In the w.e. da’cruz panel 2023 women innovators, experts shared real stories of turning ideas into global change. This event drew attention from students and professionals alike. It focused on how women lead in business and innovation. Wendy Ekua Da’Cruz, known as W.E. Da’Cruz stood out as a key speaker. She brought her experience as a digital expert and entrepreneur. The panel happened at Seton Hall University in March 2023. It celebrated Women’s History Month. Organizers aimed to motivate the next wave of leaders. Attendees heard about overcoming challenges and building successful careers. This gathering proved vital for those in business, diplomacy, and startups.
The Rise of Women in Innovation
Women drive change in many fields today. Statistics show their growing role. In 2024, women started 49% of new businesses in the U.S. This marks a 69% jump from 2019. Women own 39.1% of all U.S. firms, about 14 million companies. These businesses create jobs for 12.2 million people and bring in $2.7 trillion in revenue. From 2019 to 2023, women-owned firms grew 13.6% faster than others. One in ten women launched a startup in 2024, close to men’s rates. In low-income countries, women lead in high-growth ventures. They make up one in three such entrepreneurs. Women also shine in innovation. They match or beat men in bringing new ideas to market in 18 countries.
These numbers highlight progress. Yet, barriers remain. Women get less funding. Only 3% secured private capital in 2023, versus 9% for men. Events like panels help close this gap. They build confidence and networks. Research shows women with mentors advance faster. They stay longer in jobs and perform better. Panels offer role models. This boosts aspiration. For university students, such events link classroom ideas to real careers. Aspiring innovators gain tips on risk and growth.
Event Overview: Women Innovators and Changemakers Panel
Seton Hall University hosted the virtual panel on March 23, 2023. The School of Diplomacy and Stillman School of Business led it. Sponsors included the Buccino Leadership Institute and Women in Business club. The theme centered on alumni success stories. Three women shared their paths to global sustainability. Student moderators guided the talk. Pranali Jain and Gabriella Gagas asked key questions. Dean Joyce Strawser opened with praise for the speakers. She said it was a perfect way to honor Women’s History Month.
The panel targeted university students and academic communities. It also reached aspiring women innovators. Early-career professionals tuned in for advice. Business ecosystem stakeholders joined too. Alumni networks promoted it widely. Community advocates found value in the focus on equity and impact. This mix made the event inclusive. Viewers learned how diplomacy skills fuel entrepreneurship.
Watch the full panel discussion to see the speakers in action. It runs over an hour and covers deep insights.
Meet the Panelists: Trailblazers in Action
The speakers brought diverse backgrounds. Each showed how to blend passion with purpose.
W.E. Da’Cruz: The Digital Diplomat
W.E. Da’Cruz graduated from Seton Hall with an M.A./M.P.A. in 2015. She co-founded the Virtual Global Consultant Group in 2016. This IT firm helps businesses in Africa and beyond go digital. It opens new revenue streams. Da’Cruz also started Cruz Burgers during the pandemic. These plant-based patties use mushrooms. Now sold in over 30 Michigan spots, they promote healthy eating. As The Digital Diplomat™, she pushes tech for economic growth. In 2021, her firm won Minority eCommerce Firm of the Year from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Da’Cruz speaks at big events. She addressed the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Mozambique. She joined the World Export Development Forum in Ethiopia. Her work earned a spot on the District Export Council in Michigan. The White House appointed her. In 2023, she joined the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Next Gen Leaders Network. She secured $30,000 in grants for tech training in Malawi, Uganda, and Ghana. For the UN, she created an online course on innovation during COVID.
Her advice resonates. She says, “Live at the level of your consciousness, not your circumstance.” This mindset helped her shift from job loss to entrepreneurship. She mentors through “From the Desk of The Digital Diplomat.” Her podcast, “The Digital Diplomat Podcast,” shares global impact stories. As a Ghanaian-American from New Jersey, she balances family and career in Detroit.
Learn more about the panel at Seton Hall University’s page.
Rehana Nathoo: Impact Investing Expert
Rehana Nathoo earned her M.A. in 2011 from Seton Hall. She founded Spectrum Impact in 2018. This firm helps groups grow impact investing. Before that, she led programs at the Case Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation. She designed social finance at Bank of New York Mellon. Now, she teaches at Georgetown University on emerging markets.
Nathoo serves on boards like TortoiseEcofin and Amplify Capital. Her work focuses on cross-sector ties. She advises, “Find your tribe—there’s strength in numbers.” She stresses defining success on your terms. Her journey from Toronto to global roles inspires mid-career shifts.
