At the same time, significant gaps remain. Women-owned businesses account for just 9.1 percent of US employment and 4.6 percent of business revenue, despite representing more than two-fifths of all firms. The report points to access to capital, competing personal and professional responsibilities, and smaller average firm size as continuing obstacles to growth. Only 9 percent of women-owned businesses employ others, compared with nearly 20 percent of men-owned businesses—a particularly important divide because businesses that cross that employer threshold tend to generate more revenue, create jobs and contribute to community wealth.

Those national trends provide a backdrop for the women featured in our magazine, whose careers illustrate that there is no single route to leadership. Their experiences touch on many of the themes shaping women’s working lives today: mentorship, flexibility, meaningful work, economic opportunity, and the challenge of building careers that leave room for life outside the office. You’ll also read about Western North Carolina’s growing network of organizations designed to help women pursue their professional goals.  

Now more than ever, the women of Western North Carolina are a crucial part of our region’s economy, using their compassion, strength, and intellect to shape the business landscape. What follows is a non-exhaustive list of regional resources for women in the WNC business world. 

Watauga Women in Leadership (WWIL) is dedicated to empowering women at every career stage through mentorship, networking, and storytelling. “Through networking, educational speakers, mentoring, and storytelling, the group fosters community-driven growth and collective leadership,” said Emma Faulkner, Director of Communications for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce.

The group supports women in business by partnering with the Women of Walker (WOW) program at the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University. This mentorship initiative connects students with established professionals, providing guidance, encouragement, and real-world perspective while strengthening ties between education and the local business community. WWIL also amplifies local voices through its storytelling series, spotlighting women leaders to inspire and connect the broader community.

Members can join Quarterly Coffee Connections, morning networking sessions featuring relevant topics such as resume workshops or women in finance.

“WWIL sets itself apart through its intentional approach,” says Faulkner, “combining mentorship, peer-to-peer support, storytelling, and professional development. It’s not just about networking; it’s about creating a culture of mutual encouragement and ‘sending the elevator back down’ for emerging leaders.”

Learn more at BooneChamber.com/watauga-women-in-leadership

The Caldwell Women’s Forum 

The Caldwell Women’s Forum has built a reputation in Caldwell County as a dynamic hub for connection and encouragement among local women. The organization’s mission is to connect, empower, and support women of Caldwell County by building a strong network of encouragement, leadership, and collaboration.

To accomplish that mission, CWF’s leadership remains responsive to the demands of women’s daily schedules, launching the ConnectHER hour in mid-2026.  The ConnectHER hour occurs once a month with rotating morning, lunchtime, and evening gatherings.  There is no agenda - just time for women to connect with one another and invest in Caldwell’s local businesses.  

The Caldwell Women’s Forum also values the power of collaboration and strives to “add to” existing community initiatives.  Working within the United Way of Caldwell County’s four impact areas (healthy community; youth opportunity; financial security; and community resilience), CWF strategically partners with Caldwell organizations who support projects that enrich lives and improve community outcomes, such as entrepreneurship and workforce preparedness; youth leadership development; family well-being/childcare; foster care/adoption, aging well, and educational attainment.  

Women’s History Month, in March, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in October, hold significance for the Caldwell Women’s Forum.  For the 2026 Women's History Month celebration, a special event entitled, "Women At Work - and the Men Who Wonder What They Do,"  provided a light-hearted look at how successful female and male partners - in work and life - communicate and work well together.  An “All Pink Halloween” celebration - planned in partnership with UNCHealth Caldwell - is the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness event.  More details about special events during March and October, as well other events throughout the year, can be found at CWF’s page on the United Way of Caldwell County website.

No dues or membership fees are required to participate in the Caldwell Women’s Forum, with most events free and open to the public, although registration may be required.  Locations for events vary and are hosted at venues across Caldwell County, intentionally spotlighting and supporting a range of local businesses and community-based organizations. 

“Caldwell Women’s Forum is about bringing our community together for good,” said Kim Case, co-chair of the Forum’s leadership team. “We focus on areas that matter to us all, strive to lift one another up, and have some fun while we do it.”  

Learn more by following Caldwell Women’s Forum on Facebook or sign up for their mailing list by emailing [email protected].

The Beauty Boost Asheville

The Beauty Boost Asheville, led by city owner Lindsay Levine, is creating spaces where women can connect, grow, and truly feel like they belong. Positioned at the intersection of wellness, lifestyle, and community, The Beauty Boost is a community for women to feel empowered, healthy, and beautiful—inside and out. Through thoughtfully curated experiences, the organization inspires connection, confidence, and joy while helping women build meaningful friendships and discover new ways to thrive.

"We believe the right community changes everything," said Levine. "Our mission is to create spaces where women feel empowered, healthy, and beautiful by fostering genuine connection. We want every woman to know she can walk into one of our events exactly as she is, build authentic relationships, discover local businesses she loves, and leave feeling a little more like herself."

That mission comes to life through wellness retreats, fitness events, creative workshops, social gatherings, and networking experiences designed to make meaningful connections feel natural and accessible.

For local businesses, The Beauty Boost offers more than traditional marketing—it creates opportunities to build authentic relationships with an engaged community of women. Through experience stations, partnerships, collaborations, speaking opportunities, and year-round visibility, businesses are able to connect with potential customers in memorable, in-person ways.

