'Achieving' Women Entrepreneurs Honored by 100 Black Men and Women Presidents' Organization

The Women Presidents' Organization, 100 Black Men of America and American Express OPEN Honor Women of Color in San Francisco, New York and North Carolina

SAN FRANCISCO, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With women-owned businesses in this country growing at twice the rate of all other firms in the United States, more and more women are taking the leap into entrepreneurship and learning the benefits of owning a business.  In addition to creating the necessary jobs that have significantly strengthened our economy, many of these women are finding ways to give back and contribute to their communities.  The Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), in partnership with American Express OPEN®, the small business division of American Express, and 100 Black Men of America will together be recognizing and celebrating some of these trailblazing women of color in San Francisco, New York and North Carolina.  

The regions were chosen from 93 prominent WPO chapters and 116 Chapters of 100 Black Men of America to find the most deserving honorees. The Achievement Award will be presented to entrepreneurial women of color for their contributions to their communities and for the economic impact their businesses make nationally.

"The 100 Black Men of America applauds the great contributions and achievements of the Women Presidents' Organization.  We at the 100 focus on improving conditions in which the youth we mentor can thrive personally, educationally, and professionally.  Organizations like the WPO serve to continue the work of the 100 by promoting advancement of underrepresented entrepreneurs in all industries. The women honored in San Francisco, New York and North Carolina are great entrepreneurs, leaders, trailblazers, and supporters of their local communities.  We are very excited to join with American Express OPEN® to recognize and salute these women's great contributions and achievements," said Albert E. Dotson, Jr., Chairman of the Board 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

"The honorees are a group of powerful women entrepreneurs who come from every industry and have made a significant economic impact in their community," said Marsha Firestone, Ph. D., president and founder of the WPO.  "We are pleased to partner with 100 Black Men of America and American Express OPEN to recognize the successes of these businesswomen and to honor their achievements. They are exceptional role models for aspiring leaders everywhere."

"Women play a pivotal and undeniable role in the landscape of American business. Women-led businesses are essential building blocks to the economic future of this country, and greatly contribute to our society with their innovation and forward thinking.  We, at American Express OPEN, are thrilled to partner with the Women Presidents' Organization, and 100 Black Men of America in recognizing the key contributions women entrepreneurs continuously make every day to our economy and communities," said Karen-Michelle Mirko, Director of Consumer Advocacy at American Express OPEN.

All eligible candidates were recruited by WPO Chapter Chairs and local chapters of 100 Black Men of America. To be qualified for this honor and as a WPO member, businesses are required to be owned or led by a woman and have reached annual revenues of at least $2 million (or $1 million for a service based industry).    

All companies will be honored at special receptions in their respective regions. The first reception will be held in San Francisco, June 7, 2011 at the City Club of San Francisco.  New York and North Carolina receptions will be held in the fall of 2011.  

About the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO)

The WPO is the premier peer advisory organization connecting women who own multi-million dollar companies.  In monthly meetings across four continents (North America, South America, Europe, and Africa) chapters of 20 women presidents – from diverse industries– invest time and energy in themselves and their businesses to drive their corporations to the next level. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential setting. For more information, call 212-688-4114 or visit www.womenpresidentsorg.com.

About the 100 Black Men of America, Inc.

100 Black Men was founded as an organization in New York City in 1963. The national organization, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. began with nine chapters in 1986 as a national alliance of leading African American men of business, industry, public affairs and government with a mission to improve the quality of life for African Americans, particularly African American youth. Today, under the direction of Albert E. Dotson, Jr., the organization has 116 chapters, and growing, in the United States, England and the Caribbean. Members represent a myriad of professions including corporate executives, physicians, attorneys, entrepreneurs, entertainers, elected officials, professional athletes, educators and men from numerous other professions that have created an international coalition focused on creating educational opportunities, promoting economic empowerment, addressing health disparities and creating positive, nurturing mentoring relationships that extend across a lifetime. Visit www.100blackmen.org for more information on the programs and initiatives of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and their global network of chapters.

Media Contacts:
Kirsten Wynn
Women Presidents' Organization
(212)688-4114
[email protected]

Danielle Styles
[email protected]
404-962-8473

SOURCE Women Presidents' Organization