The DEC Network, Mary Kay, and SMU Unite at Women of Innovation Summit
The DEC Network, in partnership with the Southern Methodist University’s (SMU) Cox School’s Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Mary Kay Inc., hosted the Women of Innovation Summit on August 6, 2025, which took place with a “base camp” at SMU’s Cox School of Business.
With 47 basecamp sessions, 4 summits, 21 Community Events, and 300+ Speakers, 2025 DFW Startup Week organized by The DEC Network and Capital One is the nation’s second largest and most diverse startup event. The free weeklong celebration of startups united nearly ten thousand entrepreneurs, investors, corporate innovation leaders, and changemakers for a high-impact lineup of speakers from all walks of life and industries.
Presented by Mary Kay, the Women of Innovation Summit focused on women entrepreneurs, offering vital pathways for economic success and a platform for networking, learning, and engaging investors.
The summit culminated with a Women’s Marketplace for local women entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses. Mary Kay featured its latest beauty tech innovation, the AI Foundation Finder, an intuitive technology designed to help consumers effortlessly find their foundation match – a first in the direct selling industry.
“For more than 60 years, Mary Kay has been empowering women to take control of their futures through entrepreneurship,”
said Virginie Naigeon-Malek, with Corporate Communications and CSR at Mary Kay.
“Our independent beauty consultants receive from Mary Kay not only the innovative tools to run their own businesses in person and digitally, but also world-class education to propel them to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
The Women of Innovation Summit reflects that same spirit – providing a platform where women can connect, learn, and grow. When women succeed as entrepreneurs, they uplift their families, strengthen communities, and contribute to vibrant local and global economies.”
“We’re proud to partner with Mary Kay to amplify women’s entrepreneurial journeys. By cultivating opportunity and recognition through DFW Startup Week, we’re creating more equitable access to resources and networks,”
said Bill Chinn, Chief Executive Officer at the DEC Network.
“Empowering women to pursue entrepreneurial success stimulates innovation and fuels long-term economic impact in the U.S. and beyond. Women-owned businesses today contribute billions to our economy—highlighting why supporting their advancement isn’t just an act of equity; it’s smart economics.”
About Mary Kay
Then. Now. Always. One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 35 countries. For 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation.
Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com,
Get more information, facts and figures about Mary Kay, click here for the Mary Kay overview.
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