Women entrepreneurs to participate in WE Mean Business Conference in Albuquerque

Original Article | Becki Roan Graham | broan@nmsu.edu | November 9, 2023

Women entrepreneurs are invited to learn more about exploring, practicing and advancing entrepreneurship and innovation during the annual WE Mean Business Conference Nov. 17 in Albuquerque.

The conference, hosted by Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories’ DIVERSE-W program, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Isleta Resort & Casino, and is a centerpiece of WE Mean Business programming for women entrepreneurs. Tickets are $40.

“Arrowhead is excited to bring back this hallmark event in person, with particular emphasis on women in the technology and innovation space,” said Dana Catron, deputy director of Arrowhead Center. “We are committed to supporting women innovators and entrepreneurs, and this event provides a mechanism to elevate their voices and visions, and move the gender needle in a positive direction.”

This year’s conference theme is “Innovating for Inclusion,” a nod to the program’s aim to make entrepreneurship accessible and feasible to any woman, at any stage of business development.

Keynote speakers will include LaNysha Adams, award-winning Author of “Me Power” and founder of Edlinguist Solutions; Monica Jojola, president of Montech Inc.; Vanessa Roanhorse, founder of Roanhorse Consulting, an Indigenous-led think tank; and Kristelle Siarza, founder of Siarza digital PR and advertising firm. Panel discussions will include “From Idea to Impact: NM Women Startup Founders Share All,”' and “Funding Pathways for Women-Led Ventures.”

The day will also feature interactive workshops on “Finding Balance, Avoiding Burnout”; “Automating Your Business: Making Tech Work for You”; “Marketing Failure 101: A Guide for Entrepreneurs”; and “Land the Deal: How to Pitch to Investors.” The day will close with a networking reception.

“We are eager to bring DIVERSE-W programming back to life through this EDA grant, and our partnership with Arrowhead Center opens doors to connect with an even broader community of women researchers and founders ensuring that diverse voices are at the forefront of innovation,” said Mary Monson, senior manager at Sandia Labs.

Both programs are funded in part by the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Build to Scale program. 

To secure your spot in the 2023 WE Mean Business Conference, click here.