The Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship in the College of Business at the Â鶹ӳ» hosted the 2025 International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium (IWES), with Teaching Associate Professor Armina Karapetian leading the event. IWES brings together women leaders who share their experiences in leadership, business and entrepreneurship with faculty, students, staff and members of the entrepreneurial community. Held annually around International Women’s Day, the event aims to inspire and empower women leaders across Northern Â鶹ӳ».
“I have had the privilege of leading the International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium over the last three years, and it has been nothing short of amazing,” said Karapetian,
“Every new conversation and collaboration reaffirm just how powerfully women can shape crucial dialogues and develop real-world solutions.”
In past years, the Ozmen Center has welcomed a diverse lineup of inspiring women entrepreneurs and community leaders, including CEOs, marketing experts and nonprofit executives who have shared their journeys and insights with IWES participants.
This year, College of Business Dean Gregory Mosier introduced speaker . She gave a presentation on how she grew from being a shy individual who was too timid to place a pizza order to becoming a successful keynote speaker, author and leadership and confidence coach.
Each attendee received a free copy of her book “Let’s Go” and were provided a worksheet to answer questions on what takes to have more confidence, be a better leader and take care of one’s own health.
“It has been a personal joy to witness IWES reach more people with each year. Every time we welcome new participants and hear their stories, I am reminded that, when we come together, we can spark positive change in our community and around the world,” said Karapetian.
Her sentiment was echoed by Mehmet Tosun, director of the Ozmen Center for Entrepreneurship, who highlighted the program's growing significance within the center. “The IWES program has become an integral part of our Ozmen Center activities. I congratulate Armina Karapetian and all the organizers and participants of this year’s IWES event. It is an absolute pleasure to see this high level of interest,” said Tosun.
That enthusiasm extends to the event staff as well. Administrative Assistant Ashley Melendez shared her personal connection to the event and said, “IWES is one of my favorite events to work in because I leave the event feeling inspired with my goals as a leader and as a woman entrepreneur and musician. Thank you to the College of Business leaders and administrative staff for making IWES an uplifting and fun event.”
