"Has anyone ever told you that you don't have to be in the business school to be in business? Well then, let me be the first. I believe everyone has the power within them to be a leader and to make their dreams a reality - whatever that dream may be. And I am excited to share we are launching an institute to teach the next generation of female leaders how to do just that." -Kendra

Together with The University of Texas at Austin, we’ve created a program focused on redefining leadership and entrepreneurship through a gender-enlightened lens. With this institute, we want to create a pipeline of courageous creative female leaders.

As of 2018, only 17 percent of venture-backed companies globally are founded by a female entrepreneur. As a program uniquely built to address the challenges women often face, UT’s Kendra Scott WEL Institute aims to significantly change this statistic for future generations by creating a pipeline of courageous, creative female leaders who will change the world. Through a community of diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment, our goal is to redefine leadership and entrepreneurship through a gender-enlightened lens. We will empower women to advocate for themselves and find the white space to make their impact. We will teach them not only to believe in the impossible, but how to fight to make it a reality.

To Kendra Scott, leadership has many faces and voices. It is our mission to provide a platform for the voices we believe can change the world.​ As the founder of a billion-dollar company, Kendra has a strong perspective on what it means to be a leader. By increasing engagement and support for female entrepreneurs on campus, the WEL Institute aims to boost the number of women-owned and women-led businesses.

Interested in giving back? 50% of the proceeds from every purchase of our Longhorn Charm will support the program and women at the University of Texas at Austin studying design and entrepreneurship.

Learn more at https://ksinstitute.utexas.edu/.