Board presidents from Island nonprofits Women Empowered and CEO (Creative Entrepreneur with Opportunities) announced this week that the two organizations merged on Wednesday, April 5. According to a press release, this merger leaves CEO, Inc., as the existing and growing corporation.
Vivian Stein, president of Women Empowered, said the merger was bittersweet: “Although I must retire my position at this time, Women Empowered is very excited that CEO wants to step in to incorporate our mission since 2000 of helping Islanders to manage money, resolve debt, explore job options, and more through one-on-one coaching by trained volunteers in their already successful organization. CEO already mentors women in business, several of whom will also become excellent coaches and facilitators for our purpose. I feel we are leaving the organization in more than competent hands.”
CEO was established in 2015, and took over where the Martha’s Vineyard Women’s Network left off in 2013. CEO’s new mission is “dedicated to financial and economic development, entrepreneurship, and a growing educational platform that facilitates collaboration and mentoring for the empowerment of women and youth.”
India Rose, president of CEO, Inc., is excited about the organization’s rapid growth and new direction. “Incorporating Women Empowered’s important mission with ours just made so much sense with what we already do. The CEO board is armed and ready to carry out their legacy while we tackle some really important financial, employment, and economic development issues in our community.”
CEO’s office is now located at 26 Surveyors Lane in Vineyard Haven, where Women Empowered had its office. The office phone number is 508-696-8880. For additional information, India Rose may be reached directly at 508-685-0484 or info@iamaceo.org. CEO’s website is iamaceo.org.