Ready to demystify the money side of growing your business? We’ve got you.

Join Xcelerate Women, OEN, Latino Founders, and the Metro Region Innovation Hub for Capital Literacy for Women Entrepreneurs—an event created to help women founders get clear, confident, and connected when it comes to raising capital.

Whether you're bootstrapping your growth, eyeing your first investor, or just curious about your options, this event is designed to meet you where you are. We'll break down the many ways to fund your business—venture capital, private equity, angel investment, grants, loans, and more with honesty, transparency, and expert insight.
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What to expect:

✨ An all-women lineup of investors and capital advisors

✨ Real talk on the pros, cons, and nuances of each funding path

✨ Roundtable breakouts with experts so you can ask your actual questions

✨ Connection with fellow founders who get it

✨ Delicious food, wine, and cocktails (n/a will also be available!)

✨ A chance to join a follow-up Peer Mentor Group designed for women actively seeking capital
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This isn’t just another panel—it’s a hands-on learning experience built for real-world application. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how different types of capital work, which ones might fit your business best, and what next steps you can take to move forward with confidence.

Whether you're actively fundraising or just exploring what’s possible, this event offers practical guidance, expert access, and peer connection to support your capital journey.

Let’s redefine what’s possible when women raise capital on their own terms.

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Meet Your Capital Experts

Moderator

Mia Birk -  Chief Amplification Officer, Fabulous Female Founders

Mia Birk is an Executive Coach, investor, and writer who supports female founders through every stage of business and previously spent 25+ years leading the active transportation movement.

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Panelists

Lucy de Leon - Founder, Salsas Locas/ La Patroncita/ Madrina Cocina Mexicana

A Portland based entrepreneur and proud Latina business owner. Lucy shares authentic Mexican flavors through her restaurants and food production business, serving schools, local markets, and beyond.

Sadie Lincoln - Founder + CEO, Barre3

Sadie Lincoln is on the Forbes 50 over 50 list, Inc.'s Female Founders 100 list, the MO100 Impact list, and was awarded EY Entrepreneur of the Year Mountain West. Her company, barre3, is ranked #1 in the Barre category on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500® list.

Melanie Marconi - Founder + CEO, VIDA Co-working

Melanie Marconi is a longtime entrepreneur and advocate for women in business. At VIDA Coworking, she has built a thriving community of 350+ members across two locations, reaching her first million-dollar revenue year in 2024. She also serves as Board Chair of Xcelerate Women.

Brianne Mees - Founder + CEO, Tender Loving Empire

Brianne Mees is an entrepreneur and creative community advocate. Over the past 19 years, she has grown Tender Loving Empire from a scrappy retail shop and hobby record label into a multi-million dollar company with seven locations, a thriving e-commerce business, and an internationally distributed record label.

Mel Strong - Founding Partner, Next Ventures VC

Mel believes that access to sports, the outdoors, education and healthcare can transform culture. After 17 years at Nike, she's excited to build the next generation of health and wellness companies at NEXT VENTURES.

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Mentors

Cristal Finley - Business Development Officer, Prosper Portland

Cristal is an experienced professional in banking and finance, with expertise in business development, loan analysis and relationship management. She is dedicated towards crafting financial solutions that support underserved communities and small businesses. Cristal currently holds leadership roles as Past President of the Risk Management Association Portland Metro Chapter, Treasurer at the Native American Youth and Family Center and Board Member at Confluence. Her focus on collaboration and strategic planning has helped promote engagement, education, programming and community involvement.

Glitter Gloria - Founder, Exit Bliss

Glitter Gloria is the Founder of Exit Bliss, a consulting and training firm that helps organizations streamline operations, strengthen leadership, and navigate change with confidence. e specialize in capturing institutional knowledge and transforming it into clear systems, processes, and documentation that support sustainable growth.

Charlene LaFountain - Finance Officer, Business Oregon

Charlene is a Finance Officer at Business Oregon, leveraging 20 years in banking to help underserved small businesses access capital, navigate resources, and grow through state-funded programs.

Kyle Lovell - Chief Lending Officer, Business Impact NW

Kyle Lovell serves as the Chief Lending Officer at Business Impact NW, where she leverages over a decade of experience in the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) sector across the Pacific Northwest. She fosters access to capital and financial education through targeted programs and resources, ensuring these businesses receive the guidance necessary for sustainable growth.

Carla Titus - CFO, Wealth & Worth Within

Carla Titus is a finance expert with over 18 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and online businesses experience. She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to business owners looking to grow their business profitably.

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And more!

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We’re excited to share that refreshments for this event are being generously donated by Straightaway Cocktails.

Capital Literacy Event Program Coming Soon!