Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute

$780

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This campaign ended on May 08, 2025, but you can still make a gift to University of Texas at Austin by clicking here!

About

The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI) acts as the support layer to level the playing field for our founders, funders, and operators to build the highest-impact ecosystem in the world.

Spring 2025 KS WELI Founder Program Cohort

Our north star is to grow the number of women-owned and women-led businesses out of the University of Texas through high-impact programming and high-value support. The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at the University of Texas at Austin will strengthen the next generation of leaders who will change the world --- In business and beyond.

SHEspeaks 2024 — Fall 2024 KS WELI Founders at the October SHEspeaks Event

The KS WELI is fundraising to support the expansion of entrepreneurship programming across campus. By supporting KS WELI, you support early-stage founders, up-and-coming leaders, and engaged alumni who directly empower our current students. We seek to support our founders' investment in expanding their businesses from UT and beyond.

Hook Em House 2025 — KS WELI Interns Kayla Akly '25 (left) and Kena Desai '25 (right) speaking at UT Hook 'Em House 2025

A donor's gift to KS WELI would expand opportunities for mentors to support the Founders, increase the funds available to expand our programming across campus and help us to engage more with the outside community. A gift would help us to grow the number of women-led businesses from UT to transform lives for the benefit of society, creating a more significant impact in Texas and around the world.

Riya Patel's KS WELI experience — Riya Patel '24, speaking with CBS Austin about her KS WELI experience.

"When I first arrived at UT, I was searching to discover a community that felt like home and embraced me with open arms. KS WELI emerged as the empowering community I was seeking, where I found myself surrounded by inspiring women. Seeing a room filled with women leaders fueled my motivation, creating a vibrant atmosphere encouraging growth and ambition. A pivotal moment was my interview with Kendra on CBS Austin News and the opportunity to take her class. Kendra’s teachings became a guiding light to my personal growth. Through KS WELI, I found a community and a source of inspiration that has become an integral part of my journey at UT.”

Riya Patel ’24, Spring 2024 KS WELI Founder Program Participant