Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) brought together community members, philanthropists and advocates for its annual League of Extraordinary Women Luncheon in recognition of National Give to Women & Girls Day.

The gathering, on Oct. 7 at La Cumbre Country Club, celebrated the collective generosity that makes WEV’s work possible and called attention to the importance of investing in women’s economic futures.

“Since its founding in 1991, WEV has worked to ensure women have access to the education, training, financial resources and support they need to shape their own futures,” organizers said.

“That work matters not only to individual women, but also to the families and communities strengthened when women have greater financial security and more choices,” they said.

“As today demonstrates, WEV is a community, a collective, a village … and a force for change,” said Nicki Parr CEO of WEV.

Parr challenged attendees to consider who has authority over their lives, emphasizing the confidence and independence women can gain when they have the resources to make their own decisions.

The luncheon honored Kelly Mooney, founder/CEO of Equipt Women and chairperson of Giving List Women, with the 2026 WEV Trailblazer Award.

Mooney was recognized for her leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for other women. Her award reflected the spirit of the gathering: progress happens when people use their influence and resources to help open doors for others.

The program featured WEV community members whose experiences reflect the lasting value of that investment. Jill Agonias, a former WEV client who is now a League donor; and Sandra Iraheta, a midwife and WEV advisory client, shared their perspectives on the role WEV’s support has played in their journeys.

WEV’s League of Extraordinary Women is an annual giving circle of some 180 women and men who support women’s economic empowerment through collective giving.

Their investment helps WEV make opportunities accessible to women who might otherwise be unable to afford them, creating more pathways to financial stability and independence, organizers said.

WEV thanks luncheon sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo;cEmpower Sponsors Bank of America, Nicholson & Schwartz; Innovation Sponsor La Arcada; Thriving Sponsors Amazon, Community West Bank, Farr, Johnen, & Associates, Montecito Bank & Trust, Nasif, Hicks, Harris & Co., Tileco, and Village Properties.