WBEC-West was formally honored in the Build Our Economic Wealth category during the conference’s Public Meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa. The event brought together nearly 2,000 attendees from across the region and served as a cornerstone celebration of service, sisterhood, and community impact.
“This recognition reflects the power of intentional connection between women entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and community leaders,” said Dr. Pamela Williamson, President & CEO of WBEC-West. “Economic empowerment is not just about access—it’s about readiness, opportunity, and sustained growth. We are honored to be recognized by an organization whose legacy of service continues to uplift communities across generations.”
The Build Our Economic Wealth award highlights organizations that demonstrate a measurable impact in advancing financial stability, business growth, and wealth creation. WBEC-West’s work spans certification, education, and strategic programming designed to position women-owned businesses to compete and thrive in corporate and government supply chains.
Through initiatives such as executive education, supplier readiness programs, and direct connections to procurement opportunities, WBEC-West serves as a critical economic engine across its region, which includes Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Hawaii, and the Pacific territories.
The Far Western Regional Conference of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is one of the organization’s premier gatherings, bringing together members committed to driving meaningful change through service and leadership. The Public Meeting specifically recognizes individuals and organizations whose work aligns with the sorority’s mission to promote economic empowerment and community advancement.
About WBEC-West
WBEC-West, the Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West, is committed to driving growth, fostering equity, and inspiring innovation among women-owned businesses across the Western United States. Through its comprehensive certification, education, and advocacy efforts, WBEC-West empowers women entrepreneurs to connect with major corporations, government agencies, and organizations looking to diversify their supply chains.
As a proud Regional Partner Organization of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), WBEC-West supports a dynamic network of women-owned businesses in Arizona,
California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, Hawaii, and beyond. Its initiatives are designed to remove barriers and create opportunities for women entrepreneurs, offering access to invaluable resources, tailored educational programs, and high-impact networking events.
From certification workshops and leadership development programs to innovative offerings like the virtual Supplier Center of Excellence, WBEC-West is dedicated to equipping women-owned businesses with the tools and strategies needed to scale and succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. For more information about WBEC-West and its initiatives, visit www.wbec-west.org.
About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, is the first Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. Founded in 1908, the sorority is committed to service and sisterhood, with a focus on initiatives that promote economic empowerment, health, education, and community impact.
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