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In this Issue:
* Message from our Founder, Vicki Weiner
* Celebration of WEALF Entrepreneurs and Mentors
* Welcoming New Advisor Dr Iris Billy
* Meet New WEALF Entrepreneur Martina Surrency, Founder D&S Visions Home Improvement LLC
* Meet New WEALF Entrepreneur Lisa Mirabile, Founder of The Patient Palette
* Aliza Carter, The Candy Shop, Burning the Midnight Oil
* Vicki Weiner named one of Crain's New York Business Notable Leader's in Philanthropy
* Entrepreneur News Flashes

Dear WEALF Family,

The first half of 2025 has tested the resilience of many, but if there’s one thing we know, it’s that WEALF women and their mentors are not easily discouraged.

In response to a challenging economic climate and the downturn affecting many small businesses, we made the tough decision to pause new loan applications earlier this year. During that time, interest in our program continued to grow. Over 35 women signed up to be notified when we reopened, and requests for mentoring surged, underscoring what we’ve always known. While access to capital through our loan program is essential, the heart of our work lies in the relationships and guidance our mentors provide.

We continue to attract talented mentors. This year, we welcome Dr. Iris Billy a serial entrepreneur with a passion for education. Her experience as an Assistant Professor at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, a business owner, and consultant brings valuable skills to our team.

As we enter the second half of 2025, the economic outlook for many women remains bleak, but our mission remains strong. That’s why we’re reopening applications and preparing to welcome a new group of women entrepreneurs before year’s end. With your continued support, we know they’ll thrive.

Despite the environment, true to form, WEALF women are boldly moving forward and racking up recognition and accomplishment. From Rachel Simon’s new book launch to Mia Santandrea’s transformative new business partnership, and Jessica Spaulding’s recognition at SCORE’s Small Business Conference, WEALF women and their businesses are growing and being seen and heard.

At the same time, WEALF passed a major milestone: over $1 million in loans disbursed. This spring, we welcomed two new participants—Martina Surrency of D&S Visions Improvement LLC and Lisa Mirabile of The Patient Palette. And I was also deeply honored to be included on Crain’s New York Business 2025 list of Notable Leaders in Philanthropy—recognition that reflects the impact of WEALF’s community and celebrates the success of WEALF’s model

Together, we’re proving that women’s dreams are valid, powerful, and worthy of investment—regardless of age, background, zip code, or country of origin.

Join Us for a Landmark Celebration

WEALF will mark its 10th anniversary with a powerful photography exhibition:
Making It: Portraits of Women Entrepreneurs and their WEALF Mentors photographed by Claire Holt. It’s a celebration of transformation, community, and what’s possible when women are supported. You will be hearing more about this shortly.

Here’s how you can help us make it a success:
* Request our sponsorship prospectus and share it with three people in your network who would love to be part of this story (Email: [email protected])
* Save the date and help us spread the word
* Ask us about volunteer opportunities before, during, and after the event

Let’s come together to celebrate 10 years of economic justice, entrepreneurship, and community-based solutions that work. We can’t wait to see you there.

Sincerely,
Vicki Weiner
Founder, WEALF


** Mark your Calendars!!!
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Making It:
Profiles of WEALF Women and their Mentors

October 22–25, 2025 at Canvas 3.0 in the Oculus Center, Manhattan.
Our inspiring photography exhibit will showcase the stories of our women who have overcome systemic barriers to build thriving businesses with our incredible mentors and all our supporters. It’s a celebration of possibility, resilience, and transformation. Pictured are Narell Vasquez of Full Of Beans Kitchen and her mentor, Sarah Frank.
Photo Credit: Claire Holt
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WELCOMING NEW BOARD MEMBER DR. IRIS BILLY ([link removed]) Dr. Iris Billy is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for education and coaching small business owners. She is a generalist and strategic thinker, with expertise in management/leadership, entrepreneurship, economic development, and diversity management.

Before starting her consultancy business, Iris spent 15 years in the financial industry in the areas of banking, treasury, cash management, and financial analysis for a diverse range of organizations.

Having spent over a decade as a business owner, she understands the issues business owners face. Recognizing the need to help women deal with the sometimes overwhelming prospect of starting a new business while managing a household, she started her entrepreneurship coaching role in 2013. She provides women with mentoring and professional development to assist them in making life-changing decisions.

