PRESS RELEASE: Amid covid's impact on Women, companies join historic International Women's Day Benefit to advance gender equity
New York, NY – As COVID continues to disproportionately impact already vulnerable women, Girls With Impact announced the partnership of several industry leaders who are joining forces this International Women’s Day to back the next generation of future female leaders, increase gender equality, and support diversity.
Research shows that, despite their small numbers, college women outperform men in launching business ventures – underscoring the importance of early training.
Yet, the funding gap for women entrepreneurs continues to worsen with only 2.8% of the $130 billion in venture capital awarded to women-led companies, according to PitchBook. This, despite being on pace for the 10th straight year that female-founded companies have had faster exits than the broader market.
These companies are showing their support through an historic concert – the Live Nation & Girls With Impact International Women’s Day Benefit Concert – to raise funds to equip under-resourced girls to become tomorrow’ business leaders and innovators.
The one-day event, slated for 6-7pm EST on Monday, March 8th, will deliver a unique live entertainment experience from the comfort of home, featuring Renée Elise Goldsberry, Star of the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, Hamilton.
Companies joining in support includeinclude Education Research and Development Institute, AIG, BIC, Edmentum, Ford, Frontier Communications, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, HireVue, Princess Cruises, Rite-Aid, Societe General, and YouTube.
“As we embark on Women’s History Month, now more than ever, we want girls across the globe to be celebrated for their leadership and entrepreneurial pursuits, said Jamie Candee, CEO of Edmentum. “Education is the great equalizer and Girls With Impact is proving that young women, regardless of circumstance, will be the next generation of world changers.”
Impact Partners include: Association for Women in Communications, Hypatia Capital, Mother Honestly, National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, Take The Lead Women, TeenLife, United Way Worldwide, and YourMomCares.
Girls With Impact is the nations’ only live, online business and leadership program for young women 12-18. Recently featured in the New York Times for its innovative education approaches during the Covid pandemic, the online mini-MBA equips girls with the tools, confidence and skills to be tomorrow’s business leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.
All funds raised from the concert will be used to equip under-resourced girls with Girls With Impact’s programming.
“There’s never been a more important Women’s History Month,” said Jennifer Openshaw, Girls With Impact CEO. “Every company has a choice: to either advance women and our economy – or do nothing. This March 8th, they can impact the future of thousands of young women.”
About Girls With Impact
Girls With Impact, a national non-profit, is the nation’s only live online entrepreneurship program for teen girls, offered after-school, year-round. The 10-week “mini-MBA” moves girls from ideation to a business plan and fundraising pitch, driving improvements in confidence, leadership, college readiness and professional skills for success. Watch this.
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Contact: Serena
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