#United States #Maryland #Columbia #IWEE #Teresa Payne-Nunn

Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence Welcomes New Leadership

The Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence, Inc. (IWEE) recently made significant strides in its mission to empower women entrepreneurs by announcing both new board appointments and the hiring of Teresa Payne-Nunn as the interim executive director. Based in Columbia, Maryland, IWEE represents a dedicated non-profit organization focused on providing resources, support, and pathways for women entrepreneurs across the state.

New Appointments

On November 26, 2025, IWEE officially introduced Payne-Nunn as the interim executive director for the fiscal year 2026 (FY26). This leadership change aims to harness transformative strategies and innovative growth for the organization through the varied backgrounds and expertise of its board members.

Payne-Nunn expressed her enthusiasm about the new role, stating, "I am honored to serve the IWEE during this transition. IWEE is uniquely positioned to uplift women entrepreneurs by addressing barriers and creating pathways for scalable growth. I look forward to working with the team and community partners to strengthen the Institute's impact, preparing the way for its next chapter of leadership."

Teresa Payne-Nunn brings extensive experience in strategic transformation, leadership, and community engagement from various sectors. Her previous role as senior vice president at Xerox Corporation highlights her capacity for steering high-impact initiatives and managing significant revenue streams. Payne-Nunn’s background positions her as a formidable advocate for the women entrepreneurs whom IWEE aims to empower.

A Robust Board

The newly constituted board for FY26 includes prominent figures from various institutions, ensuring diverse leadership. Key members include:

• - Chair: Pamela Allison (University of Maryland, Eastern Shore)
• - Vice Chair: Gail Bassette (Bowie State University)
• - Secretary: Erica Anthony (Morgan State University)
• - Treasurer: Ann-Marie Waterman (Coppin State University)

Allison, who has chaired the board for over two years, remarked, "Through this position, I have witnessed the organization's evolution and impact on women entrepreneurs throughout Maryland, thereby supporting continued economic growth."

Moreover, IWEE also comprises professionals from Maryland's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Bowie State University and Coppin State University. This collaboration enriches the organization's programming with diverse perspectives and expertise to effectively address the needs of women in business.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

At the heart of IWEE's mission is the goal of creating scalable and sustainable growth avenues for women-led businesses. With a focus on cohort-style programming, workshops, and access to capital, the organization directly addresses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. As Payne-Nunn leads the initiative, her vision aligns with IWEE's commitment to fostering inclusive economic development.

The board’s expanded leadership, coupled with Payne-Nunn’s guidance, is poised to navigate new opportunities and address the persistent barriers women entrepreneurs encounter. At this exciting juncture, IWEE continues to solidify its role as a critical catalyst for advancing women in business throughout Maryland.

Looking Ahead

As the Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence embarks on this new chapter, it remains attentive to the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. Leaders are dedicated to not only supporting those currently within the entrepreneurial ecosystem but also paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs.

For continued updates and more information on IWEE’s initiatives, visit the official website at IWEE.