Spotlight on Center for Women & Enterprise

A core mission of our team at SIJO is to contribute to our community and customer base. We are so fortunate to have a few incredible partners, including the Center for Women & Enterprise, who has been a partner organization for nearly five years. Our team takes a very hands-on approach to selecting the organizations we partner with, are proud to back an organization that celebrates and uplifts women in business and provides the support to turn ambitious ideas into reality.

Today, we're thrilled to share a Q&A with their CEO, Gabrielle "Gaby" King Morse, that sheds more light on their start, mission, and values.

SIJO Team (SIJO): How did CWE get started, and what personal moments shaped your mission? 

Gabrielle King Morse (CWE): CWE began in 1995 when Andrea Silbert, inspired by her time in South America, returned to Boston with a vision to empower women entrepreneurs. Partnering with co-founder Susan Hammond, they established CWE with the goal of providing more than just financial assistance; they aimed to offer education and training to help women break free from poverty and build successful businesses. Andrea’s journey of self-discovery and understanding the challenges faced by women in her community, deeply shaped CWE’s mission. This commitment to uplifting women from all backgrounds laid the foundation for CWE's impactful programs.

SIJO: What impact has the partnership with SIJO and other partner brands had on CWE? 

CWE: CWE’s partnership with SIJO and other partner brands has enhanced our fundraising efforts. This collaboration has helped provide funding for crucial programs and resources for woman entrepreneurs within our communities.

Thanks to this additional support, we've been able to not just survive during these challenging times but to truly thrive—even in the face of government funding freezes. This renewed strength empowers us to continue our mission of uplifting and equipping women entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. We’re incredibly grateful for the partnerships that make this possible and excited about the bright future ahead!

SIJO: Are there any key elements or projects that our partnership has helped to fund? 

CWE: Your support plays a vital role in enabling CWE to offer affordable classes and a sliding fee scale, ensuring that anyone with a business dream can access our resources. Last year alone, CWE assisted over 8,600 individuals in not just realizing their entrepreneurial aspirations, but also in fostering economic growth through the creation of new businesses, jobs, and increased wages.

SIJO: If you could share one key CWE value or core principle with our SIJO customers, what would that be?

CWE: At the Center for Women & Enterprise, we firmly believe that empowering women creates a positive impact that extends far beyond individual success—it benefits entire communities. For over 30 years, we have been dedicated to helping women launch and grow their businesses by providing essential resources and support. Our mission is rooted in the understanding that when women achieve economic empowerment, they become catalysts for change, sparking a ripple effect that uplifts families, strengthens communities, and drives economic growth.

SIJO: What’s the most rewarding part of the work you do?

CWE: As the CEO of the Center for Women & Enterprise, one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the remarkable transformations of the women we serve. I am inspired by the resilience and potential that these women possess. It is incredibly fulfilling to see them overcome obstacles and embrace their entrepreneurial journeys.

Our work goes beyond simply providing resources; it’s about nurturing confidence and self-belief. Watching a woman take her first steps toward launching her business, or seeing someone gain the skills needed to thrive in her career, is a testament to the power of our mission. Each success story is a reminder of why we do what we do and reinforces the importance of fostering an environment where women can innovate and excel.

Being part of this vibrant community of women entrepreneurs is not just a job; it’s a passion. Every achievement—big or small—serves to energize our commitment to supporting women’s entrepreneurship. It’s a privilege to lead an organization that plays a crucial role in empowering women to realize their dreams and create lasting change in their lives and communities.

“One thing I want people to know about CWE is how essential it is for anyone considering starting or growing a business. CWE offers incredible resources, courses, workshops, and webinars on everything from marketing to bookkeeping-on a pay­ what-you-can scale, making it accessible for everyone. It's not just about providing tools; CWE helps you determine if entrepreneurship is the right path for you. 

Whether you dream of running your own, prefer a side hustle, or realize working for a company is your best fit, CWE meets you where you are. It’s a supportive space to explore your unique journey.”

-Catrina Gardner, Catrina & Create, Millbury, MA: CWE Client

We loved learning more about CWE through Gabrielle's lens, and we are so proud to partner with them, and offer support through you, our SIJO readers, customers and community.