Edition No 176. The narrative changes as we grow.

DEAR WOMEN WHO DO,

This week’s hot-button topics are centered around technology growth, DEI, and finance. That’s why we sat down with Ukonwa Ojo, the former CMO of Amazon Prime, to discuss career pivots and her venture studio. We also explore the fundamentals of Al models and gain valuable insights from Arielle Patrick on bridging the DEl gap.

WIE SUITE WOMAN?

Ukonwa Ojo on Career Switching and Why She Built Her Venture Studio Fund

Ukonwa Ojo's remarkable career spans 27 years across diverse industries, with notable positions including Global Chief Marketing Officer and US General Manager at Amazon Prime Video & Studios, M.A.C Cosmetics, and Coty Consumer Beauty.

"My secret to career switching is to make sure it is led by a deep sense of purpose and that each move is orchestrated to bring you closer to the center of who you are. On a pragmatic level, I always recommend people live below their means, so they are able to amass a reserve of resources that make it possible for them to take career risks."

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WIE SUITE EVENTS

AI Model Architecture: A Lay Person's Guide to Unlocking the Secrets of How Machines Learn

From predicting our Netflix choices to driving cars, AI powers technologies that are woven into our daily lives. But how do these machines "think?" At the core of their intelligence lies something called model architecture — the blueprint for how an AI system is built to process information and deliver results.

Whether you're new to AI or just curious, here's your guide to understanding the basics and working effectively with different AI models.

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MASTERCLASS

Arielle Patrick on Bridging the DEI Gap: Aligning Leadership Vision with Employee Understanding

Arielle Patrick is Chief Communications Officer of Ariel Investments, a global asset management firm.

“DEI is not dead. What is dead is cheap DEI—performative DEI and DEI without heft, meaning, or measurable impact.”

Despite facing growing skepticism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) remains a critical agenda item for most Fortune 500 boardrooms. While corporate directors view DEI as a strategic priority that drives innovation and mitigates risk, many employees see these initiatives as superficial, politically driven, or irrelevant to their daily roles. This misalignment threatens to undermine the progress DEI efforts aim to achieve.

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MUST READ?

OUR WEEKEND READING LIST.?

3 reasons why businesses should invest in women’s sports now (World Economic Forum)

Female founders just took in their smallest share of VC deals in five years (Pitchbook)

Why Investing in Women Entrepreneurs is Key to Social Impact: an Interview with International Finance Corporation's Hela Cheikhrouhou (Harvard Business Review)

COMMUNITY NEWS

• Zillow Group hires Zuhairah Washington as senior vice president of Market Operations and Flex general manager.
• CEO Clare Vivier supports LA fires with release of new t-shirts and hats.
• New York Assembly member Grace Lee helps pass bill for Lunar New Year.

UPCOMING EVENT

Goal Setting for Go-Getters

Join Tanya Van Court, a fintech trailblazer and entrepreneur, for an empowering Masterclass on setting and achieving transformative goals. In this session, Tanya will share her proven goal-setting framework —raising capital as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry, navigating challenges to build a nationally recognized brand, and disrupting the fintech space with innovation and purpose. This 50-minute session will leave you inspired and armed with practical tools to break barriers, overcome adversity, and create a bold vision for your future. RSVP