Latest news with #WBENC-certified
Business Journals
21-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
GWBC® Empowering Women-Owned Businesses in the Southeast
In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, women-owned businesses continue to reshape industries, economies and communities through collaboration and connection. Leading this transformation is the Greater Women's Business Council (GWBC®), a nonprofit dedicated to the certification, development and success of women-owned businesses across Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. With a mission to advance and advocate for women business owners through certification, education, mentoring and corporate partnerships, GWBC is a trusted catalyst for growth celebrating its 25th year. As a Regional Partner Organization of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the most respected national certification body for women-owned businesses, GWBC plays a pivotal role daily in the future of female entrepreneurship. The Power of Certification At the core of GWBC®'s impact is WBENC certification, a gold-standard credential that opens doors to large corporations, partnerships and programs. Certification provides: • Access to matchmaking events and pitch opportunities • Visibility to corporate and government buyers • Eligibility for targeted funding, education and training programs • Enhanced credibility and competitiveness GWBC® believes in nurturing long-term success by providing tools and connections that go beyond paperwork. We foster collaboration among women and invite others who champion inclusive commerce to join our growing community. A Community of Certified Excellence As of April 17, 2025, GWBC® supports more than 1,600 WBENC-certified women-owned businesses, generating more than $11.4 billion in revenue and employing more than 50,000 people in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. GWBC® WBEs are sparking innovation and creating jobs in the Southeast's most competitive markets. More importantly, they are trusted collaborators and key partners in building thriving communities. Innovation at Work: The WBE Collaborative In 2024, GWBC® launched The WBE Collaborative, a visionary co-working space in Atlanta's Bank of America Plaza. Designed as a hub for certified WBEs, women entrepreneurs and corporates can gather to connect and collaborate at The WBE Collaborative. The space offers a high-profile setting that enhances credibility and visibility, with thoughtfully designed workspaces conducive to productivity and interaction. Whether a women business owner needs a polished client meeting space, a quiet work area or a venue for training, The WBE Collaborative delivers. This unique space reflects GWBC®'s commitment to supporting both start-ups and scalable businesses with the resources they need to flourish in every phase of their entrepreneurial journey. By combining physical workspace with programming, The WBE Collaborative fills a critical gap in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially for women navigating early-stage challenges or transitioning to growth phases. Monthly and day rates provide flexibility for various business needs. Engaging, Educating & Elevating GWBC® hosts a full calendar of programs across its tri-state region designed to connect WBEs with the ideas, resources and networks needed to succeed, including: • Workshops and Peer Cohorts • Webinars and Speaker Series • Networking Events These offerings help WBEs gain visibility, sharpen skills and build authentic relationships. Championing Inclusive Growth Through Partnership GWBC®'s reach is amplified by its 33+ corporate and government members, which are interested in working with vetted suppliers that can offer new solutions to their ongoing issues. These corporate partners help to create a dynamic ecosystem where WBEs can grow and compete at the highest level. Sponsorship with GWBC® offers: • Increased visibility in the women-owned business community • Connections with powerful and vetted women-led companies GWBC believes that when women connect, everyone wins. By fostering collaboration, expanding opportunity and championing inclusivity, we're not only strengthening individual businesses—we're driving regional prosperity. Empowering Progress Through Collaboration At GWBC®, we believe lasting success is built through connection, collaboration and community. That's why everything we do is rooted in the power of partnering. Through certification, education and advocacy, we support women-owned businesses while working alongside corporations, community leaders and economic development partners to foster inclusive growth. The journey to business success looks different for everyone but with strong partnerships, innovative thinking and shared goals, we're creating pathways that uplift businesses, strengthen communities and drive sustainable impact. Whether you're a woman entrepreneur exploring certification, a corporate partner seeking suppliers or a community leader committed to economic advancement, GWBC® invites you to be part of a collective effort that is shaping the future of business. Learn more at
Associated Press
02-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Younkins & Schecter LLP Welcomes Robert F. Russell to Partnership Team
Prominent WBE CRE Law Firm Promotes Senior Associate to Partner 'Bob brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our Firm, and we welcome him as our new partner,' — Kathy Younkins, Managing Partner, Younkins & Schecter LLP. NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, April 2, 2025 / / -- Younkins & Schecter LLP, a leading Manhattan-based, women-owned law firm with a dedicated commercial real estate practice, is pleased to announce the promotion of Robert F. Russell to Partner. Russell joined the WBENC-New York State and New York City (WBE)-certified firm in 2011 and currently serves as a senior associate. 'Bob brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our Firm, and we welcome him as our new partner,' says Kathy Younkins, Managing Partner. 'He has a proven track record of successfully negotiating complex lease agreements and providing strategic counsel to clients on all aspects of commercial leasing transactions.' Russell represents landlords and tenants in such asset sectors as office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use. In addition to leasing transactions, he advises clients on construction agreements, service agreements and other ancillary agreements related to the ownership and operation of commercial real estate. Adds Co-Founding Partner Mardi Schecter, 'Bob continues to deliver on behalf of our clients with a winning combination of skill, intellect, and common sense. He has been a great member of our Firm for a long time, and we are delighted to call him 'partner!'' Russell graduated magna cum laude from the University of San Francisco School of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review. He received his B.A. from Boston College. Prior to attending law school, Russell worked in the leasing department at Urban Retail Properties, LLC. The experience exposed him to the business side of the real estate industry, which he continues to draw upon when developing practical, effective solutions that enable clients to achieve their immediate goals while safeguarding their long-term interests. Russell is licensed to practice in New York and California. # # # About Younkins & Schecter LLP Younkins & Schecter LLP is a New York City-based boutique law firm founded in 1996 by Kathy A. Younkins and Mardi J. Schecter. The WBENC-certified practice specializes in commercial real estate, offering legal counsel for Commercial Leasing, Property Management, Construction, Real Estate Acquisitions, Development and Financing, Restructurings, Corporate Organization, and serving as General Counsel for numerous owners, operators, and users of real property. Linda Alexander Alexander Marketing Corp. Legal Disclaimer:
