StitchCrew’s Future of Women at Work program looks to catalyze women-owned businesses building solutions in the care economy and future of work.
StitchCrew, an organization providing grants and resources to the new majority entrepreneurs, proudly announced the five entrepreneurs selected for its 2024 Future of Women at Work program. Selected participants each received a $10,000 grant, access to a community of like-minded women, and a range of opportunities, including investor introductions and a VEST membership.
“Without caregivers, our economy simply cannot function. Yet, we continue to undervalue this essential work and fail to provide adequate support systems. This disproportionately impacts women, who have historically shouldered the majority of caregiving responsibilities.” said Erika Lucas, Co-Founder of StitchCrew and General Partner at VEST Her Ventures. “This unequal distribution of labor has been a significant barrier to women’s economic mobility, as it limits their ability to fully participate in the workforce, advance their careers, and maximize their earning potential.”
Boston Consulting Group, predicts the U.S. will lose about $290 billion a year in GDP in 2030 and beyond if we fail to fix the critical care crisis.
StitchCrew’s Future of Women at Work participants included:
Carefully, led by Leslie Borrell, is a platform transforming the way parents find and provide childcare by helping them build their own care circles, exchange care with other parents, earn credits, and access vetted professionals.
EmTech Care Labs, led by Aarabi Balasubramanian, is a Care-Wallet and a guided family caregiving platform, helping caregivers simplify managing care expenses and finding healthcare benefits to reduce cost.
GeekPack, led by Julia Taylor, is a skills training platform empowering women with the skills, tools and confidence they need to reach their full career potential.
TheraMotive, led by Dr. Lola Omishore, is addressing care deserts through its innovative AI and VR-powered mobile clinics. These adaptable clinics move with healthcare providers, enabling them to deliver care to patients regardless of location, breaking down geographic barriers to essential services.
Transition, led by Kayla Wright-Jackson, is a workforce platform bridging the gap between healthcare education and employment, enhancing job readiness and placement success for care professionals.
Participants traveled to New Mexico, for an in-person retreat to discuss strategies for building the essential care infrastructure that will support the future of work and more flexible work environments. In collaboration with the Albuquerque Film and Music Experience Festival (AFMX 2024), StitchCrew and VEST Her Ventures hosted a private event where festival attendees and local stakeholders had the opportunity to meet the five program participants and learn more about their companies.
StitchCrew and VEST were also featured at an AFMX 2024 Center Stage Panel where they highlighted the importance of investing in women entrepreneurs, including those in the film and creator economies. Watch the Center Stage Conversation here.
StitchCrew's Future of Women at Work Program is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including BMO, Inasmuch Foundation, Google, Kirkpatrick Foundation, and VEST Her Ventures. For more information, visit www.StichCrew.com
About StitchCrew
StitchCrew is an organization building a more equitable economy by designing programs that democratize capital, resources and networks for the new majority. Since its launch in 2017, StitchCrew has supported more than 220 businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. To learn more, visit: https://www.stitchcrew.com/
About VEST Her Ventures
VEST, a peer network and investment fund for women, invests in women-led companies building the future of work and care infrastructure needed to unlock women's labor participation, career potential, and lifetime earnings. VEST also connects and provides executive coaching to women professionals across industries, regions, and career levels. Learn more at www.VESTHer.co.