Women of color account for 47% or 5,824,300 of all women-owned businesses, employ 2,230,600 people, and generate $386.6 billion in revenues.
Yet, the average revenue for a women-of-color owned business is $66,400, compared to the average revenue of $212,300 for a non-minority owned business.
THE DISPARITIES HAVE TO CHANGE!
Join us for the 2025 Embracing YOU Conference - Weekend Retreat! Whether you're a business owner looking for resources to increase your growth, a ministry leader, or working professional seeking a motivational boost to get to your next level, don't miss this year's conference. Connect with over 300 other business leaders, and hear inspiring messages from dynamic speakers and leaders on business growth strategies, AI & technology, leadership, funding, marketing, and more. Reserve your spot today!
Meet Our 2025 Keynote Speakers
Andrena Sawyer
Andrena Sawyer is an author, consultant, and ministry leader who empowers entrepreneurs and nonprofits through MCWEN and P.E.R.K. Consulting. A survivor of the Sierra Leone civil war, she uses her journey of resilience to inspire others. She is also an award-winning author passionate about faith, redemption, and purpose.
@andrena_sawyer
Erinne Makeda Perry
Erinne Makeda Perry is stepping out in faith to pursue full-time entrepreneurship. A CPA, Enrolled Agent, and Certified Bookkeeper, she brings over 15 years of experience in accounting and taxation and 7+ years in teaching.
___msperry
Lynsai Green
Lynsai Green (Grimes) is a Baltimore Native. She is the owner of twice published, Journey Down the Aisle Bridal Concierge & Founder of Lioness Women Roar. Both businesses have been established for over 5 years. Lynsai is a devoted boy mom and two-time cancer survivor. Her favorite scriptures are Isaiah 40:31 and Numbers 23:24, The people rise and roar like a lioness.
@lionesswomenroar
Thee Belle Twins
Ashley and Alysha Belle—sisters, certified stretch coaches, and proud founders of Thee Belle Twins LLC. Their journey began in the world of gymnastics, competitive cheerleading, and dance, where they quickly learned that stretching isn’t just an afterthought—it’s the foundation of peak performance.
@theebelle_twins
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Nicole Garrett
Nicole is a 20-year educator turned entrepreneur who empowers business owners through strategic planning and goal setting. As the owner of Business Minds Collaborative Inc., she provides clarity and accountability to help entrepreneurs stay focused on their vision. Her dedication makes it easier for clients to achieve their goals.
@businessmindscollaborativeinc
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Tracey Fowlkes
Tracey Fowlkes is the founder of KK&S Designs and KKS Academy, where she leads workshops to support entrepreneur growth. With a background in Speech Communications, HR Management, and Post-Secondary Education, she has also served as an adjunct professor in Public Speaking and Technical Writing.
@kksdesginns_
Keith & Vanessa Bell
Vanessa and Keith Bell are the duo behind Blank Page to Author, helping aspiring writers go from idea to published book in 4 weeks. With expert coaching, tech, and heart, they empower authors to share their stories with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
@blankpagetoauthor
Dr. Sarah Musa
Dr. Sarah Musa holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and is a Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC) and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She is the founder of Speak Encouraging Messages (SEM) and is passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves and seeing themselves as the Masterpiece that they are.
@speakencouragingmessages
Tasha Wilson
Tasha is a transformative leader who empowers women to embrace their strength, overcome challenges, and move forward with confidence. Her impact has been featured in RAINN, Canvas Rebel Magazine, VoyageBaltimore, and BOLD Journey Magazine.
@lifewithtashaw_
Monique Shurray
Monique Shurray is a Media Coach, Speaker, and Emcee who helps entrepreneurs show up with confidence on camera. With a background in broadcast journalism and years of media experience, she brings passion, presence, and polish to every platform.
@moniqueshurray
Katrina Forsythe (Virtual Moderator)
Katrina is a Florida native, healthcare professional, and entrepreneur with a heart for service. With degrees in Sociology, Business, Nursing, and Theology, she supports women through business, ministry, and outreach. She co-leads GBK Industries and enjoys family, faith, and personal growth.
@motivatedtoshinejewelry
Nicole L. Davis, Ph. D.
Dr. Nicole L. Davis is a Navy Veteran, certified mediator, professor, and author with a deep passion for women, family, and leadership development. She is the President of the Maryland Christian Chamber of Commerce, working to advance business, faith, and family nationally. Nicole also co-leads Empower to Engage, and is dedicated to helping others achieve success in life and business.
@mdchristianchamber
Kurline J. Altes
Kurline J. Altes AKA Kurline Speaks is an internationally recognized Motivational Speaker, Resilience Coach, Author & Legacy Builder who transforms pain into purpose & adversity into action.
As the founder and CEO of KURLINEJSPEAKS LLC, she has spent over a decade empowering youth, women & professionals to rise from fear, pain, burnout, trauma, reclaim their power, & step boldly into the life they were born to lead.
@kurlinejspeaks
ABOUT MCWEN
The Minority Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network (MCWEN) is one of the fastest growing communities for women entrepreneurs. Using the Proverbs 31 woman as a model, MCWEN seeks to support women to become impactful and positively influential women in their homes, community, and work.
We recognize that culture is shifting and women of color are now the fastest growing segment of entrepreneurs, but the women in the MCWEN community do not just want to do business as usual. They are seeking ways to incorporate their values and faith, and believe that business is also about their purpose.
VOLUNTEER
Get Involved – Volunteer at the 2025 Conference
The 2025 conference cannot happen without the faithful service of our volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, we would love to hear from you and schedule you in one of the many areas where we need help.
Our conference weekend consists of an in-person Small Business Expo in Baltimore, MD, workshops, vendors and more! Volunteers will be able to attend a select number of workshops.
REQUIREMENTS
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Volunteers can choose to volunteer at Friday night's Expo, and/or Saturday's conference. Volunteers who are interested in volunteering on Saturday must be available for entirety of the Saturday conference to volunteer as needed.
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Be present for a virtual or teleconference volunteer training. Time TBA.
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Volunteers must be able to conduct themselves in harmony with Biblical standards at all times.
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Dress code to be announced.
Ready to be part of this year's event team? Complete the volunteer form below!
