IWEC Founded: First Conference Hosted in Barcelona, Spain
IWEC was officially founded with its first annual conference hosted by the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce in Spain—setting the foundation for a global women entrepreneur network.
Our History
Our History
In the early 2000s, Miquel Valls, then President of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, visited India on a trade mission and was deeply inspired by the leadership and entrepreneurial excellence of women in FLO (FICCI’s Women’s Wing). On returning to Barcelona, he envisioned an international initiative to promote the economic empowerment of women business owners, beginning with India, and expanding into a broader global collaboration through chambers of commerce. To bring this vision to life, Adela Subirana partnered with Ambassador Ruth A. Davis in the United States to identify a collaborating organization. Their efforts led to a partnership with Nancy Ploeger (then President of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce) and Sunita Bajaj, who immediately recognized the potential of the initiative and joined the effort.
In 2007, three successful women entrepreneurs from India were honored at the first annual conference in Barcelona, officially launching the International Women’s Entrepreneurial Challenge (IWEC) and establishing a unique model for building a global network of women business leaders through chambers of commerce. The annual conference expanded internationally from 2008 onward, and what began as an informal collaboration evolved into the internationally recognized IWEC Foundation, formally established in 2014. IWEC proudly acknowledges its founders—the late Miquel Valls, Ambassador Ruth A. Davis, Adela Subirana, Nancy Ploeger, and Sunita Bajaj—whose vision and dedication shaped the foundation’s global legacy.
2007
2008
Global Expansion Begins: IWEC Extends Footprint in Africa
With support from the U.S. Department of State, IWEC began expanding its presence and initiatives into Africa, strengthening its international outreach.
2009
IWEC Reaches Five Continents with Australia’s First Awardee
IWEC’s network expanded across five continents as the first businesswoman from Australia received an IWEC Award, highlighting the truly global nature of the initiative.
2010
IWEC Launches Global Ambassador Program
IWEC introduced its Global Ambassador Program to provide peer-to-peer mentoring and to expand business development opportunities at both regional and national levels.
2010
Growth into New Regions: Southern Africa & Central Asia
IWEC expanded further, strengthening participation and partnerships across Southern Africa and Central Asia as part of its growing international reach.
2015
IWEC Foundation Becomes a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit in New York
IWEC Foundation achieved formal nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in New York City, supporting structured global growth and long-term impact.
2016
Royal Leadership Joins: HRH Princess Noor Asem of Jordan
Her Royal Highness Princess Noor Asem of Jordan joined the IWEC Foundation Board, further strengthening IWEC’s global leadership and influence.
2017
10-Year Celebration: Microsoft Hosts the Anniversary Conference
IWEC celebrated its 10th anniversary with an Annual Conference hosted by Microsoft at its U.S. headquarters in Redmond, Washington, attracting over 260 attendees.
2019
Board Leadership: Ibukun Awosika Becomes President of the Board
Ibukun Awosika—one of IWEC’s earliest awardees—joined the IWEC Foundation as President of the Board of Directors, supporting global strategy and leadership.
2020
IWEC Conferences Held Virtually Due to COVID-19
Due to the global COVID pandemic, IWEC conducted its annual conferences virtually in order to continue connecting women entrepreneurs worldwide.
2021
Virtual Conferences Continue Amid Global Pandemic
IWEC continued its annual conference format online to ensure consistent engagement, learning, and global networking for members and awardees.
2023
Ambassador Ruth A. Davis retired as IWEC Chairwoman, marking the beginning of a new phase in IWEC’s leadership.
IWEC has entered a new leadership phase with Ibukun Awosika appointed as Chairwoman following the retirement of Ambassador Ruth A. Davis. Pooja Chandra Pama and Harjinder Kaur have been named Co-Vice Chairwomen, and Sunita Bajaj has been appointed IWEC President.
2024
Alliance with ACE Health Foundation as a Partner Organization
The IWEC Foundation is proud to announce its alliance with the ACE Health Foundation as a valued partner organization, strengthening our global network and supporting our shared mission to empower and promote women-owned businesses worldwide.
2025
IWEC’s First Southeast Asia Meet
IWEC successfully hosted its first Southeast Asia Meet, organized by the Co-Vice Chairwoman of IWEC, Harjinder Kaur, in collaboration with FICCI India and IWEC Chairwoman Ibukun Awosika, marking a key milestone in expanding IWEC’s engagement across the Southeast Asian region.