Empowering Women To Reach New Heights
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower female students from underserved French communities (QPV) by expanding their access to education, mentorship, and professional opportunities. We are also committed to equipping women entrepreneurs with the resources, networks, and support necessary to launch and grow successful businesses. Additionally, we strive to provide women within companies the tools and opportunities they need to strengthen their leadership skills, advance professionally, and climb the corporate ladder. Through all our efforts, we aim to expand opportunities for underserved communities and ensure women at every career stage have the support needed to succeed.
France Chapter Liaison
Nancy Strohmer
Community Volunteer & Philanthropist
Key Programs & Initiatives
2025-2026 International Women’s Chamber of Commerce France Chapter Education Committee Mission
Our education mission: to empower women entrepreneurs and support women students from underserved French communities (QPV) in pursuing careers.
Geographic Focus: The goals include serving the schools of the QPVs of Seine-Saint-Denis, starting with those in Plaine Commune and more specifically Saint- Denis and Saint-Ouen & building education opportunities for meritorious students at Rice University.
Language & Entrepreneurship Capacity Building:
Leverage Rice’s academic strength to:
- English Classes: We propose supporting targeted English courses at the Rice Paris Center specifically for the women participating in our programs, as well as in the “Boost Entrepreneures au Féminin” programs. This will enhance their business and international communication skills.
- Summer Business School: For selected graduates, including those from the “Boost Entrepreneures au Féminin” programs, we propose offering intensive Summer Bridge
Seminars through Rice University & PSL as appropriate, focused on entrepreneurship and global business strategies and opportunities for mentorship.
College-Bound & Access Support (Expanded Scope):
Increasing access to global education for women students from underserved communities:
- Business Advisors Program: Develop comprehensive support for French Lycée This will include application coaching and financial aid navigation, and be expanded to include resources, designed to assist them in bringing their English language and core STEAM subject skills up to the required level for US university applications. To ensure cultural and career relevance to the extent possible, we will recruit Houston based women who speak French.
- Scholarship Access: We will actively assist meritorious women students from underserved communities to apply for scholarships, internship and existing financial aid programs.
Exchange & Visibility:
Strengthen the links between France and Houston through mutual professional development:
- Exchange Placements: We will assist in identifying reciprocal, short-term exchange This includes study visits, research assistantships, and internship placements with GHWCC/IWCoC member companies for both Rice students and French participants.
Ecomomic Development Trip to Paris 2025
Chamber Member Offices in France
Upcoming Events
Membership Benefits
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Partner with a network of the region’s most powerful women business leaders.
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Increase your company’s image and visibility in the community.
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Opportunity to publish ads/articles in The Connection, the GHWCC/IWCOC weekly newsletter that reaches 27,000 subscribers.
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Company member listing on the GHWCC/IWCOC website.
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Provide a strong, unified voice on local and national issues, particularly issues affecting businesswomen.
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Influence the next generation of businesswomen.
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Build relationships. People do business with people they know!
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Open doors for economic and leadership opportunities.
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Promote educational workshops for leadership, wellness, and personal and business growth.
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Attend GHWCC/IWCOC events with special member pricing.
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Serve/Lead on one or more committees.
Membership Levels
Nonprofit/Business (1–2 employees): $350
Bronze (3–15 employees): $600
Silver (16–50 employees): $1,200
Gold (51–99 employees): $2,500
Platinum (100+ employees): $3,500
Diamond: $5,000
Emerald: $10,000