civic engagemenT
WHY Civic Engagement
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to fostering civic engagement and leadership among women of color. We believe that empowering women to actively participate in their communities is essential for driving meaningful change and creating a more equitable society.
Focus Groups
WEOP convened a series of small focus groups designed to spark meaningful conversations about how we can lead within our communities. The meetings encouraged open dialogue around leadership, awareness, and actionable strategies to support the economic advancement of women. Through this approach, our intention is to empower and elevate the voices of women and develop pathways to connections, resources and opportunities. A special thank you for the following ladies leading the discussions:
- Jennifer Allen, CEO & Founder, JH Allen & Associates
- Pamela Bivens, A Bivens Collective LLC
- Kim Hughes, ESQ., KG Hughes & Associates
- Dr. Valencia Brooks Dunbar, Center for Confidence
- State Representative Kim Schofield
- Juanita Shepherd, VP, Foundation Relations, United Way of Greater Atlanta
Strategic Partnerships
Forming strategic partnerships with national organizations and community stakeholders amplifies our impact, broadens our resources, and provides access to invaluable expertise to tackle complex challenges. Collectively, we can pool our knowledge, influence, and support, creating a unified front to advocate for equitable policies and systemic change.
Current Partnerships:
- Small Business Majority
- Kindred Futures
- Goldman Sachs, Black In Business
- US Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Kim Scofield, Georgia House of Representatives
- Urban League of Greater Atlanta
Annual Economic Equity Business Forums
Emory University Goizueta Business School has been the location for WEOP’s business forums sponsored by JP Morgan Chase. This annual event conducted during Women’s Small Business Month brings together non-profits, business professionals, community leaders and government representatives to discuss pressing issues economic issues impacting women of color. Look out for information regarding the annual Economic Equity Forum Luncheon scheduled for October 25, 2025.
Civic Education & Awareness
Civic Engagement is a core pillar of our organization. We are committed to raising awareness and educating women on the power and importance of their involvement in civic life. Through a series of leadership roundtables and community discussions, we provide opportunities to engage directly with legislators, gain insights into policy dynamics, and understand the impact these decisions have on our lives. Additionally, we regularly attend legislative meetings to ensure our presence is known and to highlight the vital role our organization plays within the community.
WEOP Business Day at the Georgia State Capitol
On January 21, 2025, we convened a powerful group of leaders at the Georgia State Capitol for Small Business Advocacy Day. This special event conducted in partnership with Small Business Majority was hosted by Representative Kim Schofield and Senator Sonya Halpern, was an opportunity to raise awareness and engage directly with legislators. It proved to be both educational and inspiring for our group of business owners. Community partners for the event included:
- Kindred Futures
- Our Village United
- Urban League of Greater Atlanta
- RICE
- Georgia First
Community Empowerment
WEOP’s events and forums serve as a vital platform for dialogue, education, and raising awareness around critical issues. Our goal is to keep the community informed and connected, working collaboratively to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that shape our communities. During WEOP’s annual event, we discussed relevant issues that were in line with our theme of “Path Forward, Building a Future of Possibilities” which encourages leadership and amplifies our voices.
Our annual forum was a tremendous success!
This dynamic gathering brought together an inspiring mix of nonprofits, business owners, thought leaders, corporate professionals, and government representatives. Together, we dived into pressing issues, shared invaluable insights, and developed strategies aimed at creating new opportunities to empower women of color. It was a powerful day of collaboration and vision, setting the stage for impactful change. Take a look at some of the highlights below, and stay tuned for our comprehensive annual report, where we will share more about the forum’s outcomes and our ongoing commitment to driving progress. Click Here to View Highlights & View Program Book