The KS WELI Story
The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI) began as a napkin idea between Kendra Scott and former UT Austin President Jay Hartzell in 2019, a shared vision to create more opportunities for women to see themselves as founders and leaders.
Kendra’s belief that when women lead, the world becomes more balanced, collaborative, and compassionate shaped the foundation of the Institute. Backed by her $13.25 million philanthropic endowment, KS WELI was established as a cross-campus collaboration between the College of Fine Arts, McCombs School of Business, the College of Natural Sciences, and The LaunchPad in Undergraduate Studies.
When the pandemic hit, the Institute’s first programs went virtual and offered workshops, speaker series, and our inaugural online summit to keep students inspired and connected during an unpredictable time. By Fall 2021, KS WELI opened its doors on campus, welcoming a new generation of Longhorns ready to build, lead, and launch.
KS WELI TODAY
Today, KS WELI has grown into a full ecosystem of programs and opportunities that empower every student, regardless of major or experience, to find their path in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Spark Founders provides hands-on workshops, mentorship, and funding resources to help students bring their ventures to life.
KS WELI IN THE NEWS
Kendra Scott WEL Institute at The University of Texas at Austin
Female Founders Still Face an Uphill Battle Fundraising and it is Getting Worse
Kendra Scott Shares Story of Struggle and Success In Her Book “Born To Shine”
Jewelry Mogul Kendra Scott Finds Beauty in the Imperfect
UT LaunchPad launches new grants for undergraduate student startups
Hera Biotech Raises $1.9M in Seed Funding for Its Non-surgical Diagnostic Test for Endometriosis
Women in Business Awards: Sheena Wilde shows how corporate philanthropy is done
Julianne Hough Shares Her Favorite Jewelry Gifts for Any Occasion
Kendra Scott invests $13.25 million in UT to support women in business
Kendra Scott establishes $13M endowment to support female leaders
Kendra Scott’s philanthropic investment in UT Austin expands support for women business leaders of the future – UT News
Putting Creative Futures at the Front
A gem of experiential learning prepares the next generation of jewelry designers
UT Austin Ranks Among World’s Best for Producing Entrepreneurs
SXSW EDU and Kendra Scott shine light on the struggles women face as entrepreneurs
