CATEGORIES
People We Admire | Relationship Building | Social ImpactOverview:
- This article explores how women entrepreneurs are increasingly driving social change by integrating philanthropy into their business models
- Eti Lazarian, from Insignia, LLC, combines her business role with acts of kindness, involving her family in charitable work
- Sheryl Sandberg and Tory Burch also use their influence for social good by promoting women’s leadership and supporting female entrepreneurs
- The impact of these efforts creates a legacy of empowerment and social change for future entrepreneurs.
In today’s world, the intersection of business and social impact is becoming increasingly prominent. Women entrepreneurs, in particular, are taking center stage as they use their business platforms not only to generate profit but also to empower the next generation through philanthropy. These women are focusing on areas such as education, leadership development, and community support to create a positive, lasting impact. While balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with philanthropic endeavors can be challenging, the opportunities to drive social change are immense. This article explores the growing role of women entrepreneurs in philanthropy, the challenges they face, and how their efforts are empowering future generations.
The Growing Role of Women Entrepreneurs in Driving Social Change
Philanthropy has long been associated with the wealthy elite, but over the years, women entrepreneurs have emerged as powerful catalysts for change in their communities. With their unique perspectives and lived experiences, women in business often see the world through a lens of compassion and responsibility. As a result, many of them are not content with merely
running successful companies—they want to use their influence to make the world a better place.
Eti Lazarian exemplifies this commitment. With a background in the Israel Defense Forces and a deep passion for philanthropy, Eti’s approach to leadership is rooted in discipline, resilience, and empathy. As the General Operations Director for Insignia, LLC, she oversees real estate projects, but philanthropy remains central to her personal mission. Whether distributing food
during the COVID-19 crisis or providing suitcases for children in shelters, Eti’s philosophy of “Be Kind” has become a family affair as she passes on her values to her daughters through hands-on projects. Her story illustrates how women leaders often integrate their professional and philanthropic lives to create positive change in their communities.
Similarly, Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and founder of LeanIn.org, has made significant contributions to initiatives that promote women’s leadership and gender equality in the workplace. Tory Burch, the founder of Tory Burch LLC, established the Tory Burch Foundation to provide women entrepreneurs with access to capital, education, and mentorship. Like Eti, these successful women are leveraging their platforms to raise awareness of social issues, drive policy changes, and support underserved communities. As more women enter the entrepreneurial space, their collective impact on society through philanthropy continues to grow.
How Women are Balancing Business Responsibilities with Philanthropic Goals
Running a successful business is no small feat. For women entrepreneurs who are also passionate about philanthropy, the challenge of balancing business responsibilities with social impact goals can be even more complex. However, many women have found innovative ways to integrate philanthropy into their business models, making it an intrinsic part of their mission rather than a separate activity.
Eti Lazarian’s journey is a testament to this delicate balance. While managing the operational demands of Insignia, LLC, Eti remains committed to her philanthropic endeavors. Her approach demonstrates that women can successfully balance their business and philanthropic goals by fostering a supportive environment both at work and at home. Through teamwork and collaboration, she ensures that her business runs smoothly while dedicating time to projects that uplift others. By involving her daughters in philanthropic activities, Eti shows that leadership in philanthropy is not just about financial contributions but also about instilling values of kindness and service in the next generation.
For many women entrepreneurs, balancing business and philanthropy also involves delegation and collaboration. By building strong teams and fostering partnerships with nonprofit organizations, they can focus on their philanthropic missions without compromising the growth of their businesses. Additionally, women entrepreneurs often use their business networks to raise funds and rally support for their charitable endeavors, amplifying their impact.
While the balancing act is not without its challenges, it also offers rewards. Women business owners who successfully integrate philanthropy into their work often find that their efforts enhance their company’s brand, build customer loyalty, improve the bottom line, and create a sense of purpose for employees. By making philanthropy a priority, these women are demonstrating that it is possible to achieve both business success and social impact.
Initiatives Led by Women that Focus on Empowering Girls and Young Women
One of the most powerful ways women entrepreneurs are driving social change is by empowering the next generation of girls and young women. Through initiatives that focus on education, leadership development, and mentorship, these women are providing the tools and resources needed to help young women thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Eti Lazarian’s focus on involving her daughters in philanthropy reflects the broader trend of women entrepreneurs using their influence to empower the next generation. By engaging girls and young women in hands-on projects, these women are fostering leadership skills, resilience, and a commitment to service. This emphasis on empowerment goes beyond charity—it’s about creating a legacy of leadership and kindness that will resonate for years to come.
A prime example of this empowerment is the work being done by Malala Yousafzai and the Malala Fund, which focuses on ensuring that girls around the world have access to 12 years of free, quality education. Malala’s leadership has inspired countless women entrepreneurs to support educational initiatives that empower young girls to become future leaders.
Key Takeaways:
Women entrepreneurs have a unique perspective that positions them to drive impactful philanthropic initiatives. Their lived experiences, combined with their business acumen, allow them to approach philanthropy with a deep sense of empathy and purpose. By balancing their business responsibilities with their desire to make a difference, these women are not only achieving personal success but also creating lasting change in the world.
Empowering others through philanthropy can enhance the legacy of a business and its leader. Women entrepreneurs who prioritize social impact are building brands that stand for more than just profit—they stand for purpose, justice, and equality. These efforts create a positive legacy that can inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps.
Finally, philanthropy that focuses on education and leadership development has the potential to transform communities. By investing in the next generation, women entrepreneurs like Eti Lazarian are ensuring that the future is filled with empowered leaders who are equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.