! was more than just a program, it was a place for me to grow as I learned how to problem-solve and communicate effectively. To this day, YEA! has ignited an entrepreneurial spirit within me that I hope to keep exploring in the future. Along with that, this coming fall I will be majoring in industrial engineering at the University of Southern California to lead to my ultimate career goal of improving the planning and design processes within minority-run job sites, creating more efficient environments while also making sure diversity and inclusion is prioritized in the workplace. I’ve always been keen on increasing opportunities for others, and through this path and with the support from YEA! and the Jean Shuman Scholarship I will be able to do just that. ”

As this year’s scholarship recipient, Erica has demonstrated the YEA! values and the integrity, courage, and skills necessary to thrive in business and life. Congratulations Erica!

YEA! Graduate Attends 2024 National Leadership Conference

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:39:32 GMT

Celebrating Success: Female Strong Scholar Shines at National Student Leadership Conference

At Female Strong, our mission is to empower and uplift young women, providing them with opportunities that amplify their potential and nurture their growth. We are immensely proud to share the achievements of an exceptional individual who has exemplified the spirit of our organization: Emery Matthews. This remarkable young woman, an alumni of our Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program, was awarded a scholarship to attend the prestigious National Student Leadership Conference hosted at esteemed universities all over the country. Her experiences and accomplishments are a testament to the power of education, determination, and the unwavering support of Female Strong.

Female Strong Featured on WGN Chicago

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:52:58 GMT

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Female Strong Founder Featured on ABC7

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:49:06 GMT

Female Strong co-founder and Board President Emily Smith and Sophia Mariconda, a Female Strong camp participant, joined ABC7 Chicago to talk about Female Strong Camp and upcoming camp opportunities in the Chicagoland area.

Read more about our Female Strong Camp for 8-12 year old girls HERE and our Entrepreneurship Program for girls 11-18 HERE .

Watch Emily and Sophia on ABC7 HERE: ‘Female Strong’ organization offers free summer camp for local girls

Brunch and Books with Bestselling Author Jessica Zweig

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:23:25 GMT

On August 10 we celebrated the the release of Jessica Zweig’s newest book, THE LIGHT WORK: Reclaim Your Feminine Power, Live Your Cosmic Truth, and Illuminate the World. Guests enjoyed a private brunch at BIAN, a book reading from Jessica, and participated in an author Q&A moderated by Female Strong founder, Emily Smith.

The event was pure magic! �� The room was charged with the incredible energy that grows when female leaders come together to celebrate and support each other.

In the days that followed the event, The Light Work officially hit the bestseller’s list, making Jessica a two-time bestselling author! We couldn’t be more proud.

Thank you to Jessica Zweig, her team, and BIAN for making this event so special.

2024 YEA! Investor Recap

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:57:58 GMT

Congratulations to the YEA! Chicago Class of 2024!

Last month, we celebrate the incredible achievements of our Young Entrepreneurs Academy students at the 10th annual YEA! Investor Panel. Thank you to all those who gathered with us at the Teknion Showroom to support this year’s brilliant cohort as they presented their innovative business ideas to a distinguished panel of investors. View the highlight reel below to relive the magic of the event!

A heartfelt thank you to the investors from BMO Family Office, SRW Agency, Griffith Foods, Xenon Arc, Edlong Flavor Solutions, BEAR Construction, Kerry North America, Carlson Laboratories, Ajinomoto, Fiduciary Financial Partners, Jelmar & Synergy Flavors, who generously contributed to the seed funding pool and shared their expertise. Additionally, we express our immense gratitude to our event sponsors Jelmar, Teknion, & TFF Productions for their support in making this event both elegant and enjoyable.

2024 Seed Funding Awards

– EcoFrenzy Games: YEA! National Saunders Competitor, awarded $1800 including 50 games for Female Strong Camp.

– Crying Tiger Designs: YEA! National Saunders Competitor, awarded $1500 including 25 backpacks for Female Strong Camp.

– Naharia Helps Asthmatics: awarded $100.

– My Rainbow Tree: awarded $350 including 25 items for Female Strong Camp.

– Khi’s Motivational Kups: awarded $1000 including 50 Kups for Female Strong Camp.

– RoShe Ventures: awarded a National Student Leadership Scholarship and $700.

– AstroGood: awarded $100.

– Strands: awarded a National Student Leadership Conference Scholarship and $750 including 25 kits for Female Strong Camp.

– Enlighten: awarded $100.

– The Resilient Dandelion: awarded $700 including 25 keychains for Female Strong Camp.

– All-Ways: awarded $345.

– PinPals: awarded $750 including 25 kits for Female Strong Camp.

