Who We Are
The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI) at The University of Texas at Austin is strengthening the next generation of courageous, creative women leaders who will change the world — in business and beyond. Through an environment of community, diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment, we aim to redefine leadership and entrepreneurship by growing the number of women-owned and women-led businesses.
The KS WELI is specifically built to address the barriers women may face in business – whether cultural, financial, or personal. We want to break down those barriers and clear the path for our students. We do so in three distinct ways. First, we empower our students to become leaders and founders - through speakers, role models, visibility, representation, and celebration of success. Second, the KS WELI works to build a community of strong women both within and outside UT. Lastly, we strive to equip our students with hands-on tools, workshops, and curriculum for gaining intentional skills, practice, and internships.
What We Are Fundraising For
The Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute is raising money for:
1. The FoundHER Program
The program spotlights and equips self-identifying women entrepreneurs (students, alumni, and faculty) from The University of Texas at Austin by highlighting their businesses and startups.
2. Student Leadership Opportunities and Professional Development Programs
These opportunities are offered through the Student Board, Student Council and internships within the KS WELI.
3. Mentorship and Programming
Help the KS WELI provide mentorship and programming to facilitate valuable connections and advice to students.
4. KS WELI Sponsored Courses
These courses are interdisciplinary opportunities in leadership, design, and entrepreneurship that equip and empower students through the women's perspective.
5. Signature Events
The KS WELI annual signature events include Women's Summit and International Women’s Day Celebration. Join us at our next event for an inspiring day full of content specifically designed to empower and equip students for the next step in their journey as we grow a community of innovative like-minded women in the entrepreneurial space.
Your Impact
Through your donation, the KS WELI will be able to continue to empower women to lead and encourage the world to follow while equipping the next generation of women founders and leaders.
Learn More
To learn more and discover other ways to get involved with the KS WELI you can visit our website. To see firsthand the impact your donation makes, follow us on social media at @kswelinstitute.
Thank you to everyone for another amazing campaign! Below are the challenge winners for the final hours of the campaign!
Hungry, Hungry Bevo Challenge
1st Place: WINNER UT Men's Ultimate Club
2nd Place: WINNER Texas Trap and Skeet
3rd place: WINNER Longhorn Racing
Final Countdown Challenge
1st Place: WINNER Texas Trap and Skeet
2nd Place: WINNER Texas Crew
3rd place: WINNER The University of Texas Weightlifting Team
Longhorn Pride Social Media Challenge
1st Place: First Gen Equity $1,000 Prize
Runner-up: Texas Taekwondo $250 Prize
State & International Challenge Winners - Check your donor wall these have been awarded!
Leaderboard Challenge Winners - Check the challenges page wall for the final leaderboards. Prizes have been awarded!
Congratulations to our 40 random winners today!