Women Making Moves

By The Launch Pad

Inform. Empower. Connect.

Starting a business is a difficult process, wrought with all kinds of challenges along the way. Reports show that women end up starting only 20% of all businesses, despite making up a majority of the working population. If you dig deeper you’ll find that an even smaller percentage of business owners are minority female-owned businesses.

Program Overview

Women Making Moves is a collaborative mentorship program that focuses on representation, skill-building, networking, and empowerment. We aim to build a support program for this largely underrepresented and undeserved population. WMM offers mentorship, resources, and a collaborative environment where women can thrive and grow in their businesses. WMM provides women entrepreneurs with a platform through which they can connect, build relationships, and take their business leadership skills to the next level.

Program Highlights

program participants

mentorship sessions

guest speakers

milestones

Session Topics

Founder Burnout Cycle

International Womens Day

Get started now!

Customer Persona

Pricing Strategy

Fundraising

Time by Design

Business Model

Network with Intention

Proudly Supporting

What Our Mentees Are Saying

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Adriana ArneUndergraduate Student
“I found the experience to be very uplifting. It also encouraged me to be more intentional each week as I had to share my progress with others.”

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Valeria FelicianoAlum + Founder of SnowStar Entertainment
“Having a space where I can listen to others share their progress in their endeavors motivates me to make progress in mine. When left alone, I tend to push action items off, however, this program has inspired me to get the ball rolling and to keep it rolling. Currently, I'm in the planning/preparing phase of my business. When I start during the semester, this program will help me to keep going.”

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Ruth C. RockerAlum + CEO of Chē Collection
“Sam is such a great mentor. It’s refreshing to have someone who is older than me treat me like an equal like she does. One thing about Sam, she is always there to help whether it be something life changing or even something others would deem insignificant like a disagreement between friends. The support Sam provides is one that I wish to be able to spread to others as I continue to make moves. I’ve had a number of mentors in my life and Sam is the one who’s truly made an impact!”

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Nya EasonAlum
“Sam is such a supportive force. She has been a cheerleader when I was unsure of my path, as well as, a therapist when I just need an ear to listen. Having her on my team was probably one the best decision I made on my journey so far. Her mentorship helped me to take the first step in the development of my first business venture.”

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Susana RosadoAlum
“Love the community that understand women challenges and being in a place of authentic women making moves and dreams come true.”

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Catalina von WrangellAlum + Faculty
“This program is such a valuable resource.”

Admission Requirements

Commit to weekly meetings
Self-starter comfortable working with other entrepreneurs
Motivated individual or team with an entrepreneurial spirit and a team player
Abide by Launchpad’s policies and practices
Open to anyone who identifies as a female

Program Components

Impactful resources to drive business results
Networking sessions and a variety of topic series
Team building experiences in a collaborative environment
Mentorship sessions focused on helping students launch their business idea
Comprehensive workshops from skill building to scaling

Application

Applications for our fall 2024 cohort are now closed. For interest in future cohorts, complete our interest form below!

View Interest Form

Meet The Creator

A native of Miami, Samantha Palmer-Shields, better known as “Sam”, joined The Launch Pad team in February 2013. She previously worked in many departments at the University of Miami including the Provosts Office – Faculty Affairs, School of Law Center for Ethics & Public Service, and it’s Legal Communication and Research Skills Program. Sam is a serial entrepreneur, lover of creativity, dream supporter, and embraces failure. Sam received her BA from Southern New Hampshire University and MSML degree from Western Governors University.