The Cartier Women’s Initiative, originating from a necessity for broader inclusivity within the entrepreneurial sphere, has extended its support to over 300 female entrepreneurs and their ventures across more than 60 countries worldwide over the past 17 years. With Cartier awarding over $2 million in funding annually since 2006, this initiative has emerged as a distinguished and benevolent competition empowering female business leaders to confront global challenges with determination.
Wingee Sin, the Global Program Director of the Cartier Women’s Initiative, emphasizes the remarkable courage and resilience of these women, who continually defy the odds to address pressing social and environmental issues while ensuring financial viability. They confront seemingly insurmountable barriers with unwavering resolve, embodying the spirit of audacious entrepreneurship.
The current cohort of awardees comprises 27 fellows representing nine geographical regions, alongside six recipients of the Science & Technology Pioneer Award and the newly introduced Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award. Notably, the latter, introduced in 2023, stands as the inaugural CWI award category open to all genders, marking a significant stride towards greater inclusivity.
Among the notable recipients of the 2024 North American Regional Award are Kyla Bolden from Toronto, recognized for her Wiz Kid Learning platform, Jessica Menon from Chicago, celebrated for Equilo, and Julia Taylor from Durango, lauded for GeekPack. These pioneering ventures aim to democratize access to coding, STEM education, gender analysis automation, and digital skills development for women, respectively.
Concurrently, the 2024 North American Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award acknowledges the groundbreaking work of Sadriye Gorece from San Francisco with BlindLook, an AI-powered platform fostering inclusivity for the visually impaired, and Erica Cole from Richmond with No Limbits, an adaptive apparel brand fostering independence for people with disabilities.
After nearly two decades of existence, the Cartier Women’s Initiative underscores the undeniable impact and potential of women entrepreneurs. Through Cartier’s steadfast support, these entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable breakthroughs and catalyzed significant change. As Cartier CEO Cyrille Vigneron asserts, women social entrepreneurs embody courage and boldness, propelling transformative change and amplifying their collective influence. The initiative remains committed to nurturing their growth and maximizing their societal impact, recognizing that the flourishing of women entrepreneurs is intricately linked with the flourishing of humanity itself.
