Recordings of this event can be accessed by following the links in the agenda below.
The WES is an annual event focusing on the resources and services available to assist and support women inventors and entrepreneurs.
Program agenda
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. – Registration
1:00 p.m. – Welcome/Panel Discussion: Advancing the Role of Women in IP (see the recording)
Laura Peter, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO
Lisa Jorgensen, Executive Director at AIPLA
Jessica Landacre, Executive Director at IPO
Lisa Dunner, Managing Partner at Dunner Law, PLLC and Commissioner, ABA Commission on Women in the Profession
1:50 p.m. – Keynote (see the recording)
Introduction
Sean Wilkerson, Innovation Development Program Manager, Office of Innovation Outreach, USPTO
Keynote Speaker
Tiffany Norwood, CEO of Tribetan
2:45 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Connecting Entrepreneurs to Resources and Support (see the recording)
Moderator
Sarah Harris, General Counsel, USPTO
Panelists
Margot Dorfman, CEO and Co-Founder, U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Narcrisha Norman, Founder and Chief Research Advisor of STEM-Time ROC
Nina C. Roque, Executive Director, National Women’s Business Council
Jennifer Harchick, Staff Attorney Office of Enrollment and Discipline, USPTO
3:45 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Developing a Network for Success (see the recording, which includes closing remarks)
Moderator
Valencia Martin Wallace, Deputy Commissioner for International Patent Cooperation, USPTO
Panelists
Elizabeth Dougherty, Eastern Regional Outreach Director, USPTO
Erika Jefferson, President and Founder, Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE)
Erin Kelley, Co-Director of STEM to Market, Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
Tiffany Spearman, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Outreach, Black Girl Ventures
4:45 p.m. – Closing Remarks
NaThanya Ferguson, Supervisory Innovation Development Program Manager, Office of Innovation Outreach, USPTO
4:50 p.m. – Resource Booths and Networking
The Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium is presented by the Office of Innovation Outreach.
For questions or assistance, please send an email to WES@USPTO.GOV.
See all upcoming USPTO programs.
Accessibility accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.