How The New digitalundivided x Cosmopolitan Partnership Helps WOC Leaders

A new C-suite initiative and joint collaboration between non-profit organization digitalundivided and fashion and entertainment magazine Cosmopolitan is highlighting and connecting women of color (WOC) entrepreneurs with broader audiences.

By celebrating their innovations and showcasing their leadership, the initiative underscores how their ideas and expertise are shaping the future of industries on a global scale.

Each year, a panel of judges from digitalundivided, Cosmopolitan, and Hearst select entrepreneurs whose work is designed to make a difference across industries such as technology, fashion, beauty, education, and social impact.

These women not only have an innovative spirit, but they’re also spearheading transformation in their respected areas of expertise by raising millions in funding and partnering with prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

This new partnership was created with the goal to create positive attention for entrepreneurs who are often overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream media according to Cosmopolitan. By creating a new platform dedicated to showcasing WOC founders, it has opened more opportunities for them to share their journeys and ideas with a greater audience according to digitalundivided.

These are the 2024 honorees: 

• Katie Disati, Founder of Viv
• Edna Martinson, Co-Founder of Boddle Learning
• Kim Baker, Founder and CEO of Glamazon Beauty
• Julia Somerdin, Co-Founder and CEO of Labby
• Taylor Shead, Founder and CEO of Stemuli
• Givona Sandiford, Founder and CEO of Melospeech Inc.
• Betsy Fore, Founding partner of Velveteen Ventures
• Michele Zhu, Co-Founder and CEO of Huue
• Arianna Davis, Founder of STRIPT
• Joshe Ordonez, Founder and CEO of Airpals

The 2024 judges are: 

• Jessica Giles, Former Editor-in-Chief of Cosmopolitan
• Leah Williams, CEO of digitalundivided 
• Lisa Burton, Vice President and investor of HearstLab
• Patricia Mota, President and CEO of Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement; digitalundivided board member

Digitalundivided is a non-profit organization focused on providing access to resources, mentorship, and funding to uplift entrepreneurship in diverse communities, according to its website.

It works in partnership with Cosmopolitan, one of the most widely-read national publications averaging 72 million readers per month, which provides the additional support of a bigger audience. Through this collaboration, digitalundivided is able to utilize the reach of the media to address and inform readers about the historical lack of visibility of WOC entrepreneurs and help elevate their voices. 

The new C-suite initiative is a call to action and an invitation for readers to recognize, support, and celebrate the achievements of WOC entrepreneurs. As the US continues to improve workplace conditions, where equity and inclusion are top-of-mind, this program serves as a timely reminder of the importance of amplifying marginalized voices.

This latest launch not only highlights the incredible accomplishments of the 2024 cohort but also encourages others to actively participate in creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether through mentorship, funding, or public support, every act of recognition contributes to the broader movement for equity in business.