Supporting Women Entrepreneurs

Laura Fote, co-owner of The Gatsby Showcase Foundation and CEO of L&B Concepts, based in Howard County, Maryland, brought her empowering message to the Women’s Business Collaborative (WBC) Entrepreneurs of Purpose Retreat, held March 7–8, 2025, at the historic Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Representing the Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s mission to inspire and uplift historically marginalized communities through education, networking, and entrepreneurship, Fote captivated an intimate gathering of women entrepreneurs. As a speaker during the “Voices of Entrepreneurs of Purpose” workshop, she shared impactful strategies rooted in bold leadership, collaboration, courage, and innovative entrepreneurship.

“I am excited to join award-winning business veterans and other notable, trailblazing women leaders at this incredible event sponsored by WBC,” said Fote. “At the Gatsby Showcase Foundation, we understand women entrepreneurs’ drive to make meaningful changes locally, nationally, and globally. It’s vital to share insights, experiences, and resources to create lasting positive impacts.”

The conference took place during a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been suspended by several public and private institutions. Against that backdrop, the retreat emphasized unity, purpose, and resilience among women entrepreneurs. Edie Fraser, chairwoman of WBC, underscored the retreat’s significance with a quote from Maya Angelou:

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

During her session, Fote shared powerful personal and professional experiences that demonstrated how entrepreneurship can drive real-world change. In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, she tapped into her international business network to source and distribute over 20,000 masks, directly aiding frontline healthcare workers during a time of urgent shortage—an effort that perfectly exemplified the Foundation’s commitment to action with impact.

She also highlighted her trailblazing achievement as the first Black woman to retail Moser crystals, successfully navigating bureaucratic and systemic barriers to establish her presence in a traditionally exclusive market. Her story stood as a testament to The Gatsby Showcase Foundation’s advocacy for equity and inclusion in business spaces historically inaccessible to women of color.

Fote also addressed one of the most common and persistent obstacles faced by entrepreneurs: access to capital. She offered practical advice grounded in her own journey:

“Manage your credit carefully and pay bills on time. Persistence and preparedness can overcome many obstacles.”

She concluded her inspiring talk with a heartfelt message directed to the next generation of changemakers:

“Believe in yourself, refuse to accept ‘no’ as a final answer, remain ambitious, and leverage the power of networking.”

Through participation in events like the Entrepreneurs of Purpose Retreat, The Gatsby Showcase Foundation continues to fulfill its mission—empowering women and historically marginalized entrepreneurs to achieve extraordinary success and create lasting, sustainable impact.