MasterCard Worldwide, the recent platinum sponsor of UConn’s third annual Women Entrepreneurs Empowerment Forum, has been a long-time champion of women in the workplace.

In addition to offering a powerful mentoring program to help women advance up the career ladder within its own company, MasterCard also monitors gender issues around the globe.

The company’s Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) is more than 1,000-members strong, with international participation, and its mission is to advance women’s careers and performance through a culture of coaching and mentoring, said Eileen Simon, executive sponsor of the WLN and chief franchise integrity officer at MasterCard.

“MasterCard has been on the forefront of promoting and monitoring opportunities for women, and each year we publish a Global Index of Women’s Advancement where we track the progress of gender parity in employment, education and leadership,” she said.

“MasterCard has been on the forefront of promoting and monitoring opportunities for women, and each year we publish a Global Index of Women’s Advancement where we track the progress of gender parity in employment, education and leadership.”
-Eileen Simon, Chief Executive Sponsor of Women’s Leadership Network and Franchise Integrity Officer, MasterCard 

In addition, the company’s Center for Inclusive Growth supports several women’s initiatives, including the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, which is a national leader in guiding young adults interested in entrepreneurship. The company also partners with Women 2.0, to host networking events in the U.S. and Europe. And, MasterCard’s Connectors Project investigates the path to economic inclusion for women and families in the developing world. The Connectors are mentors and role models who provide inspiration, opportunities and resources, she said.

MasterCard was pleased to support the Sept. 18 program at the UConn Stamford campus, that unites women entrepreneurs with the resources they need to begin or expand their businesses, Simon said. Luncheon keynote speaker Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine and editorial director of Hearst Magazines brings career knowledge and expertise, as well as personal advice, to women through the magazine, which she has worked diligently to transform.

Recognized for her leadership in the world of journalism, Coles has been named one of the most powerful magazine editors by Forbes and has won many other accolades. In addition to her professional duties, Coles mentors women, serving on the board of Women Entrepreneurs New York City, an initiative to expand entrepreneurship, with a special focus on underserved women and communities.

See also: Cosmo Editor Shares Advice: Work Becomes Easier When You Get to the Top