Facebook COO Partners with Women Business Owners for Better Education

The National Association of Women Business Owners today announced its partnership with LeanIn.org. The two organizations plan to empower women with the tools they need to realize their career and life goals, using a program of education and mentorship. Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook is also on board with the initiative.

Women-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment of the economy and are responsible for employing more than 13 million people. This equates to $1.9 trillion in sales from women-owned businesses yearly. Diane Tomb, President and CEO of NAWBO wants to ensure this trend continues by empowering women entrepreneurs.

Lean in Education is a series of educational material that was developed in conjunction with the Clayman Institute for Gender Research at Stanford University. The program touches on a number of topics important to the day to day aspects of running business, from negotiation skills to team dynamics. Sheryl Sandberg is a co-founder of LeanIn.org and recognizes the unique struggles a female entrepreneur faces.

“For years, women have represented an important part of the workforce, earning 57 percent of undergraduate and 63 percent of masters degrees in the United States today… yet many organizations struggle to attract and retain high-potential women, especially in the most senior roles,” said Sandberg.

LeanIn.Org consists of three integrated programs:

1) Lean In Community brings women and men together to share stories and have daily conversations around topics that will help them achieve their goals.

2) Lean In Education offers access to free online lectures, produced in collaboration with the Clayman Institute for Gender Studies at Stanford University, on topics including creating successful teams, combating gender bias, negotiating, and advocating for your ideas.

3) Lean In Circles are small groups that meet monthly to learn together and share experiences in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust.

“NAWBO is leaning in because we know how much female entrepreneurs have to offer one another. We support Sheryl Sandberg and LeanIn’s mission to connect and support women in all areas and stages of their professional development and are excited to have the opportunity to work with them to encourage and motivate them to reach their full potential,” said Tomb.

Source: www.nawbo.org.