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.
Women’s Economic Equity Coalition (WEEC)
In 2022 WEOP Spearheaded WEEC, a dynamic coalition dedicated to uniting to collectively address and advocate for economic inequality faced by women of color. Central to our mission is the pursuit of racial justice, as we work to confront and dismantle the historical and systemic barriers rooted in racism and inequality. Through this coalition, it is our intention to empower and elevate the voices of women in the policy and legislative arenas, develop actionable strategies to drive racial and gender equity, and champion social justice for all.
Special thank you to the following for helping to launch WEEC”
- 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
• US Black Women’s Chamber of Commerce
• Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Advocacy
• 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. Save the date for the Annual Economic Equity Forum scheduled for October 24, 2024 at Georgia State University, School of Law. Click for Additional information
Civic Education & Awareness
Through WEOP’s “Pathways” initiative we are dedicated to fostering civic engagement among women and helping them understand the power and importance of their involvement.
WEOP’s ongoing activities provide a platform for women to acquire essential skills, knowledge, and tools, empowering them to become more civic-minded and actively engaged. As a result, they are empowered to be active participants and can be the catalyst for driving meaningful change.
Our next meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2024 at the Georgia State Capitol. Click Here
WEOP Business Day at the Georgia State Capitol
On March 5, 2024, WEOP spearheaded “A Business Day at the Capital” in partnership with Small Business Majority. Event host, Kim Schofield and other Legislators spoke to the group. Other collaborative organizations included:
- Our Village United
- Urban League of Greater Atlanta
- The Wealthy Group
- & Ready Nation
This powerful event showcased the power or organizations coming together with over 200+ participants.
Community Empowerment
WEOP convenes regular community meetings, serving as a vital platform for dialogue, education, and awareness on crucial issues. The overall goal is to ensure that our women stay informed and connected, working together to address the challenges and opportunities that shape our communities.
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