Sofia hosted a remarkable gathering of visionaries and leaders this past week at Clinton Global Initiative’s 2024 meeting, “Breaking Barriers: Investing in Women Entrepreneurs.” The event at the prestigious National Palace of Culture was dedicated to supporting and empowering female entrepreneurs. Attendees experienced a dynamic lineup of speeches, round tables, and networking opportunities aimed at advancing CGI’s work supporting female business leaders.
Welcome Speech by Kiril Domuschiev
The summit commenced with an enthusiastic welcome from Kiril Domuschiev, co-founder of Domuschiev Impact and CEO of Huvepharma. Domuschiev’s opening remarks highlighted the critical need for increased funding and support for female entrepreneurs. He emphasized the economic and social benefits of empowering women in business. He noted, “In every corner of the world, entrepreneurs serve as a catalyst for innovation and progress, driving economies forward and transforming societies. Yet, even today, the voices of women entrepreneurs are often left unheard.”
Domuschiev also highlighted investing in women-led ventures is not only a matter of equity but a strategic imperative for economic growth and innovation. “Part of our mission at Domuschiev Impact is to work to create a path for the advancement of women. Across our entire portfolio at Advanced Properties, including Huvepharma, we acknowledge our responsibility as businessmen to foster and promote female leaders. By ensuring their voices are heard, we enrich the business ecosystem, unlocking new perspectives, markets, and opportunities.”
Keynote Address by Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton
One of the summit’s most anticipated moments was Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton’s inspiring keynote address. Secretary Clinton delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking speech, underscoring the importance of gender equality in entrepreneurship.
She shared personal anecdotes and insights, illustrating women’s barriers and the resilience required to overcome them. Noting that when women thrive, communities and economies thrive, the Secretary remarked, “Unlocking women’s full participation in the workforce lifts the economic well-being of a society as a whole.”
Panel Sessions and Presentations
Secretary Clinton and President Vjosa Osmani of the Republic of Kosovo sat down to discuss breaking down the barriers that hold women back and unlocking their full potential. President Osmani explained, “empowering women economically goes beyond their personal success but leads to the advancement of societies and other individuals.”
Following the fireside chat were two CGI Commitment to Action progress reports with Jocelyn Mangan, Founder and CEO of Him for Her, and Elpida Kokkota, Founder and CEO of Mexoxo.
Mangan noted in her presentation the importance of a diversified corporate board. Noting that while “the solution is simple, the work is difficult.” During Kokkota’s impactful and inspiring presentation, she reminded the audience to “hold tight to the fight that no girl ever be told she is insignificant, because she is not.”
During the event’s last panel discussion, Cherie Blair, Founder of Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, Jessica Espinoza from 2X Global, and Ozlem Denizmen of Monay, discussed supporting women’s entrepreneurship. Moderated by Secretary Clinton, the panel provided valuable insights and actionable strategies for both entrepreneurs and investors, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to support women’s entrepreneurship.
Executive Round Table
The executive round table brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, investors, and successful female entrepreneurs. The panel, moderated by Iceland’s First Lady Eliza Reid, discussed strategies for increasing investment in women-led startups and the importance of mentorship and support networks. Key topics included overcoming funding gaps, leveraging technology, and fostering inclusive corporate cultures.
Student Networking Event and Q&A with Secretary Clinton
As part of Domuschiev Impact’s commitment to action, the organization is dedicated to fostering and inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs. As such, the organization has sponsored local Bulgarian students to attend CGI University 2024, a program designed to identify and develop future global leaders. Through a highly competitive process, Domuschiev Impact announced that 70 percent of the selected students this year were female.
Selected participants were invited to a networking event and a lively Q&A session with Secretary Clinton. Clinton addressed questions on various topics, from leadership to overcoming challenges in business. Clinton’s candid responses and encouragement left a lasting impression on the students, inspiring them to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with confidence and determination.
Looking Forward
As the CGI Bulgaria 2024 concluded, attendees felt a palpable sense of optimism and determination. The event highlighted the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs and showcased the incredible potential and innovation that women bring to the business world. The summit took significant steps toward creating a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and support.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all speakers, panelists, volunteers, and attendees who contributed to the success of this event.
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