Our Manifesto!

Our Story

Universal Womens Network™

The Universal Womens Network™ Inc. is an inclusive network of purpose-driven female 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, programs 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.

Contact us to discuss opportunities to support your goals for ED&I and empower female leaders within your company through our media (podcast, magazine, book), rewards and recognition, events, certification and customized and integrated media campaigns.

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

It takes courage to show vulnerability. Together we conquer our fears and forge our path.

It takes confidence to ask for help. Together we conquer our fears and forge our path.

It takes commitment to use your voice and to stand out in the crowd. Together we conquer our fears and forge our path.

It takes integrity to pave the road less travelled. Together we conquer our fears and forge our path.

Monica Kretschmer's Story

Founder, CEO

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

Monica is the Founder and CEO of the Universal Womens Network™ Inc., Women of Inspiration™ and SupportHER™.

She is a visionary, influencer, and disruptor with a passion to shift the definition of entrepreneurship that can be understood through her flawless dedication for women to step into the spotlight and own their voice! Her personal story of the resilience of the “Seven Year Journey” in the court system with 4800 hours of litigation, 22 days of trial was the impetus for her to create the Women of Inspiration™ Awards to recognize the achievements of women who lead, inspire and motivate. Since 2015, the Women of Inspiration™ Awards has celebrated 1,000 women, with 3 million impressions and 10,000 views reaching five continents. The Women of Inspiration Awards program has expanded and attracted nominations from around the world with a digital reach of 12 million.

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 from diverse industries to connect, learn, empower and celebrate.

The Universal Womens Network™ is committed to advancing gender equity, diversity and inclusion by raising the bar to advance women in business. She is the creator of SupportHER™ (elevating male allies as champions for women in their networks, workplaces, and communities), the host of the Women of Inspiration™ Podcast, and publisher of the UWomen Magazine™. Monica is a Forbes Contributor and 2022 LinkedIn Top Voice for Gender Equity.

During the pandemic, Monica published the first edition of the Women of Inspiration – Women Driving Change book featuring 100 inspiring women from diverse industries which coincide with the launch of graphics trucks with the faces of contributors across North America. The second edition of Women of Inspiration Changemakers is in the works.

Monica is a native Calgarian and a proud mom to her son and enjoys traveling, speaking and enjoying nature!

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 our fellow sisters.

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

Testimonials

Good words from good people

This has been an incredible experience from the pride of being nominated to the shock of winning! Thank you to the Universal Womens Network™ for bringing so many diverse women and their successes into the spotlight. I’m honoured to be included in this exceptional group of women.

Erin Bigney - Director Research, Canada East Spine Division | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Mentorship Award

As the recipient of the Women of Inspiration™ Vision Builder Award, I can't be more excited about such amazing recognition. As an Educational Leader, I aspire to make a continuous and real change in the lives of my students. Have a vision and a goal, set it in front of you and in God's hand and do your best to make it happen! Thank you once again for this honour that I will cherish.

Phoebe Wasfy, Principal Philopateer Christian College | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Vision Builder

I am humbled by the nomination, the many awesome people who wrote recommendations and to be awarded the “Integrity Award”. Hearing the award introduction, I was in shock when you called my name! What a remarkable recognition for my life’s passion in working with others! I look forward to ensuring that others have the same opportunity in the future. Thank you, Monica and all the many others who make this possible for us all. I look forward to working with the other recipients to keep sharing!

Rose Marie Gage - Founder and Principal of Great Governance Matters and MPOWRU, Independent Board Director | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Integrity Award

The Women of Inspiration Award is exciting, humbling and an honour. Thank you to those who believed in me and that saw the potential that I could make a difference in the world. That passion and resiliency can make an impact in our environment, whether we know the full extent or not. Recognition is so much bigger than me. It’s an opportunity to provide a positive influence and a chance to learn, grow and be motivated. Thank you to all the people who supported me on my path to receiving this award. it's not just my achievement; it's theirs, too.

Jennifer Green, Director of Competitions and Young Women’s Initiative, Skills Ontario | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Dream Builder

The Universal Women's Network is an incredible organization that supports empowers and celebrates women founders, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers. I can attest to how meaningful this group is as I started my own company at age 50. Monica is herself a phenomenal force and woman to celebrate also. The Awards gala last night was so well done, so inspiring—I can't wait to have the chance to do this in person in the future.

Suzie Yorke, Founder and Board Director, Love Good Fats | 2021 Women of Inspiration™ Game Changer