Iris is an Assistant Professor with Medgar Evers College CUNY, and has served with Medgar for 16 years. She is a published author, public speaker, and advisor to minority and women businesses, corporations, institutions, immigrants, non-profits, and worker organizations. She graduated from Mercy College, NY, and holds a B.S. in Business Administration, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, and graduated with a PhD. in Organizational Leadership/Management.
READ DR BILLY'S BIO ON THE WEALF WEBSITE ([link removed])


** MEET OUR NEW ENTREPRENEURS
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[link removed] SURRENCY D&S HOME IMPROVEMENT VISIONS LLC ([link removed])
D&S Visions Home Improvement LLC offers affordable home renovations for residential homeowners, specializing in remodeling, repairs, and renovations. The company focuses on working with low-to-moderate income families, seniors, and minority communities. This summer, they will launch their new Healthy Homes Program, offering education, free assessments, and minor repairs to improve living conditions. Visit the D&S Visions Home Improvement website to view their full menu of services and see their work.
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LISA MIRABILE, THE PATIENT PALETTE ([link removed]) The Patient Palette is a mental health studio offering art therapy to neurodivergent children, young adults, families & older adults, and their caregivers. With programs in Art Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Music Therapy, and Drama Therapy, The Patient Palette meets patients where they are with a person-first approach to care. Lisa, a graduate of Northeastern University, spent 10 years in the digital marketing field before deciding she wanted to spend less time at a computer screen and more time directly using her artistic skills to reach and assist vulnerable populations. She trained in art therapy and worked as an art therapist in rehabilitation facilities before founding The Patient Palette in 2020. To learn more about the programs offered and their mission of offering more accessibility through creative arts therapy.
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ALIZA CARTER, THE CANDY SHOP, BURNING THE MIDNIGHT OIL ([link removed]) This year Aliza is working overtime to launch her new image and branding, focusing on leisure ware. She was accepted and participated in the Wells Fargo Equitable Access Boost Camp, won a grant from Citizens Committee for New York, and moderated a panel at the WE Connect Event: Wellness & Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs conference.
[link removed] FOUNDER NAMED IN CRAIN'S NEW YORKER BUSINESS NOTABLE LEADERS IN PHILANTHROPY 2025 ([link removed])
Crain’s list recognizes individuals in various roles "who are toiling for the public good, alleviating youth homelessness, servicing families battling illness, supporting the arts and more.”
Vicki Weiner “Scope of work: At Women’s Enterprise Action Loan Fund, which provides no- and low-interest small loans and one-on-one mentoring for eligible entrepreneurial women, Vicki Weiner is developing a unique model of mentoring, low-cost funding, and community-building. She organizes education and networking opportunities and manages more than 30 volunteer mentors.”

SASHA MILLSTEIN ACCEPTED TO GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 SMALL BUSINESS SPRING 2025 COHORT As part of the 12-week program, Sasha, founder of Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies, will have opportunities for networking as well as 10 hours per week of in-person instruction using a curriculum designed by Babson College covering the fundamentals of business, vision & strategy, money & metrics, leadership & results, and management & hiring.

SANT M PARTNERS WITH VERONICA BEARD X The two brands are co-hosting a series of pop-up sales this summer at Veronica Beard locations in Dallas, Palm Beach, New York City, Greenwich, and Georgetown. Join Sant M’s mailing list or visit the company website for complete details. Sant M is founded by WEALF entrepreneur Min Santandrea. [link removed]

JESSICA SPAULDING IS A PANELIST AT SCORE'S SMALL BUSINESS CONFERENCE On May 29th Jessica, the founder of Harlem Chocolate Factory, and two other panelists participated in the Harlem Success Panel, to talk about her successes and the challenges she faces including inflation, immigration, and supply chain issues.
RACHEL SIMONS, FOUNDER OF SEED+MILL, PUBLISHES NEW COOKBOOK. The book, Sesame: Global Recipes + Stories of an Ancient Seed, celebrates the evolution, history, and diversity of sesame, has over 80 recipes. It is filled with vibrant photography, evocative storytelling, and contributions from a slate of noted chefs and food luminaries. It has been named one of the 16 standout cookbooks of spring 2025 by Epicurious and one of The Wall Street Journal's 7 Great Cookbooks From Food Brands. Order your copy of Sesame directly from the Seed+Mill website or Amazon today.

SEED+MILL'S SQUEEZY TAHINI AVAILABLE AT ALL WHOLE FOODS MARKETS All three flavors: original, spicy, & chocolate, are now available at every Whole Foods location nationwide. With over 517+ stores this marks the biggest retail launch for the company to date.

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We have supported more than 150 businesses on their way to success, with countless more to follow. Please consider becoming a DONOR ([link removed]) and introducing us to potential new funders.

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