As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s essential to recognize the incredible impact that women entrepreneurs have on our society. When Diana Dibble, CEO of Tripod Coaching and Consulting®️ and President and Co-Founder of Design To Delivery Inc, began volunteering with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) in 2019, little did she know how it would transform her life/ As a judge for the Capital Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, Diana embarked on a journey that would not only allow her to share her knowledge, experience, and passion for entrepreneurship but also inspire her in ways she never imagined.

As a successful businesswoman herself, Diana understands the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Volunteering with NFTE has given her the opportunity to share her knowledge, experience, and passion with the next generation. Being around young students has reminded her of the reasons she started her own business.

“You will get more back than you give,” Diana says of her volunteer experience. She recalls meeting a promising student whose business idea showed immense potential. Recognizing the student’s talent and drive, Diana urged the student’s mother to seek legal assistance in drafting essential documents and agreements to support the budding venture.

She often reflects on her own journey, wondering, “Where would I have been if I had NFTE when I was in high school?” Her goal is to show young women that they can be successful business owners without sacrificing other aspects of their lives. “You can be everything else AND a business owner,” she emphasizes. Women business owners possess intelligence, experience, and a desire to participate, but it hasn’t always been easy.

It’s important to remember that it hasn’t been long since the passage of H.R. 5050 in 1988, the historic federal law that made it possible for women to access capital for commercial purposes without having a male relative co-sign a loan. This momentous legislation led to an explosion in women’s entrepreneurship and the advent of a movement to train and educate women entrepreneurs across the United States.

Despite the progress made, women still need to fight for equal footing in the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds. Women’s History Month serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, you can keep pushing forward. Diana Dibble’s volunteer work with NFTE is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of empowering the next generation of women entrepreneurs.

If you are interested in joining Diana and our community of volunteers at NFTE, we invite you to visit volunteer.nfte.com to learn more about the opportunities available.