Last week, we welcomed twenty women into the Spring Entrepreneur Training for Success (ETS) courses in Rockville and Herndon, with businesses ranging from hair styling to stationary. Think about your first day of school, at any age… it’s always nerve-wracking,
Carmen Vargas: “EWI gave me the tools to improve my life.”

Growing up in Guatemala with her single mother and three older brothers, she often did not have the resources to pay for food, schooling, and other necessities. She wed at 15 into an unhappy marriage and had two daughters. Thanks to her resilient
Rashida Moore “I knew this was a special place.”
In late 2014, Rashida moved to the Washington, DC area completely open to new adventures, ready for a change, and searching for a special place to call home. She was ready to explore the DMV area had to offer and
Aida Mady’s Third Place Winning Essay: Bringing Back Ancient Culinary Taste Buds

Aida Mady’s powerful essay was the third winning essay. Aida is a gourmet chef, entrepreneur, and a changemaker in her own right. She beams success wherever she sets her heart into. Read Aida’s essay and get ready to splash into a world of
Karen Webber Gilat’s Second Place Winning Essay: On a Wing and a Prayer

“How Empowered Women International Touched Your Life” was the question we asked our women entrepreneur contestants. Karen Webber Gilat’s powerful essay was the runner up of the contest. Read Karen’s essay and get ready to be inspired and motivated. Click here for
Jameela Alter’s First Place Winning Essay: A Tribute to EWI
“How Empowered Women International Touched Your Life” was the question we asked our women entrepreneur contestants. What does a first place prize winning essay look like? Read Jameela Alter’s powerful story and see for yourself. Click here for a complete list of our other winners. Jameela was the recipient
Jenny McKenzie: “EWI Gave Me the Courage to Keep Trying”
Jenny McKenzie lost her job in 1999, which she says, “forced me to reevaluate my employability.” She ended up focusing on her artwork instead and excelled in ways she never thought possible. One of her greatest accomplishments was to have her
Sushmita Mazumdar: “Just Hang in There and Believe”
Before Sushmita learned about EWI, she had an idea for a new business venture but did not know how to make it a reality. When she met the EWI staff, Sushmita knew they understood her creativity and they wanted to
Hanan Daqqa: “Becoming a confident leader like EWI sisters”
When Hanan Daqqa first heard about EWI, she felt isolated from her community. Recently moved to D.C., Hanan hardly had enough time to get to know the people around her. She was raising five children while her husband worked overseas.
Nishat Siddiqui: “Working Hard Always Pays Off in the End”
Nishat Siddiqui was taking care of her husband after he suffered a heart attack when she first learned about EWI. She was invited to a local open house where EWI entrepreneurs showcased their businesses and stories about joining the EWI community. Nishat