The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will celebrate Women’s HERstory Month
throughout March 2022. DCEO, through its Offices of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) and Regional
Economic Development (RED), will present virtual events featuring business resources and advice from women
leaders, recognize women–owned businesses throughout the state, and showcase our commitment to investing in
women. Please join us as we celebrate and elevate HER in Illinois!

Empowering HER with Resources: How Illinois Supports Women–Owned Businesses
Wednesday | March 23, 2022 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | webinar
Whether you’re already a woman business owner or aspiring to be one, please join us in a virtual panel event to
learn about no–cost (free) resources to help promote your business, such as one–on–one business advising,
business education programs, and online business directories. We’ll also share more about the advocacy and
policy work being done behind the scenes to ensure women entrepreneurs have the support they need to be
successful.
Moderator
• Valeri Werpetinski: Associate Director of Entrepreneurial Education, University of Illinois’ Gies College of
Business’ Origin Ventures Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Panelists
• Darrah Perryman: Outreach and Marketing Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)–Illinois
District Office
• Ericka White: Assistant State Director, Illinois Small Business Development Center (IL SBDC)
• IB Majekodunmi: Founder, refinecltv
• Liem Le: Outreach Director, Goldman Sachs 10KSB
• Maura Mitchell: Managing Director of Entrepreneurial Services, Women’s Business Development Center

Register Here