Thank you to those who attended this event!

If you want to stay involved in our mission, we encourage you to nominate a middle or high school girl for the Entrepreneur Girls program here . Reach out to Program Manager Sarah Sleevi at Sarah@femalestrong.org to discuss guest speaker, field trip host, and business mentor opportunities.

2024 CEO Roundtable Highlights

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 17:31:19 GMT

On behalf of the team at Female Strong and YEA! Chicago, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for making this year’s CEO Roundtable lively, fun, and unforgettable. The panel discussion underscored the value of communication, empathy, and trust as critical elements of the future of work. A special thank you goes to Christy, Suzet, Desiree, and Caralynn for their thoughtful conversation and to our generous sponsors at Sweet Briar College , JSI , & LevelReps for making this event possible!

Connect With the Speakers!

Girl Power Rocks

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 18:00:20 GMT

Spark Your Curiosity, Build Your Confidence and Soar

You’re probably familiar with Benjamin Franklin’s famous declaration, “the only two certainties in life are death and taxes.” Conspicuously missing are the inescapable certainties of life’s transitions. Some transitions are more challenging than others, and a few fortunate people seem to take them in stride, but for the rest of us, they can be daunting. Topping the list of formidable passages is the journey through adolescence.

Surviving those hormone-addled, angst-ridden chaotic years is a testament to human resilience. As if dealing with puberty’s physical and emotional consequences wasn’t perplexing enough, adolescents suddenly encounter changing expectations and social norms based on their body parts because puberty also changes the rules of gender.

Research shows that ubiquitous and harmful gender norms and beliefs shape children’s expectations as young as ten years of age. Another study traced significant restrictive gender norms to children as young as six.

We dedicated a great deal of effort to changing gender biases. In the 1970s and early 80s, “ Free to Be… You and Me ” blasted stereotypes reassuring girls that they didn’t have to be traditionally feminine. For decades, we’ve highlighted female role models. And today, many young people recognize that there are dozens of options for gender identity, yet pervasive gender biases persist.

We’re left with the question:

How Can We Help Girls Evolve From Confusion and Chaos to Capable, Strong, Compassionate Women?

Role Models

Role models inspire by showing us what is possible. They not only help us imagine where we might go, but they also allow us to create a map to get there. Same-gender role models are essential and have been shown to have a bigger impact on women .

It’s a good time for female role models.

Females in leadership roles around the globe have received props for handling the pandemic . The US elected its first female vice president. An all-female team captured the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The women’s soccer team is winning world cups and waging a public, uphill battle for equal pay. Women are claiming a place in what once seemed a permanent men’s club: the armed forces’ elite special operations ranks. And a young woman’s poetry captivated the presidential inaugural ceremony.

Ideally, the portrayal is realistic and attainable.

Adolescent girls want to please and judge themselves harshly when they don’t measure up to their self-imposed rampant perfectionism. Experts caution that while it’s wonderful to point out role models’ accomplishments, it’s equally important for girls to see the screw-ups, failures, and struggles, and heavy doses of perseverance in their role models. Focusing on seemingly effortless success can deflate instead of inspire, playing into girls’ worst flawed thinking patterns.

Offering girls a safe place to discover who they are and empowering them to embrace their passion and vision, such as Female Strong’s IDEA Camp , is a step in the right direction. It’s a week dedicated to encouraging girls through inspiration, confidence, and collaboration to help them on their journey to becoming strong, capable women. As well as the Young Entrepreneurs Academy , a 21-week program where girls learn how to start a business.

The Role of Social Media

Traversing the journey through adolescence has always been taxing. The new kid on the block that yields a lot of power is social media. It’s a double-edged sword for middle schoolers. It can be a place where kids are severely judged, but it is also often the only safe space kids can express themselves honestly.

Given that girls spend more than two hours a day on social media, compared to boys at 90 minutes, according to Common Sense Media in 2019 , it’s not surprising that reports have surfaced citing the negative impact social media could be having on adolescents especially girls.

Leadership

For many years the so-called solution to help more women become leaders has been to emulate men, based on the fallacy that since men hold a majority of the top leadership roles, they must be doing something right. Decades of rigorous research point out that although men make up most leaders, they underperform when compared with female leaders.

As documented by multiple studies ( The World Bank and Peterson Institute ), strong female leadership improves families’ and communities’ status, enhances employee productivity, and increases corporate profitability. According to the Harvard Business Review, organizations that increased the number of women in executive and board positions to 30 percent saw a 15 percent increase in profitability .

We all have a role to play in changing the look of leadership in our world. Female Strong invites and encourages you to be part of our work as we empower girls to step into business and life.

Female Strong ®

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