WECONNECT INTERNATIONAL TO RING THE CLOSING BELL AT NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

(New York, NY)—WEConnect International, a global non-profit that connects women’s business enterprises with global market-access opportunity, announced that its CEO & Co-Founder Elizabeth A. Vazquez will be ringing The Closing Bell of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) this Friday, March 8^th, in celebration of International Women’s Day 2019. WEConnect International corporate member representatives from Accenture, Citi, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Dun & Bradstreet, EY, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Freeport-McMoRan Inc., IBM Corporation, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Kelly Services, Marriott International, Inc., Pfizer, P&G, The Boeing Company, UPS, and others along with certified women’s business enterprisesMediaFace and Lulubelle & Co will join Vazquez in showcasing their enduring commitment to women’s economic participation.

“This International Women’s Day, we are honored to stand with our corporate members on the NYSE Bell Podium to celebrate the power of women business owners to shape a more sustainable, innovative and inclusive world,” says WEConnect International CEO and Co-Founder Elizabeth A. Vazquez. “We know that when women have the knowledge, networks, and assets needed to grow and scale their businesses, they drive innovation, generate wealth, create jobs and help ensure the sustainable prosperity of their communities. That is why our alliance of industry leaders, representing over $1 trillion in annual purchasing power, are committed to women’s economic empowerment through gender-inclusive sourcing. Together, today and every day, we are leveling the playing field to put more money into the hands of women.”

Gender-inclusive sourcing is a key strategy for corporations seeking innovation, competitive advantage, and success in meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base. Yet, while women make or influence the vast majority of purchasing decisions worldwide, research conducted by WEConnect International shows that women-owned businesses earn less than one percent of the money spent on vendors by large organizations.

A live webcast of The Closing Bell ceremony will be available for viewing on NYSE’s Web site (www.nyse.com/bell) beginning at 2:59 p.m. Central time (3:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time).

About WEConnect International

WEConnect International helps women-owned businesses based in over 100 countries succeed in global value chains. It identifies, educates, registers, and certifies women’s business enterprises based outside of the U.S. that are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women, and then connects them with qualified member buyers. This year, WEConnect International is celebrating 10 Years of Impact at their annual Global Awards Gala on April 1^st in Washington, D.C.

For all media inquiries, please contact:

Sarah Priddy

WEConnect International Communications & Event Manager

spriddy@weconnectinternational.org

+1 (208) 571-3271