Our Manifesto!

Our Story

Universal Womens Network™

The Universal Womens Network™ Inc. is an inclusive network of purpose-driven CEOs, business leaders, changemakers, trailblazers, visionaries and SupportHERs. from diverse industries who lead, inspire and motivate.

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion by raising the bar to advance women at all levels where decisions are being made through our Women of Inspiration™ Awards, media, events and certification.

We welcome men to the conversation as our allies who SupportHER™ and strategically partner with companies committed to the advancement of women.

We elevate female entrepreneurs to be visible in the marketplace as women-owned and women-led through with Universal Women-Owned™/Led Certification.

We empower leaders by unlocking the ripple effect to inspire change for a more inclusive world.

We believe every woman has a story. You story does not define you. it empowers you.

The Four Pillars

Connect

We believe every woman brings something unique to the table.

Learn

We believe everyone plays a role to SupportHER™.

Empower

We elevate women to be more and do more.

Celebrate

We recognize the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate.

Shared Values

Courage

Confidence

Commitment

Integrity

To break barriers and share stories that inspire change.

To step into the spotlight and lead with authenticity.

To advance women and SupportHER™ allies with purpose and action.

To honor stories with truth, respect, and credibility.

Monica Kretschmer's Story

Founder, CEO

"Resilience is not what happened to you, it is what you do with what happened to you. "

Monica Kretschmer is the Founder and CEO of Universal Womens Network™ Inc., Women of Inspiration™ and SupportHER™. She is a visionary, producer, best-selling author, and media entrepreneur with a passion for shifting the definition of leadership and entrepreneurship. Her life’s work has created global platforms where women step into the spotlight, own their voice, and inspire change.

Her personal journey of resilience—the “Seven Year Journey” through 4,800 hours of litigation and a 22-day trial—became the catalyst to create the Women of Inspiration™ Awards, recognizing the achievements of women who lead, inspire, and motivate. Since 2015, the Awards have celebrated more than 1,000 women, attracted nominations worldwide, and reached millions through digital media and live events across five continents.

During the pandemic, Monica published the first edition of the Women of Inspiration™ – Women Driving Change book, featuring 100 inspiring women from diverse industries. To coincide with the launch, graphics trucks showcasing the faces of contributors traveled across North America, a bold campaign that brought visibility to women leaders in an unprecedented way.

Monica believes every woman has a story. Your story does not define you; it empowers you. She has built a recognizable brand and inclusive network for CEOs, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals across diverse industries to connect, learn, empower, and celebrate.

Through media and events—including awards, summits, podcasts, publications, and strategic partnerships—Monica has evolved UWN into a global media powerhouse amplifying voices and advancing women together with SupportHER™ allies.

Her journey reflects the core values that define UWN: Courage, Confidence, Commitment, and Integrity. Recognized as a Forbes Contributor, LinkedIn Top Voice for Gender Equity, award-winning entrepreneur, producer, and best-selling author, Monica continues to trailblaze with an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and impact.

Looking ahead, Monica is leading UWN into its next bold chapter with innovation—a global stage to share stories, celebrate role models, and inspire lasting change.

As she often shares: “We are only getting started.”

Women of Inspiration don't wait for opportunities they create them.

Ambassadors Advisors

Empowering Women The Nest Foundation

The Nest Foundation™ empowers women in transition to rebuild their lives. The Nest Foundation™ partners with organizations to commit to gender and economic empowerment for women and youth.

When women succeed, families succeed!

We are committed to creating opportunities for everyone to contribute to making a change in our world and are passionate about building a circle of reciprocity that empowers others.

We believe that every woman has value and worth and together our collective contribution can make a significant impact on the lives of women.

We are proud to collaborate with other value-based organizations that believe in empowering women and paying it forward in the community.

Testimonials

Good words from good people

Attending the Women of Inspiration was a terrific event. It was a gathering of exceptional women from a variety of backgrounds. Every person there had a remarkable story, and it was a great opportunity to build connections. I was delighted to be the keynote speaker and share in the challenges of racing my boat around the world and honoured to receive the Women of Inspiration Women in Sport Award. The essence of the event is to celebrate all that women have accomplished; from developing a new idea, overcoming challenges, to creating opportunities, or chasing a dream. There are no limits.

Melodie Schaffer, Melodie Ocean Racing | Women of Inspiration™ Women in Sport Award

The Women of Inspiration™ Award Gala was an incredible celebration of female empowerment and achievement. I was very inspired by the remarkable stories and accomplishments we heard from the various women and "SupportHERs" tonight. I also just had a really great time at our Roche table where we had an amazing blend of some of our most senior leaders as well as some very early in their career colleagues, all very different women, but all equally inspiring. Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma Supporting other women is so crucial. I think we as female leaders bring many unique and powerful qualities to the table - empathy, courageous authenticity, the power to inspire.. and when we lift each other up & show support, we create a network of support and opportunity. Together, we can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for future generations of female leaders. Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma

Brigette Nolet- President and CEO, Roche Canada Pharma

It was an honour to be recognized amongst so many women role models who leverage their influence and positions to inspire change. Thank you, Universal Womens Network™ for leading the way and providing the format and opportunity to celebrate, while also continuing to advance women’s agenda across North America. For me it was extra special to be surrounded by my family and see three generations of women together who truly inspire each other. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to share that moment with them. #AspireHigher Gina Izumi - Senior Vice President, SAP Canada – 2023 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award.

Gina Izumi - Senior Vice President, SAP Canada – 2023 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award.

At Gilead Sciences, we set – and achieve – bold ambitions to create a healthier world for all people. From our pioneering virology medicines to our growing impact in oncology, we're delivering innovations once thought impossible in medicine. As we develop innovative medicines for life-threatening diseases, we recognize it takes more than medicine to improve wellbeing for people around the world. We know we are a stronger company and that innovation flourishes when we are informed by a diverse set of backgrounds, experiences and points of view. Our Women at Gilead employee resource group focuses on enhancing gender equity for women in opportunities and experiences at all levels. We are incredibly proud to be a sponsor for the Women of Inspiration™ awards which recognizes the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate others. We are delighted to have some of our own leaders recognized through these awards - Sharon Grehan, PhD for her authentic leader award and Shelly Smith, MBA as a finalist among strong female leaders across North America. Sharon Grehan – Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award

Sharon Grehan – Executive Director of Business Strategy & Operations /Global Lead for Women at Gilead Sciences | Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader Award

Simply humbling to be in the midst of such accomplished and inspiring women across industries within North America! Celebrating the successes of women and the SupportHER™ men will universally drive the change we need to create an equitable future. Congratulations to all the award recipients – your continued accomplishments will serve as a beacon of hope for so many others. Victoria Nguyen, ICD.D Vice President, Direct Financial Services-Simplii Operations, CIBC Capital Markets, 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader

Victoria Nguyen, ICD.D Vice President, Direct Financial Services-Simplii Operations, CIBC Capital Markets, 2020 Women of Inspiration™ Authentic Leader