Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs: SheaMoisture and the Dartmouth Fellowship
Just ahead of Women’s Business Month, SheaMoisture is making waves once again by showcasing its longstanding commitment to investing in Black women entrepreneurs. What sets SheaMoisture apart is that this dedication extends beyond mere marketing slogans; it is a tangible, actionable commitment illustrated through significant investments in initiatives that empower women-led businesses.
The Dartmouth Fellowship: A Ten-Year Legacy
In a remarkable announcement, SheaMoisture is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Dartmouth Fellowship program. This program, in partnership with Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth College, has already aided over 100 Fellows over the past decade, offering more than $400,000 in financial support for tuition and fees. Participants have reaped the benefits, often seeing an average profit margin increase of 6% and a notable revenue growth of 14.3%. This year, to amplify its impact, SheaMoisture has teamed up with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, a nonprofit founded by Aurora James, to co-recruit 20 women entrepreneurs for the upcoming 2025 fellowship cohort.
The Role of the Fifteen Percent Pledge
Since its inception in 2020, the Fifteen Percent Pledge has emerged as a pivotal player in driving economic equity for Black-owned businesses. Aurora James, the visionary behind this initiative, sees this collaboration with SheaMoisture as both a progressive step and a natural evolution of their mission. The partnership aims to create even broader access and opportunity for emerging female entrepreneurs.
A Strong Commitment to Community
Obinna Keke, Chief Brand Officer at SheaMoisture, expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of the Dartmouth Fellowship, underscoring the program’s alignment with SheaMoisture’s brand DNA of community support. Keke emphasized the current economic climate’s challenges for small businesses and reaffirmed the vital importance of enhancing this program through collaboration with industry-leading figures like James and the Fifteen Percent Pledge.
Program Structure and Objectives
The Dartmouth Fellowship program will take place from December 7 to 12, 2025, in Hanover, New Hampshire. Selected Fellows will participate in Dartmouth’s well-regarded “Building a Successful Business” program, which encompasses a range of essential topics, from financing to marketing strategies and performance analysis. Beyond the educational components, each Fellow will also gain access to Luminary, a global career and growth platform specifically designed for women entrepreneurs.
Open Applications for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
This year’s cohort aims to reflect a diverse array of talents and perspectives. The selection will consist of 10 entrepreneurs chosen through open applications and another 10 handpicked by the Fifteen Percent Pledge. Women entrepreneurs across the U.S. and Canada are encouraged to seize this milestone opportunity by submitting their applications, which are open now through October 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Final Thoughts on Empowerment and Growth
By partnering with transformative organizations and providing essential resources, SheaMoisture is not just celebrating Women’s Business Month; it’s actively fostering a robust ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. Through dedicated initiatives that emphasize education, mentorship, and networking, SheaMoisture and the Fifteen Percent Pledge are collectively working toward a future where Black women entrepreneurs can thrive.
This exciting collaboration marks not only a decade of impact but a renewed commitment to uplifting communities and empowering the next generation of female leaders. The ongoing efforts underscore that investment in women entrepreneurs does not merely reflect a commitment to social responsibility; it recognizes the immense potential of women-led businesses to drive economic change and innovation.