The 19th Amendment: Giving Women a Seat at the Table
Celebrating Female Business Leaders and Organizations Promoting Female Business Leaders of Tomorrow
100 years ago, today, the United States of America ratified the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, just in time to provide 26 million women with the right to vote in the 1920 presidential election. The Center for American Women and Politics reports that number is up to 73.7 million in the 2016 election, with the number of female voters exceeding the number of male voters in every presidential election since 1964. However, many women still face voter suppression, says the League of Women Voters, including “forcing discriminatory voter ID and proof-of citizenship restrictions on eligible voters, reducing polling place hours in communities of color, and illegally purging voters from the rolls.”
On the centennial anniversary of women receiving a seat at the table of our political system, we also celebrate those women who have fought for a seat at the table in business and remember the work still to be done to empower women as an included part of our business community.
This is why we highlight 10 amazing female leaders whose businesses support a safe and secure 2020 election.
Beautycounter
Gregg Renfrew
Gregg Renfew is the founder and CEO of Beautycounter, a beauty brand whose mission is to create safer products. Gregg is no stranger to being an entrepreneur and business leader, co-founding Elizabeth Gregg, launching The Wedding List, and serving as CEO of Best & Co. She is a firm believer in business for good and exemplifies that through lobbying Congress to regulate harmful chemicals in cosmetics and supporting healthy democracy.
Burton
Donna Carpenter
Donna Carpenter is the owner, board chair, and former CEO of Burton Snowboards. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Donna responded quickly to provide PPE to healthcare workers in need. She has also been vocal about the need to combat climate change and is a role model for the purpose-driven business community. Jenn Swain, Burton’s global senior sustainability manager, spoke about the company’s commitment to voter turnout and healthy democracy in our recent webinar.
ECOS
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks
Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks is the president and CEO of ECOS, maker of sustainable cleaning products. Kelly has spent her career promoting the green movement through business involvement and is an absolute leader in corporate social responsibility. You can hear Kellys’ thoughts on why ECOS cares about democracy and voting in our recent webinar.
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is the founder of her own eponymous clothing line, Eileen Fisher, Inc. Her brand not only provides working women with comfortable minimalist clothing; it is also an outspoken supporter of democracy and voting. She is a testament to the social good that businesses can create for people all across the country.
King Arthur Flour
Karen Colberg
Karen Colberg is the co-CEO and chief marketing officer of King Arthur Flour. As baking continues to rise as a quarantine hobby, she and her team are providing healthy ingredients while also advocating for the health of our democracy.
King Arthur Flour
Suzanne McDowell
Suzanne McDowell is King Arthur Flour’s co-CEO and vice president of corporate responsibility and sustainability. With twenty years of experience at King Arthur, she is both a devoted worker and a defender of social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights.
Klean Kanteen
Michelle Kalberer
Michelle Kalberer is the co-owner of Klean Kanteen, which sells reusable stainless steel products as a more sustainable alternative to plastic containers. In addition to running a business whose foundational mission is to protect our environment, Michelle and her brother also support many other important causes like the Breast Cancer Fund.
Parachute
Ariel Kaye
Ariel Kaye is the founder of Parachute, maker of premium sheets, towels, and other home textiles. In addition to helping customers create their perfect home, Ariel’s company has also signed onto BFA’s letter urging Congress to protect this year’s election from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
sweetgreen
Kirby Bumpus
Kirby is the head of social impact and inclusion at sweetgreen, where her work bridges her passion for public health and business. She leads initiatives to address food education and food access, as well as helping to get out the vote with programs like “Bowls to the Polls.” You can learn more about sweetgreen’s commitment to democracy and voting in our recent webinar.
WS Badger
Rebecca Hamilton
Rebecca Hamilton leads marketing and sustainability initiatives as WS Badger’s co-CEO. She is a strong proponent of environmental protections, ingredient safety, and many other social issues. As part of her advocacy work, Rebecca has spoken before the United Nations, as well as the U.S. federal government. She is currently also a member of the National Women’s Business Council. You can learn about her company’s commitment to civic engagement in our Time to Vote webinar.
Female Business Leaders of Tomorrow
We’re taking inspiration from today’s female business leaders and also helping to promote future leaders. Here are seven groups purposefully investing in the female business leaders of tomorrow.
All Raise
All Raise seeks to fund female leaders in tech so that women have more of a voice in shaping startup culture. They rely on industry data and have clear quantitative goals to see funding go to female entrepreneurs, as well as an increase in the number of women in power in VC.
Backstage Capital
Backstage Capital focuses on directing its funding to women, people of color, and LGBTQ founders — groups that are historically underrepresented in venture capital deals.
BBG Ventures
A New York-based fund searching for innovative and revolutionary new entrepreneurs, BBG Ventures is specifically dedicated to supporting women-led tech startups. Their investments include businesses like Lola,The Sill, and The Wing.
Female Founders Fund
With only 2.7% of venture capital funding going to female-founded businesses in 2019, the Female Founders Fund is working towards gender equality by investing exclusively in “exceptional female talent.” Brands include Billie, Thrive Global, and Rent the Runway.
iFundWomen
iFundWomen provides female entrepreneurs with access to small business grants, crowdfunds, and expert coaching. Not only do they help put women in the position to grow their own businesses, but also allow women to fund businesses they care about through their platform.
January Ventures
January Ventures (previously Jane VC) aims to create equal opportunity for future leaders by investing early, especially towards female founders. Their portfolio includes businesses like Squad, Elpha, and Elektra Health.
New Voices Fund
A $100 million fund coming from our friends at Unilever during their acquisition of Sundial Brands, the New Voices Fund creates financial opportunity for women of color entrepreneurs.
