The What Diversity + Inclusion Fund

True wisdom (and joy!) is derived from people with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. From who's on stage to who's in seats, we are committed to making The What Summit inclusive and diverse by recognizing women of all races, ethnicities, ages, abilities, religions, and sexual orientation. 

In 2018, through the help of generous women (who attended or couldn't attend), as well as compassionate brand leaders who contributed to our scholarship fund, we were able to award scholarships to 20% of all TW Summit attendees. But why stop there? Please help us reach our 2019 Diversity & Inclusion goal of 30%. 

THE SCHOLARSHIP CANDIDATES.

Here are just a few stories of women who want to attend ...

I offer a unique perspective with my range of work from tech to creative and am passionate about empowering women of color and combating issues that uniquely affect us. Specifically, I've worked on a variety of creative projects like my podcast and women focused ventures where we ran digital campaigns to raise awareness on issues like equal pay. I plan to bring the things that I learn from the summit into my projects, while giving back to The What community. 

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I would be so honored and thrilled if I was chosen for a scholarship. As a local San Francisco woman, I think this summit is one of the best events our city has to offer! As I mentioned previously, the content curated by Amy, Gina & The What team is educational, inspirational, and downright powerful! At this stage in my life/career, I'm a sponge for all of it! I would be an invested & engaged attendee and I know I would get so much out of being there. 

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I'm the founder of a beauty startup and don't take a salary (plus my husband is a school teacher). We're very early stage and have been operating on an Angel round for 15 months so we're running short of cash. We need to get a little further down the road and gain some more traction before I can raise more investment and pay myself. This event would be a great networking opportunity to meet other entrepreneurial women or potential investors. However, I simply can't invest in a ticket when cash is critical to keep the company running a few more months until we can accomplish a few more milestones. Runway is everything for an early-stage company. 

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I am a passionate advocate for women's health and empowerment, and my mission at Elektra Health is aligned with the mission of The What Summit: to gather women and to help them live their happiest healthiest lives. I have made it my life mission to ensure that every woman receives the care and support they need during this time. On a personal level, I've never met a community I didn't love and I ALWAYS give back. My core values are openness, gratitude, silliness, kindness and curiosity.

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If I could, I would invest! However and while I am extraordinarily grateful for the things I have in life, I must be careful with my financial situation at this time. I am seeking a new career switch, am helping support my twin step-sons in their second year of college, am trying to save for that next business idea, etc., and well, I live in the Bay Area (If you know what I mean)! I thank you for considering to offer me a scholarship. 

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I'm currently a startup founder bootstrapping my own company which means I'm not getting paid right now while my company is lifting off. I'm happy however and hope to give back once I'm in a position of financial freedom w/ my business to support others who are in similar shoes as me to give them opportunities like this one. 

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1. I'm coming out with a book next year and am starting to think about networking and my platform. I think this would be a great place to do some of that thinking. 2. I'm looking to leave my job as a communications bosslady and do something interesting at the intersection of art and science. I bet I could find some intellectual playmates at TW! 

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I want to learn about opportunities in the Bay Area that can help women of color feel more empowered and part of a vibrant female community. I want to share the lessons I learn with my colleagues and students, together creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare experience. 

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I know that my highest self in motion is helping other women be their best selves. I do this at my tech job (moving into management, will be the first female manager on the corp sales floor). I started a new sales role last year, took care of my sister for the past two years, and putting everything I have back into Greyback INVI. I was thinking of the ways I could justify it and if it was another time of the year and not in a financial bind. 

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I am currently in a Clinical Lab Scientist training program, therefore I am interning full time while paying tuition. I don’t have any means of making money until I complete my traning in April and begin to work. I believe you should pick me, because I am truly striving and working to become a better, more aware, positive, and empowered woman. This summit has to tools to help me and I will definitely apply what I learn. I won’t let the knowledge die with me either, I will pass on what I learn to other women such as my family and coworkers who are unable to attend. A passion of mine is healthcare. Women’s health isn’t as well covered as it could be.