About the WPO

Ambition is what got you to where you are today, but collective wisdom will take you even farther. The WPO is an environment where women business leaders access the very thing we find missing no matter how much we’ve achieved: the understanding, support, and counsel of entrepreneurial equals.

 

We have made it our mission to assemble that peer group, and because we’ve witnessed—for over a quarter of a century—how big an impact it can make in the lives of our members, we’re always looking for new ways to share the wealth of our combined experience, to learn from unique perspectives, and to listen to fresh voices.

 

We are quick to offer perspective or extend a confident hand, recognizing the strength in vulnerability. We’ve seen what the world has to offer, and we believe in sharing those insights with women who will take them to new heights.

 

Welcome to the WPO.

The WPO at a Glance

The WPO is an environment where women business leaders access the very thing we find missing no matter how much we’ve achieved: the understanding, support, and counsel of entrepreneurial equals. We have made it our mission to assemble that peer group because we’ve witnessed—for a quarter of a century—how big an impact it can make in the lives of our members.

2,000+

MEMBERS

Women entrepreneurs leading companies.

145+

CHAPTERS

Meeting monthly in-person or virtually across 10+ countries.

$16.7

MILLION

Average revenue of WPO member companies in 2024.

75

EMPLOYEES

Average number of employees in member companies.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Strength in Vulnerability

Members meet in a safe, energizing, professionally-facilitated environment with their non-competitive entrepreneurial peers. Here, they are free to address financial concerns, organizational development, hiring and firing, and other commonly shared issues. Members are quick to offer perspective or extend a confident hand to help each other grow their business, achieve their goals, and experience game–changing breakthroughs.

Take the Next Step

As part of our diverse and experienced global membership, you can explore options, weigh alternatives, and gather perspectives. Through connection and shared wisdom, your needs as a business leader are addressed and your whole person is recognized.

Get Access. Find Inspiration. Make an Impact.

Join our trusted network of accomplished women entrepreneurs who understand your challenges, celebrate your successes, and help you push beyond limits to navigate your next big move.

APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP

WPO has opened up a whole new world of strong, successful like-minded female businesswomen. Never having a peer group in business before joining WPO has been transformative and impacted my ability to grow and scale the business.

NASUTSA MABWA

CEO, ServiceMaster Restoration

Our Founder

Dr. Marsha Firestone founded the WPO in 1997 after previously serving as Vice President of Women Inc. and as Vice President of Training and Counseling at the American Woman’s Economic Development Corporation (AWED). In 2003, she was appointed to the National Women's Business Council.

She is the author of The Busy Woman’s Guide to Successful Self-Employment, has published research in business and educational journals, and is a frequent guest speaker.

Dr. Firestone earned her PhD in Communication from Columbia University and is an expert in adult learning theory, nonverbal communication, and managerial competency.