"We know that people don't just buy products or services—they connect with people they know, like, and trust," Levine said. "Our goal is to bridge the gap between incredible local businesses and the women who are actively looking for them."

What sets The Beauty Boost apart is its intentional focus on belonging. Every event is designed to feel welcoming, approachable, and fun—whether someone arrives with friends or walks through the doors alone.

With a presence in more than 30 cities nationwide, The Beauty Boost continues to grow its Asheville community while supporting local businesses, encouraging women to try new experiences, and creating spaces where connection happens naturally.

Learn more at TheBeautyBoost.net/Asheville.

Professional Women in Building Council

From the job site to the design studio, women are making their mark across Western North Carolina's residential construction industry. The Professional Women in Building (PWB) Council of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains brings those professionals together to build connections, support one another, and strengthen the industry.

“Construction is a heavily male-dominated field, and you’ve definitely got to prove yourself as a woman,” says Ashley Kepley-Steward, Director of Operations for Alair Asheville | Red Tree. “Not knowing where you’re going to fit in, who’s going to take you seriously, or who’s there to support you can be tough.”

Now nearly 80 members strong, the Council offers opportunities for mentorship, professional development, networking, and leadership. Monthly meetings feature educational programs and industry discussions, while the Council's affiliation with the National Association of Home Builders' Professional Women in Building network gives members access to additional resources and connections at the state and national levels.

Beyond supporting one another, Council members are committed to supporting the community. Through volunteer projects with organizations such as Transformation Village and Babies Need Bottoms, they give their time and talents to help women, children, and families across Western North Carolina. The Council also supports workforce development initiatives that encourage more women to explore careers in residential construction.

“When you can look around and see other women who’ve faced the same challenges, who can say, ‘Hey, I’ve dealt with that too,’ it changes how you show up,” says Kepley-Steward. “Just knowing you belong is powerful.”

Learn more at BABlueRidge.com.

Women for Women Giving Circle

Women for Women is a giving circle that improves the lives of women and girls through the power of collective giving. Membership funds support grants that are distributed throughout WNC to empower women to take action, inspire hope and possibility, and strengthen WNC.

Women for Women hosts social and educational events for members and guests throughout the year. Events are free to attend and open to all women.

Women for Women brings unique opportunities to learn more about regional issues affecting women and girls; make meaningful friendships and professional connections; attend educational and social events; vote to decide how WFW grant funding is distributed; and connect with grantees and see WFW grants in action.

“For 20 years, Women for Women has been committed to improving the lives of women and girls through collective giving resulting in more than $5.75 million in grants,” said Women for Women Chair Jewel Tavener. “I am proud of this remarkable legacy and inspired by the steps we are taking to expand access through new giving levels, strengthen member and grantee engagement, and invest in the tools and resources that will help us grow our impact. I am deeply grateful to every member.”

Power of Women

Power of Women is a community for ambitious women who want big careers, meaningful lives, strong relationships and room to breathe. Founder Hannah Kitt created the community as a place for women navigating the demands of leading, achieving, caring for others and figuring out what comes next. “A place where you don’t have to shrink your ambition or pretend you have it all figured out,” Kitt said.

Power of Women brings women together through in-person experiences, leadership development and coaching, with several ways to get involved. “There’s no one way to be part of Power of Women,” Kitt said. Women can attend a Signature Series event or participate in one of the organization’s coaching communities.

The Table is a weekly group coaching community offering practical tools, conversation and fresh perspective, while the Breadwinners Circle brings four women together with one coach for deeper conversation, accountability and connection. Power of Women also offers one-on-one executive coaching for women who are ready to get clear, make decisions and take charge of what’s next.

The next Signature Series takes place Friday, October 23 at The Restoration Hotel. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and the event concludes by 10:30 a.m. “Come as you are. Get clear on what you want. Build relationships with women who get it,” Kitt said.

Learn more at PowerofWomen.world.

Haywood Chamber of Commerce Women in Business Program

The Haywood Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business (WIB) program continues to provide opportunities for women across Haywood County to connect, learn and grow while building lasting relationships within the business community.

Designed for entrepreneurs, professionals, business owners and community leaders, Women in Business brings together women from a variety of industries and backgrounds. Through educational opportunities, networking events and community partnerships, the initiative encourages both personal and professional development.

"What makes Women in Business special is the authenticity of the connections that are formed," said Emily McCurry, chair of Women in Business and financial advisor with Edward Jones. "People come for the networking, but they stay because they find encouragement, support and genuine relationships."

Throughout the year, Women in Business hosts quarterly meetings featuring speakers and discussions on topics relevant to today's professionals. Quarterly Empower Hour events offer a more informal setting where participants can expand their networks and build relationships with other women throughout the region. Additional Chamber programs, including Leadership Haywood and Insights & Eggs, provide opportunities for continued learning and civic engagement.

Women in Business welcomes all women in the community, regardless of Chamber membership, creating opportunities for broader participation and connection.

"The most valuable thing we can offer one another isn't a business card," McCurry said. "It's a seat at the table, a word of encouragement and the confidence that comes from knowing you belong there."