Don’t miss the USPTO’s free online 2021 Women's Entrepreneurship Symposium (WES). Discover the resources and services available to assist and support women inventors and entrepreneurs. Register for this special event.

Tune in to the webcast on Wednesday, March 3.

At the WES you’ll have the chance to:

• Learn about navigating today’s changing marketplace and the challenges and opportunities for women to succeed
• Hear about ongoing efforts to bring more women into the innovation ecosystem
• Hear personal stories from senior USPTO officials and other intellectual property experts

Program agenda

(All times ET)

12:30-12:35 p.m.: Welcome and overview

Cara Duckworth, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, USPTO

12:35 – 1 p.m.: Fireside chat: Advancing the role of women in the intellectual property ecosystem

Wynn Coggins, Acting Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce

Moderator:

• Coke Morgan Stewart, Performing the functions and duties of the Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO

1:05–2 p.m.: Always dancing: Entrepreneurship and the art of the pivot. Gain insights from women entrepreneurs on when a change in direction may be necessary for a company and some key considerations for a successful pivot.

Moderator:

• Elizabeth L. Dougherty, Eastern Regional Outreach Director, USPTO

Panelists:

• Jennifer Camacho, Founder and Principle Member, Taitle LLC and Member, Patent Public Advisory Committee (PPAC), USPTO
• Kimberly Meckwood, Owner and Inventor, Click & Carry, Inc.
• Molly Kocialski, Regional Director, Rocky Mountain Regional Office, USPTO

2:05–3 p.m.: Creating a pathway to innovation. Hear from diversity champions who will share their insights on creating a more inclusive innovation community.

Moderator:

• Valencia Martin Wallace, Deputy Commissioner for Patents, USPTO

Panelists:

• Holly Fechner, Partner, Covington & Burling, LLP
• Suzanne Harrison, Founder of The Gathering
• Dara Kendall, Vice President & Associate General Counsel, Global Fabric & Home Care at The Procter & Gamble Company

3–3:05 p.m.: Wrap-up

NaThanya Ferguson, Office of Innovation Outreach, Manager, Office of the Chief Communications Officer, USPTO

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The Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium is presented by the USPTO's Office of Innovation Outreach.

For questions or assistance, please contact WES@USPTO.GOV.

Find more WES events coming up in March on the USPTO event page.