The Angel Next Door

Innovation in Action: Dr. Shakenna Williams Shares Babson’s Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Episode Summary

What if the key to unlocking a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem lies not just in funding, but in research, mentorship, and global collaboration? On this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Dr. Shakenna Williams, Executive Director of the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College, to discuss the center’s 25-year evolution and its impactful work supporting women and allies in entrepreneurship. Dr. Williams leads initiatives ranging from student and founder support to global research through Babson’s accelerator and the Diana International Research Institute. She sheds light on how Babson’s blend of mentorship, education, and research is empowering new generations of entrepreneurs while challenging and refining the statistics around women’s access to venture capital. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in building a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. You’ll hear practical insights on the importance of research-driven programs, mentorship dos and don’ts, and what’s next for global women’s entrepreneurship—making it essential for founders, investors, and ecosystem builders alike.

Episode Notes

What if the key to unlocking a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem lies not just in funding, but in research, mentorship, and global collaboration? On this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia Dawood sits down with Dr. Shakenna Williams, Executive Director of the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College, to discuss the center’s 25-year evolution and its impactful work supporting women and allies in entrepreneurship.

Dr. Williams leads initiatives ranging from student and founder support to global research through Babson’s accelerator and the Diana International Research Institute. She sheds light on how Babson’s blend of mentorship, education, and research is empowering new generations of entrepreneurs while challenging and refining the statistics around women’s access to venture capital.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in building a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. You’ll hear practical insights on the importance of research-driven programs, mentorship dos and don’ts, and what’s next for global women’s entrepreneurship—making it essential for founders, investors, and ecosystem builders alike.

 

To get the latest from Dr. Shakenna Williams, you can follow her below!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshakennawilliams/

https://www.babson.edu/womens-leadership-institute/about-us/dr-shakenna-k-williams/

 

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