Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) hosted its first International Women’s Day Celebration recently, celebrating the achievements of women, and bringing attention to the gap in philanthropic dollars that go to organizations like WEV that serve women and girls.

The event took place March 6 at The Hub – Community Environmental Council in Santa Barbara.

WEV is dedicated to the economic empowerment of women, providing a range of financial and entrepreneurial support, including classes, consulting and funding, as well as financial literacy programs in English and Spanish. For more, visit www.wevonline.org.

Women’s Day speakers included WEV client Jonnie Williams, founder/CEO of Evolve Equity; Sarah Thébaud, professor in UCSB’s Department of Sociology; and WEV Board member Junemarie Justus, founder of The Acorn Project.

“It’s no secret we live in a society with gender inequality which is a problem not just for women but for everyone,” said Thébaud. “There is the gender wage gap and women are still taking on the lion’s share of caregiving.

“Women need jobs with flexibility to balance caregiving and work. Entrepreneurship and organizations like WEV can give us real reason for optimism.

“Women from across the economic spectrum are often motivated to start businesses to remedy the gender challenges that are endemic to traditional employment. Entrepreneurship provides greater flexibility, autonomy, and happiness. It’s inclusive because it can transform careers regardless of a woman’s background or family circumstances.”

Williams, whose maternal grandmother was from the Bitterwater clan of the Navajo Nation, founded Evolve Equity to advance equity, racial justice, and healing for groups that have been historically marginalized.

“I am a psychologist, I am systems change strategist, I am a mother, I am a spouse,” Williams said. “As an indigenous woman I’ve overcome many barriers.

“I am the first in my family to go to college; I am the first in my family to even think about owning a business; I am the first in my family to own a home.

“As we celebrate the empowerment of women today, let’s reflect on the power and privilege we hold and how we can use that power and privilege to give to others that are not so fortunate.”

Justus, a WEV board member and founder of The Acorn Project, told the audience: “We all know that given the opportunity to thrive, women lift not only themselves, but their families and communities.

“Women are under-resourced, giving to women’s and girls’ organization represents 1.8% of all charitable giving in the U.S. Resourced women transform communities, lift economies, and create positive social change.

“We need look no further than WEV and our own community to see the outsized impact of investing in women.”

The event is underwritten by sponsors including The Acorn Project, Bank of America, Banks Coaching, LinkedIn, Lure Digital, Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics at CSUCI, Ventura County Credit Union, Chevron, Nasif, Hicks, Harrris & Co., Santa Barbara Community College Foundation, Santa Barbara Foundation, and TileCo.