Susana Grau Batlle: Ethical Luxury Creator
With an M.A. from 2007, Susana Grau Batlle launched her jewelry brand in 2021. It honors the earth and feminine power. Profits support planet protection. She uses ethical mining without mercury. Her “The MOTHER of MOTHERS” collection featured in Vogue and other magazines.
Grau Batlle works in international cooperation in South America. She fights deforestation and aids biodiversity. She credits Seton Hall for her skills. Her tip: “Dare to craft a new version of you.” She urges openness to change, even when scary.
These women thought leaders show varied paths. They blend diplomacy, business, and ethics.
Key Takeaways from the W.E. Da’Cruz Panel 2023 Women Innovators
The w.e. da’cruz panel 2023 women innovators offered practical lessons. Speakers stressed resilience. Da’Cruz shared on reframing risk. “Entrepreneurship isn’t risky—it’s the path for who I am,” she noted. Panels like this boost confidence. Studies show they improve leadership skills. Women gain negotiation tools and vision clarity. They align values with careers.
Here are bold steps to apply these insights:
- Build your network. Join women leadership panel events for mentors.
- Embrace service. Da’Cruz served her way to leadership.
- Reframe challenges. See setbacks as part of the journey.
- Choose again. If a job doesn’t fit, pivot quickly.
- Seek sponsors. They open doors to advancement.
Innovation thrives with diversity. Women-led firms innovate more. They engage in ethical initiatives. This leads to better financial results and culture.
For startup tips, read how to build a startup with no money. It fits Da’Cruz’s story of starting small.
Why Panels Matter for Career Growth
Innovation panel discussions like this shape futures. They target early-career professionals. Attendees learn from real struggles. Gender barriers persist, but role models help. Research finds women with champions advance faster. They get promotions and stay resilient.
In male-led fields, panels build tribes. They reduce isolation. For alumni, they keep connections alive. Community changemakers use them for equity advocacy.
Stats back on this. Women in leadership boost engagement. Firms with diverse leaders see 19% higher innovation revenue. Panels spark this.
See similar honors at Westfair’s 2023 Women Innovators. It celebrates leaders across sectors.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Women face hurdles like funding gaps and work-life balance. Panels address them. Da’Cruz talked about unemployment post-grad. She created her world through words. Nathoo highlighted breakdowns leading to breakthroughs.
Tips to overcome:
- Negotiate boldly. Practice in safe spaces.
- Seek feedback. Use it to grow.
- Balance life. Align roles with values.
- Innovate ethically. Like Grau Batlle’s sustainable brand.
- Leverage tech. Da’Cruz’s digital focus opens doors.
For business plans, check how to write a business plan. It helps structure ideas.
Inspiring the Next Generation
University students benefit most. The panel linked academics to practice. Business and diplomacy majors saw real applications. Aspiring women changemakers panel attendees gained models.
Events foster mentorship. They connect with the women business leaders panel. This builds pipelines for leadership.
Global trends show women rising. In 2023, women CEOs hit 55 in Fortune 500. Managers are 46% women, up from 29% in 1980.
For ideas, explore top 10 startup ideas for 2026. It aligns with innovation themes.
The Broader Impact on Business Ecosystems
Business innovation speaker panels influence stakeholders. Sponsors gain from diverse talent. Networks expand. Professional groups use them for development.
Women drive ethical change. They focus on sustainability. This attracts talent and customers.
Avoid pitfalls. Learn from why 90% of startups fail and how to avoid it.
FAQ: Common Questions on Women Innovators Events
Q: What makes the w.e. da’cruz panel 2023 women innovators unique?
A: It featured alumni turning diplomacy into entrepreneurship.
Q: How can I join similar events?
A: Check university clubs or women innovators event listings.
Q: What skills do innovators need?
A: Critical thinking, risk-taking, and networking.
Q: Do panels help with career pivots?
A: Yes, they offer real stories and advice.
Q: Where to find more on marketing for innovators?
A: Read what is marketing and how does it help a business.
Conclusion
The w.e. da’cruz panel 2023 women innovators showcased powerful stories. W.E. Da’Cruz and others proved women lead with impact. They blend tech, ethics, and finance for global good. This event inspired students, professionals, and changemakers. It highlighted resilience and choice. Women-owned businesses grow fast, adding jobs and revenue. Panels like this fuel that momentum. They build confidence and networks. As women rise, innovation follows. What steps will you take to join the wave of female innovation leaders?
References
- Seton Hall University: Women Innovators and Changemakers Panel – Details the event, panelists, and purpose. Ideal for academic audiences seeking alumni success stories.
- YouTube: Women Innovators and Changemakers – Alumnae Success Stories – Full video recording for visual learners and professionals wanting in-depth discussions.
- Westfair Online: 2023 Women Innovators – Highlights honorees in innovation, useful for business stakeholders exploring similar recognition events.
