It felt like more than just an event. On the evening of June 5th, nearly 100 women gathered at the Latino Founders and Continuous Solutions HQ for a gathering that was buzzing with energy, intention, and a shared desire to break down barriers around capital.

Together with our co-hosts — Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), Latino Founders, and Metro Region Innovation Hub — we set out to create a space where women could show up fully, ask bold questions, and walk away with practical insights on how to fund and grow their businesses. And that’s exactly what happened.

A Panel Full of Power Moves

The night kicked off with a dynamic conversation moderated by longtime Xcelerate Women coach Mia Birk, who guided a brilliant panel featuring Kerri Leathers Izunagbara, Leticia Lares, Marquita Jaramillo, Charlene LaFountain, and Jill Kuehler.

No topic was off limits — from bootstrapping and bank loans to building relationships with investors and avoiding pitfalls. Panelist Kerri Leathers kept it real with her candid advice: “Don’t do it [take on investors]. Bootstrap for as long as possible.” And when Mia reminded us that “you have to own your finances — top to bottom,” the entire room nodded in agreement.

The crowd wasn’t just listening. They were leaning in. Hungry for knowledge. Ready to do the work.

As one attendee shared, “Startup capital events usually focus only on VCs and angels. It was refreshing to have debt funding so strongly represented. The reality is, that’s how most women finance their businesses — and we need to talk about it.”

Breakouts That Buzzed

After the panel, the room transitioned into small group breakout sessions with capital mentors including Kathryn Latham, Brianne Mees, Lori Spencer, Paula Luan Phillips, Kyle Lovell, Gini Ryles and Josie Ruiz. These intimate conversations were full of generosity, encouragement, and clarity.

Matea Ivanovic, Xcelerate’s Program Manager, noted that the breakout structure “encouraged a kind of directness and generosity in conversations that you don’t always see in less structured networking events.”

And, of Course, the Vibes

We couldn’t have done it without our incredible co-hosts and sponsors, who infused the event with joy, flavor, and celebration—from beautifully crafted mocktails by Urban River Spirits and wine donated by Sokol Blosser Winery, to delicious catering by La Casa de Mamá and cocktails by Freeland Spirits (yes, The Dancing Queen was a hit), all topped off with coffee swag boxes from Bambuza.

Guests mingled, connected, and raved about the food and drinks — and the deeper sense of community that filled the room.

What We Heard (And Felt)

“It was soul-stirring to hear so many voices echo the same mantra: be scrappy, be ready to work, and bootstrap when you can.” — Nyah Zarate, Continuous Solutions

“When women are given the right tools, network, and support, they raise capital and raise the bar.” — Caitlin Vargas, EmpowerPitch

“There is no right way to grow a business, but there is a right way to grow your business.” — Kathryn Latham, VC Mentor

Across every conversation, the message was clear:
There’s no single path to funding, but there are many ways to access capital that fits your business and goals. When we create space for women to explore those options — without judgment, with community — powerful clarity and confidence follow.

Thank You

A huge thank you to our Annual Partners whose support makes events like this possible:
Business Oregon, Prosper Portland, Washington County, Oregon Community Foundation, Henry Lea Hillman, Jr. Foundation, PGE Foundation, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Key Bank, PNC Bank, Port of Portland, Verizon, Market of Choice, House of Commons, and VIDA Coworking.

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Browse through our photos below to relive Capital Literacy for Women Entrepreneurs with us!

Photography by Andrea via FLI Social