Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD) develops and advances women's leadership to strengthen the economic prosperity of the communities it serves. We provide women with specific tools to enhance their individual economic status, and we build programs, events and a community to support female leadership development and business growth.  WELD is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization.

As we use an image of Rosie, the Riveter in our logo we pay tribute to the women who challenged the traditional perception of women's capabilities in the workplace and in society. Just as Rosie the Riveter and her colleagues broke new ground, our goal is to further the issues of economic development for women. During war time the slogan was, "The More Women at Work, the Sooner We Win." This slogan holds just as true today as it did during Rosie's time.

WELD was founded in Columbus, Ohio in 2003 as a local organization.  It has now grown into a national organization with chapters that offer a robust suite of leadership programs and events.

WELD's Core Values

Collaboration - We are an organization that seeks first to collaborate with other women's organizations to achieve our mission.  We partner with companies in our region and expand bridges to advance women's leadership and women-owned businesses. 

Inclusion - We work with women at all levels of their careers and businesses to help them achieve their professional aspirations.  We seek opportunities to include women of all ethnic diversities and opportunities to partner with men in our strategies for the leadership and economic advancement of women.  

Discipline - We strive for data-rich information to provide the context of our communications on strategies and messaging.  We are process-driven in our approach to maximize the best possible outcomes for delivering results to our key constituents.

Impact

Our programs and events develop women's business and leadership skills, expand their community connections and provide them with opportunities to pay forward their success.

In communities we serve, WELD donates scholarships through our Building Community Bridges program to women striving towards economic independence so that they can attend our programs.

WELD is a volunteer-based organization which provides meaningful opportunities for women to build strong community connections while paying forward their success.  These connections foster new careers and business building opportunities for our volunteers and help women find mentors and sponsors.