Women Building Women: Creating Our Own Ecosystem for Success

Women Building Women: Creating Our Own Ecosystem for Success

In a time of transformation, women founders are reshaping the business landscape—together. This dynamic panel brings together self-funded and investor-backed female entrepreneurs to discuss how we can support each other’s growth, access capital, and elevate women-owned businesses. From securing funding to driving economic impact, we’ll explore the layers of building a sustainable, women-powered ecosystem. Join us for an honest conversation on collaboration, investment, and the future of female-led innovation.

WHO WE ARE

Catherine Cassidy, Founder of Boutique Box, has spent 22 years in the fashion industry, with 16 dedicated to helping women leaders elevate their style for career success. Through Boutique Box, she connects professional women with high-quality, well-fitting clothing from emerging female designers, creating a collaborative model that supports both consumers and entrepreneurs. Catherine is hosting this event to spark a conversation about how women can uplift each other—through funding, mentorship, and business support—to build a stronger, more sustainable ecosystem for female founders and leaders.

FEATURING

Samantha Dong is the Founder and CEO of Ally Shoes, a fashion brand revolutionizing women’s footwear with pain-free, stylish heels. After a foot injury left her struggling to find comfortable shoes, she partnered with designer Sara Jaramillo and podiatric expert Dr. Roxann Clarke to create heels that combine luxury with science. Ally Shoes is dedicated to empowering women on the move through innovative, pain-free designs. With a focus on intentional craftsmanship, the brand continues to disrupt the footwear industry by making comfort and style accessible to all women.

Deida Massey, a Southside Chicago native, is a celebrated makeup artist and entrepreneur with over 25 years in TV and film. She has worked on major productions like Divergent, Chi-Raq, Transformers 3, and Chicago Fire, where she spent seven years as a Key Makeup Artist. Beyond her artistry, she is the Founder and CEO of Reel Beauty, Inc., a nonprofit empowering young girls in Chicago and internationally, and Bixa Beauty, Inc., a vegan-friendly luxury beauty brand that supports educational initiatives in Tanzania. A published author and business owner, Deida continues to break barriers in beauty, film, and philanthropy while striving for an Emmy and Oscar in makeup artistry.

Enjoy sips and snacks while networking with impact driven women and trying on your next level with Boutique Box designers Chloe Kristyn and Ally Shoes.

Ticket sales benefit Step Up Women's Network: https://www.suwn.org/

Host or Publisher Catherine Cassidy x Boutique Box: Empowering women with intelligent style