Pausing with purpose

“We often think of well-being as something we’ll get to after the work is done. But what we learned is that well-being is the work. Making space for it, individually and collectively, isn’t just a gift to ourselves, but to everyone we lead and serve.”

The Cartier Women’s Initiative is so much more than a one-year fellowship and celebration. Our fellows become lifelong members of a vibrant, close-knit community, supported by peers who understand the deeply rewarding yet sometimes challenging reality of being a woman impact entrepreneur.

Each year, community members independently organize a range of meetups, from dinners to videoconferences to group trips. Summer 2025 saw two very special community-led retreats in the United Kingdom and Senegal, which brought groups of far-flung members together to connect, unwind and prioritize their well-being — a vital aspect of entrepreneurship that can sometimes be overlooked.

Moments of connection in Kent

The United Kingdom reunion came first, two glorious days of thoughtful activity and reflection under the sunny skies of southern England. Organized by European Community Activator and 2014 fellow Yvonne Brady and 2023 fellow Atilana Piñón, the trip was designed as a purposeful, restorative space where meaningful relationships could develop and deepen.

Yvonne explains, “Some of the most transformative moments in our own journeys came from deep conversations with fellow women entrepreneurs who understand this path. Our family and friends don’t always understand the risks we take, the sacrifices we make or the emotional rollercoaster we ride — the incredible highs, and the equally crushing lows. But here, among these women, there’s an unspoken understanding. It’s a rare and beautiful thing to be in a room where it’s safe to simply be yourself.”

She continues, “What made it even more special was the sheer diversity in the room — women gathered from Poland, Jordan, California, Venezuela, Spain, Ireland, Switzerland, Colombia, France, Hong Kong, Chile and Kenya. Despite the different languages, cultures and backgrounds, we were united by shared experiences and a common drive to create change."

Balancing peace with purpose

Shaped around the themes of engage, connect and inspire, well-being was at the core of the itinerary. Each day started with meditation or a peaceful countryside walk. This helped to create an open and supportive safe space where each member of the group shared their story in a transparent, unfiltered way, explaining their struggles alongside their wins. Breakout sessions took place organically throughout the reunion, often unfolding around the house between activities.

Memories that last a lifetime

Atilana reflects, “It’s hard to choose just one memorable moment, but two in particular have stayed with me. One was our hike along the breathtaking White Cliffs of Dover, an experience that was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The landscape itself felt almost otherworldly, with dramatic views that seemed to stretch endlessly into the sea. As we walked, small groups naturally formed and shifted, with conversations flowing easily between us. We deepened our connections with each step and shared stories, challenges and ideas in a way that felt effortless and genuine.”

“The other moment came on our final morning, as we gathered around the breakfast table. We were reflecting on our time together, and what unfolded was remarkable. One by one, people began to open up further, sharing honest reflections, personal struggles and hard-won lessons. It struck me just how powerful it is to gather in person, away from the distractions of everyday life, and to simply listen, witness and hold space for one another. It was a reminder that these shared experiences, whether on a cliffside path or around a kitchen table, can leave a lasting imprint.”

One attendee said it best: “I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I arrived.”

Recharging in Senegal

Planned by 2010 fellow, jury member and Africa Community Activator Birame Sock and 2024 fellow Titi Adewusi, the Senegal retreat was another joyful celebration of community. Just like the European reunion, it provided an opportunity to step back from the hectic daily life of a woman impact entrepreneur, this time set amongst the turquoise waters and pristine sands of Dakar.

Birame says, “The Cartier Women’s Initiative program hasn’t yet officially come to Africa, so we wanted to find a meaningful way for our African community to connect in person. What started as a small idea to gather some of us in Senegal quickly grew into something bigger. We were joined by community members from other parts of the world, which made the experience even more magical.

“As a committee, we were very clear on one thing: we wanted every woman to leave feeling not just recharged but transformed in some way. The theme came from our shared belief that to do good in the world, we first need to feel good within. 'Women rising from within' became a call to pause, breathe and honor our inner strength. We also wanted to acknowledge the mental health and burnout challenges many women entrepreneurs face — this was our way of saying ‘we see you and we’re holding space for you’.”

Resting with intention

Each day began gently, with a restorative yoga session on the beach in the golden light of dawn. Well-being wasn’t just a part of this retreat; it was at the heart of it.

Birame explains, “From the start, we agreed that we didn’t want this to feel like another business event with packed schedules and heavy content. We intentionally slowed things down, removed most formal sessions and created space for what we called 'circles of trust. These were spontaneous, open conversations that happened around the pool, on the beach before dinner, and over attaya (Senegalese green tea with mint) on the patio. It was about reconnecting with ourselves and each other in a natural, unforced way.”

She expands, “It felt like the vacation I’ve been promising myself for years, but never got around to taking. I left feeling lighter, more joyful, and reminded of the power of rest. I’m deeply grateful we did this — and so excited for what comes next.”

Treating well-being as an essential

Birame describes the most special aspect of the retreat as “The bonds that were formed. Many of us already knew each other professionally. During the retreat, we got to know each other as women, as sisters and for some as mothers. One of my favorite moments was the quad bike ride through the baobab forest, especially our visit to the sacred baobab tree”. In Senegalese culture, the baobab is prized for its longevity, resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments — all qualities that benefit women impact entrepreneurs — but even this hardy plant requires care.

Yvonne concludes, “If there’s one message we’d love to leave readers with, it’s this: well-being isn’t a side project, it’s essential. So often, we delay rest, connection or reflection, thinking we’ll get to it later. But the truth is, these moments of pause are not just restorative — they’re catalytic. They help us return to our work with sharper focus, greater resilience and more creative energy. My hope is that every attendee left our retreat with not just fond memories, but also a renewed commitment to prioritizing themselves and each other.”

“It was really inspiring and empowering to be around other women who are following a similar path to me.”

– Jessica Long, 2024 fellow

“I feel refreshed, I feel energized. I needed this time to disconnect from work and bond meaningfully with other fellows and jury members.”

– Eva Sow Ebion, jury member

“In this community, behind every amazing venture is an even more amazing woman. Being a fellow and experiencing Awards Week is so special, but the real value is the support of the community afterwards. These two beautiful days have really brought that home.”

– Cristina Martinez, 2010 fellow