TEDCO and IWEE Appoint New Board of Directors to Foster Women Entrepreneurship

TEDCO and IWEE Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

In a significant move for promoting women entrepreneurship in Maryland, the Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence, Inc. (IWEE) has revealed its newly appointed board of directors for the 2026-2027 term. This Maryland-based non-profit organization is dedicated to supporting and advancing women entrepreneurs, and the newly formed leadership team is poised to enhance the organization's strategic initiatives aimed at growth and innovation.

The board will be helmed by Chair Arti Santhanam of Applied Neurons, showcasing a wealth of experience in the tech sector. She will be supported by Vice Chair Treava Hopkins-Laboy from EEO Services LLC, Secretary Erica Anthony representing Morgan State University, and Treasurer Ann-Marie Waterman from Coppin State University. Other notable board members include Allison Alexander from The Marathon Fund, Pamela Allison from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Johnetta Boseman Hardy from Bowie State University, Farrah Holder from Blue Fire Equity, and Troy LeMaile-Stovall from TEDCO itself.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, interim executive director Teresa Payne-Nunn stated, "I am excited to work with the board and elected executive officers to advance our mission of removing barriers for entrepreneurs and expanding opportunities for scalable growth across the ecosystem." This reflects IWEE's ongoing commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by women-led businesses and ensuring they have access to valuable resources and opportunities necessary for success.

The organization employs cohort-style programming, workshops, and access to capital, creating a comprehensive support system designed to foster sustainable growth for women entrepreneurs. The board's diverse expertise will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the entrepreneurial landscape, helping to pave the way for increased success.

Santhanam echoed these sentiments, stating, "As IWEE continues to expand its reach and impact, I look forward to working with my fellow board members to strengthen the organization's foundation, support its strategic priorities, and help ensure more entrepreneurs have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed."

Founded in partnership with four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in Maryland, including Bowie State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, and Coppin State University, IWEE has been pivotal since its inception in 2022. The collaboration with these institutions ensures that the representation of diverse perspectives is embedded within the board, aiding in programmatic advisement and implementation.

The next chapter for IWEE promises a relentless drive to build on its momentum, extending critical resources to women entrepreneurs across the state. President of TEDCO, Tammi Thomas, remarked on this exciting phase, stating, "The next chapter of the Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence will build on the organization’s momentum, expanding access to critical resources and opportunities for entrepreneurs across Maryland while fostering a more vibrant and sustainable innovation ecosystem."

The board will play a crucial role in spearheading these initiatives, ensuring that women entrepreneurs are not only supported but are positioned to thrive in a competitive business landscape. With a focus on mentorship, partnership, and resource allocation, IWEE is set to make substantial improvements in creating an inclusive entrepreneurial environment where women can flourish.

The Institute for Women Entrepreneur Excellence is at the forefront of driving this change, and the new board members bring a wealth of knowledge and a shared commitment to empowerment, making a promising path for the future of women-led businesses in Maryland.