Our mission is to connect and develop a global network of successful women business owners through working with international
chambers of commerce and women’s business organizations. Headquartered in New York City, The IWEC Foundation’s reach encompasses women
who are already in the global marketplace and want to further expand as well as those who are ripe to enter international markets.
Our ecosystem is comprised of over 48 chambers of commerce & women business organizations. We have 501 Past Awardees (we honor awardees
every year at our annual conference who were nominated by our partners), who represent women-owned companies from around the globe.
The IWEC Foundation’s constituents represent some of the most influential businesswomen from
the world’s most important emerging and established regions.
Recent News
In Memoriam: Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (ret.) Founding Chairperson and Co-Founder, IWEC
Washington, DC – It is with profound sorrow that the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) announces the passing of our beloved co-founder and founding chairperson, Ambassador Ruth A. Davis. Born on May 28, 1943, in [...]
IWEC Foundation 2024 Awardees
The IWEC Foundation honored 33 women entrepreneurs from across the globe at its 17th Annual Conference, held at the beautiful IESE campus in Barcelona from February 9-11, 2025. These women are now part of [...]
A Message from Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (Ret.) Foreign Service Trailblazer | The Secretary’s Distinguished Award Recipient | IWEC Co-Founder
Dear IWEC Family, For the past 17 years, the IWEC conference has been a highlight of my calendar — a gathering I eagerly anticipated for its extraordinary energy and purpose. While I cannot be with [...]
IWEC Foundation Announces 2024 Awardees Who Will Receive Their Awards at the 17th Annual Conference in Barcelona Feb. 9th (Ceremony postponed from last fall)
The IWEC Foundation is pleased to announce the following 2024 awardees who will be honored at the 17th Annual Conference in Barcelona Feb. 9-12th. We congratulate all of these successful entrepreneurs and look forward [...]
Viva IWEC!
By IWEC Foundation | March 12th, 2025
“My personal thanks for the lovely displayable IWEC award that I was given to commemorate my role as co founder of IWEC. It highlights and commemorates one of the most important things that I have done in a life filled with very rewarding experiences. Members of the IWEC family have all made the IWEC experience a global success with great potential to help create a level playing field for women in the international economic field. Viva IWEC!” – U.S. Ambassador Ruth A. Davis (ret.) Co-Founder, and Chairwoman IWEC 2006-2023
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